Howdy, fellow anglers! Are you interested in learning more about how to utilize scented soft plastic lures? Then fasten your seatbelts and get ready to take a deep dive into the past of this cutting-edge method that has completely changed the way fishing is done.
It is possible to trace the usage of scent in fishing lures all the way back to ancient times, when fishermen would utilize natural baits such as worms, fish guts, and even cheese in order to entice fish. However, it wasn't until the 1950s when Nick Creme revolutionized the market by adding scent to soft plastic lures. This was a significant step forward for the industry.
The "Wiggle Worm" was Creme's first scented soft plastic lure. It was imbued with a fish-attracting scent that made it enticing to fish, and it was the company's first scented soft plastic lure overall. The Wiggle Worm became an overnight sensation and is credited with paving the way for the current scented soft plastic lures that are in widespread usage today.
In the 1980s, Berkley introduced a new line of soft plastic lures that would change the game yet again. In 1987, Berkley Powerbait was first sold, a soft plastic bait infused with a fish-attracting scent that lasted longer than traditional scents. The Powerbait line quickly became a favorite among anglers and is still popular today. Then, in 2003, Berkley Gulp was introduced, a line of biodegradable soft plastic lures that released a natural scent that mimicked live bait. Gulp quickly became a hit among fishermen, and the line has since expanded to include a variety of shapes and scents. The innovations of Berkley Powerbait and Berkley Gulp have further cemented the effectiveness of soft plastic lures in the fishing industry.
Since then, a great number of studies have been carried out to demonstrate that scented soft plastic lures are useful fishing tools. According to research, fish have a heightened sense of smell and are able to detect odors in the water from a considerable distance. Scented lures can boost the bite rate as well as the amount of time fish cling onto the bait, which ultimately leads to more successful captures.
The use of smells in fishing lures has been increasingly common over the course of the years, and different fragrances and formulations have been produced throughout time to attract particular types and varieties of fish. Garlic, shrimp, anise, and crawfish are just a few examples of the frequent fragrances that are employed in soft plastic lures nowadays.
Check out this great video that covers a recent study on largemouth bass and how they use smell:
Check out the following links if you're interested in learning more about the history of scented soft plastic lures as well as their effectiveness:
- Scent and Lures: How Fish Attractants Work
- The Science Behind Scented Lures
- Fish Attractants: Do They Really Work?
So next time you're out on the water with a scented soft plastic lure, remember the history behind this innovative fishing technique. Happy fishing, y'all!