Plastic Lures: Can They Absorb Scents For Better Fishing?

do soft plastic lures absorb scents

Soft plastic lures are a popular choice for fishing enthusiasts, and many opt to add scents to their lures to enhance their presentations and increase their catch. While some sources suggest that soft plastics can absorb scents, others maintain that the scent merely coats the lures. A variety of commercial and homemade scent solutions are available, and proper storage of scented lures is essential to prevent negative chemical reactions and maintain their effectiveness.

Characteristics Values
Do soft plastic lures absorb scents? Sources suggest that scents do not absorb into soft plastic lures but coat them. However, some sources suggest ways to add scents to lures, such as spraying or soaking them in oil-based solutions.
Reasons to add scents to soft plastic lures It can enhance presentations, save time and money, and prevent lures from sticking together when it gets hot.
Scents to use Dr. Juice Saltwater Slam, Menhaden, fish oil, olive oil, fresh garlic, seasoned salt, and red food colouring.
Other methods Soaking lures in a bag of coffee grounds and salt, or a baking soda paste.

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Soft plastic lures can be scented by using products like Dr. Juice or Kickin' Bass Garlic

Soft plastic lures can be scented using products like Dr. Juice or Kickin' Bass Garlic. Dr. Juice is an oil-based solution that can be sprayed into a bag of soft plastics to eliminate the plastic smell. It is long-lasting and can be used on lures stored in the tackle box without causing damage. However, some anglers prefer to add a few drops of scent directly to each lure instead of putting it into the bag, as the latter method can be messy and costly.

Another option for scenting soft plastic lures is Kickin' Bass Garlic, which is a popular choice for bass fishing. Anglers can add a few drops of this garlic-based scent to the bag of plastics or create a homemade concoction of olive oil, fresh garlic, seasoned salt, and red food coloring. This homemade mixture can be blended and applied with a squirt bottle.

Additionally, anglers can use natural ingredients such as coffee grounds, salt, and oil to create their own scent mixtures. By placing these organic materials in a ziplock bag with the lures, the plastics can absorb the scent over time. This method allows anglers to experiment with different scents and create unique combinations to attract fish.

Pre-scenting soft plastic lures is a recommended practice to enhance the lure presentation and increase the chances of catching more fish. It is also a convenient way to save time and money, as the lures can be prepared ahead of time and stored without losing their scent. Anglers can explore different scent options and application methods to find the most effective approach for their fishing needs.

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Homemade scents can be made with olive oil, garlic, salt, and food colouring

Soft plastic lures can be scented to enhance your fishing experience. The scent does not absorb into the lures but coats them. A simple way to scent your lures is to put some scent in a ziplock bag with the lures and let them soak. The scent can be made with olive oil, garlic, salt, and food colouring.

Ingredients:

  • Olive oil
  • Garlic cloves

Instructions:

  • Peel the garlic cloves. There is no need to chop or mince the garlic.
  • Heat the olive oil with the peeled garlic. Do not boil the oil or use high heat, as this will cause the garlic to brown and make the oil very strong. Simmer the oil and garlic for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the heat, cover it, and let it cool for an hour.
  • Pour the garlic-infused oil through a sieve into a jug, then pour it into a sterilized glass bottle. Do not use a plastic bottle, as the plastic will leach the flavour from the garlic oil.

You can also experiment with different essential oils, such as tea tree, rosemary, and peppermint, to create unique scents for your lures. Essential oils can be combined with water and vodka in a spray bottle and sprayed onto the lures.

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Scented lures can be stored in their original packaging or ziplock bags

Storing scented lures correctly is essential to prevent damage, make them easier to find, and avoid unnecessary purchases. Scented lures can be stored in their original packaging or ziplock bags. If you're using ziplock bags, you can create your own scented lures by adding organic material, salt, and oil to the bag. For example, you can use a bag of coffee grounds heavily salted and let the plastics soak in the bag. The lures will absorb the scent of the coffee and salt over time. You can also use products like Dr. Juice Saltwater Slam Scent or F.R.E.D. BOMBER Lures, which are designed to add scent to your lures. These can be sprayed directly into the bag containing your lures.

Another option is to use a product like Pro-Cure, which can be added directly to each individual lure or to the entire bag to let the scent soak in. This method also helps keep the lures from sticking together when it gets hot. It's important to note that the scent doesn't absorb into the lures but rather coats them.

