Chloe Zhang
There are many ways to add scent to soft plastics, especially when it comes to fishing lures and bait. Some people recommend using a spray or gel, such as Dr. Juice or Pro-Cure, which can be applied directly to the lure or sprayed into the bag to soak into multiple lures. Others suggest creating a mixture of water, cooking oil, sea salt, garlic salt, and anise, which can be heated in the microwave and then added to the bait. Another method involves adding a few drops of garlic oil or anise oil to a bag of soft plastics, shaking to incorporate the oil, and then evaluating the scent to determine if more is needed. For a longer-lasting scent, some people create ziplock bags of organic material, such as coffee grounds, in conjunction with salt and oil, and let their plastics soak in the bag.
Characteristics and Values Table for Adding Scent to Soft Plastics
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Water, cooking oil, sea salt, garlic salt, garlic oil, anise, olive oil, coffee grounds, salt, vegetable oil, grape seed oil, Pro-Cure, Dr. Juice, Gulp juice |
| Method | Mix ingredients, microwave, stir, cool, add to bag of soft plastics, shake to incorporate, evaluate scent |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week |
| Notes | A little oil goes a long way, anise is very potent |
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What You'll Learn
Use garlic oil, a few drops at a time
Adding scent to soft plastics is a common practice when creating fishing lures. One way to do this is by using garlic oil, a few drops at a time. Here is a step-by-step guide:
First, prepare a garlic oil infusion. Smash and peel a few cloves of garlic and transfer them to a pot. Add olive oil—enough to cover the garlic—and heat over medium-low heat. You'll know it's ready when bubbles form around the garlic, which should take about three minutes. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, reducing the heat if the garlic starts to brown. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Now that you have your garlic oil, it's time to add it to your soft plastics. Place your soft plastics in a sealable bag, preferably a ziplock bag. Add three to four drops of garlic oil into the bag. Seal the bag and shake it well to ensure the oil is distributed evenly.
Remove one of the soft plastics from the bag and evaluate the garlic scent. If you feel it needs more garlic aroma, repeat the process by adding a few more drops of garlic oil, shaking, and checking again. Remember, a little garlic oil goes a long way, so it's best to add gradually and assess as you go.
You can also experiment with other oils and scents. For example, anise oil is a potent option that can be added in smaller quantities (two to three drops). Additionally, you can try using other types of oils, such as vegetable oil, grape seed oil, or even coffee-infused oil, each providing a unique base for your scent mixture.
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Make a mixture of water, cooking oil, sea salt, garlic salt and anise
To add scent to soft plastics, a mixture of water, cooking oil, sea salt, garlic salt, and anise can be prepared. This mixture can be made by combining these ingredients in a Pyrex cup and microwaving for 60 seconds. After stirring the mixture, it should be allowed to cool before being added to bags containing lures or baits. This process effectively infuses the lures with the desired scent.
It is important to note that while salt can enhance the scent, it should be used with caution as it can break down the plastic over time. Therefore, it is recommended to add a few drops of scent directly to the lures using an eyedropper just before casting, as this method provides a better scent trail in the water. Additionally, anise is a favourable option as it does not repel fish, unlike garlic-scented baits.
Some people also add coffee grounds to their mixtures, but it is unclear whether this affects the plastic's texture. It is recommended to add the coffee grounds after cooking the plastic to avoid any potential issues. Worm oil and anise oil can also be combined in a four-to-one ratio and added to a large bag containing the baits. This mixture is long-lasting, cost-effective, and can be easily prepared using an eyedropper from a pharmacy.
Overall, creating scented lures using a mixture of water, cooking oil, sea salt, garlic salt, and anise is a detailed process that requires careful consideration of ingredient ratios and application methods for optimal results.
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Soak plastics in a bag of coffee grounds and salt
Adding scent to soft plastics can be done in several ways, one of which is to soak plastics in a bag of coffee grounds and salt. This method not only adds a pleasant aroma to the plastics but also helps to disguise any unpleasant plastic smells.