Additionally, you can purchase a lure storage box to keep your scented lures organized. The Surfcaster Lure and Insert Storage Box, for example, has a two-way heavy-duty zipper lid and adjustable shoulder strap, making it convenient for transport and storage. It holds up to 6 Lure Bag Inserts, providing 30 storage slots to accommodate different types of lures.

Proper storage of scented lures ensures their longevity and makes your fishing experience more enjoyable and efficient.

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Scenting lures can save time and money, and keep lures from sticking together

Scented lures are an effective way to attract fish and enhance your fishing experience. While the sense of smell may not be the primary way that fish locate prey in open water, it can still play a role in their behaviour. Sharks, for example, have an incredibly keen sense of smell, which allows them to detect even a tiny amount of blood in the water.

Scenting lures can be an excellent way to save time and money. By adding scent to a bag of lures, you can avoid the hassle and mess of applying it individually each time, and the scent will last for months. This method also prevents lures from sticking together when it gets hot. There are various scent options available, from sprays to oils, and even organic materials like coffee grounds, that can be used to create a strong scent on lures.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of scented lures may vary. While some anglers swear by them, others believe they are unnecessary or even a gimmick. Additionally, the type of scent used can make a difference, with some scents being more attractive to certain species of fish than others. For example, garlic-flavoured lure dips have been known to catch large bass, while scents designed specifically for pike have shown great results in ice fishing.

To save time and money, it's worth experimenting with different scents and observing their impact on your fishing success. By scenting lures, you may be able to attract fish from a greater distance and encourage them to hold the bait in their mouths for longer, increasing your chances of a catch.

Additionally, if you're looking to prevent your lures from sticking together, there are a few methods you can try. One suggestion is to use products like 3M or Starbrite's Teflon Wax on the skirts of the lures, wiping them thoroughly, letting them dry, and then removing any excess. Another method is to wash the lures with dishwashing detergent, let them air dry, and then store them with baby powder in zip-lock bags.

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Gulp! lures must be stored in the liquid they are sold in, as they absorb liquid

Soft plastic lures can be scented to enhance fishing experiences. These lures are made from different materials depending on the brand, and one such brand is Gulp!. Gulp! lures are unique in that they are made with polyurethane technology, which can absorb water or some plant-based oils as a plasticizer. This means that Gulp! lures must be stored in the liquid they are sold in, as they absorb liquid. If they are not stored in liquid, they will dry out and become useless.

Gulp! lures are supplied in airtight sealed packets that contain some of the impregnation liquid. This liquid is important to prevent the decay of the lures when they are not in use. The lures should be kept in contact with the flavouring liquid when not in use, and for longer-term storage, a small airtight food storage tub can be used. The Lock and Lock 180ml tub, for example, is a good option for long-term storage as it has a secure seal and locking points, and is small enough to carry in a jacket pocket.

If Gulp! lures are stored correctly, they will have a longer lifespan. However, if they do dry out, they can be brought back to life by soaking them in the liquid they came in. It is also possible to add scent to soft plastic lures to enhance their effectiveness. This can be done by poking tiny pin holes in the lures to help them absorb and hold the scent longer. There are many different scents and solutions on the market, such as Dr. Juice Saltwater Slam Scent, or natural options like coffee grounds, salt, and oil.

Pre-scenting soft plastic lures is a good way to save time and money, and it can also help to maintain the shape of the lures. It is important to note that different brands of soft plastic lures are made with different materials, and these should not be mixed, as it can result in a melted mess. Additionally, some lures, like Z-Man lures, may melt in high temperatures, so it is important to consider the storage conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Soft plastic lures do absorb scents, but the scent doesn't absorb into the lures, it just coats them.

There are many ways to add scent to your soft plastic lures. You can use a product like Dr. Juice Saltwater Slam Scent or F.R.E.D. BOMBER Lures, or you can make your own concoction with olive oil, fresh garlic, seasoned salt, and red food coloring.

Adding scent to your soft plastic lures can help you catch more fish, save time, and keep your lures from sticking together when it gets hot.

The scent on soft plastic lures can last for months, so you can apply it well in advance of using your lures.

Yes, one potential issue is that the scent can get all over your hands and gear, making it hard to get your hands clean. Another issue is that it can be wasteful and expensive to put the scent directly into the bag with the lures.

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