To begin this process, you'll need to prepare a bag of coffee grounds and salt. Start by gathering used coffee grounds; these can be grounds from your morning brew or freshly prepared grounds. It is important to note that coffee grounds can get mouldy if left at room temperature due to their moisture content, so consider storing them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezing them for extended preservation.
Once you have your coffee grounds, mix them with salt. While the type of salt is not specified in the sources, regular sea salt or kosher salt could be good options. You can also add oil to this mixture, as it will aid in scent extraction. Suitable oil options may include vegetable oil, olive oil, or grape seed oil.
Place the scented mixture into a ziplock bag. Then, simply add your soft plastics to the bag and let them soak. The duration of the soak will depend on how intense you want the scent to be. The longer the plastics soak, the stronger the scent will become. You can also return the plastics to the bag for further scent enhancement after use.
This method is a simple and effective way to add a natural scent to your soft plastics while utilizing leftover coffee grounds that would otherwise be discarded.
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Use a spray like Dr. Juice
One of the simplest ways to add scent to soft plastics is to use a spray like Dr. Juice. This method is quick and easy, and it will effectively eliminate any plastic smell. Dr. Juice is a saltwater slam scent that can be sprayed directly into a bag of soft plastics.
Another similar option is to use a product called Gulp Juice, which can be added to bags to keep the contents slippery. However, it's important to note that Gulp Juice is water-based and requires an absorbent material to be effective. It tends to work best with Gulp baits, as it may come off standard plastics after a cast or two.
If you're looking for a more comprehensive solution, consider using a smelly gel like Pro-Cure. Instead of applying it to each lure individually, you can put some gel into the entire bag, allowing it to soak into the lures. This not only enhances the scent but also prevents the lures from sticking together, even in high temperatures.
By following these simple tips, you can effectively add scent to your soft plastics, improving your fishing experience and increasing your chances of success. These methods offer convenience and efficiency, ensuring that your lures are not only attractive to fish but also function optimally.
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Apply a smelly gel like Pro-Cure to the whole bag
Applying a smelly gel like Pro-Cure to the whole bag of soft plastics is an effective way to add scent and attractant to your lures. Pro-Cure Super Gel is a popular choice among anglers and is known for its strong, authentic scent and taste that resembles the real deal. It is crafted with real ground-up bait, enhancing its effectiveness in attracting fish.
To apply Pro-Cure or similar smelly gels to your soft plastics, follow these steps:
- Start by squeezing a generous amount of the gel into the bag containing your soft plastics. Ensure that the gel is evenly distributed within the bag.
- Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly mix and massage the gel into the soft plastics. Make sure that each lure is well-coated with the gel.
- After applying the gel, let the lures marinate in the bag. This will allow the scent to deeply penetrate the lures and increase its longevity. The longer the lures remain in the bag with the gel, the stronger the scent will become.
- Once you're satisfied with the scent intensity, you can start using the lures. However, for maximum effectiveness, it is recommended to let the lures soak in the gel for at least a few hours or even overnight.
- After removing a lure from the bag, you can further enhance its scent by adding a small amount of gel directly onto the lure right before use. This will provide an extra boost of attractant, increasing your chances of catching more fish.
Pro-Cure offers a range of scents, including garlic, rainbow trout, and crawfish formulas. These scents are designed to mimic the natural prey of fish, making your lures even more enticing. The UV enhancement in Pro-Cure Super Gel also makes it ideal for night fishing, especially when used with a black light.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a spray, such as Dr. Juice, and spritz some into a bag of soft plastics.
You can make your own scent by mixing water, cooking oil, sea salt, garlic salt, and anise in a cup and microwaving it for 60 seconds. Alternatively, you can heat olive oil with garlic cloves and let it cook on low heat for 10 minutes.
For garlic oil, add a few drops at a time to the bag of soft plastics. Shake the bag and evaluate the scent. For anise oil, add no more than two to three drops due to its potency.
Yes, you can use a smelly gel like Pro-Cure. Put some in the bag with the soft plastics and let them soak it up. This also helps keep the lures from sticking together.
Yes, coffee grounds mixed with salt is another method. Simply let the plastics soak in a bag with the mixture.
There are various ways to add scent to soft plastics, and you can experiment with different methods and scents to find what works best for you.
