Why Are Fish Attracted to Certain Baits? A Science and Experience-Based Guide to Bait Selection and Catching More Fish

Advanced sensory systems make fish attracted to certain baits, allowing them to detect specific scents, colors, and movements in the water. But how can you leverage their physiology to attract more fish to your bait? Below is a table that briefly answers that very question (more info in the article), followed by a calculator that you can use to help you identify what bait to use for certain species.

Below is our fish bait selection calculator. Note: this should only be used as a guide. Always ask your local bait and tackle shop what they recommend.

This is a very lengthy article where we go full-on science mode, analyzing everything from fish physiology to water pH levels. As experienced fishermen, we already know most of these facts, but it’s still interesting to see the science behind it.

How Fish Senses Influence Their Attraction to Baits

Fish aren’t just swimming around aimlessly in the water. They’ve got some pretty impressive sensory systems that help them navigate their underwater world and find food. Let’s break it down:

Top Factors That Make Fish Attracted to Certain Baits: A Look At Fish Physiology

Fish have a complex sensory system that includes smell, sight, and the ability to detect vibrations. Here’s how it all works:

Smell

Fish have nostrils, believe it or not! These aren’t for breathing, though. They’re packed with sensory receptors that can detect dissolved chemicals in the water. Some fish, like sharks, can smell a drop of blood from a quarter-mile away. That’s like you smelling a single drop of perfume in an Olympic-sized swimming pool!

A study found that some fish species can detect amino acids at concentrations as low as 10^-9 molar. That’s incredibly sensitive!

Vision

Fish eyes are built differently from ours. They’re spherical and can focus quickly, which is perfect for spotting prey (or your lure) in the water. Many fish can see colors, but not quite the same way we do. In clear water, they’re pretty sharp, but in murky conditions, they rely more on other senses.

Lateral Line

This is like a fish’s sixth sense. It’s a row of sensory organs along their sides that picks up on water movement and pressure changes. It’s how they know when something’s sneaking up on them – or when your lure is wobbling by!

• Fish can detect amino acids in the water, which often trigger feeding responses.
• In clear water, bright colors can be more attractive, while in murky water, contrast is key.
• The lateral line can detect vibrations from distances up to 100 meters away in some species.

Bait Scent Strategies: How to Make Fish Attracted to Your Lure

Now that we know fish have super-noses, let’s talk about how to use that to our advantage.

Engineering the Perfect Bait Scent

Creating the perfect scent for your bait doesn’t require a chemistry degree, but a bit of science can go a long way. Here’s a deeper look:

Amino Acid Profiles

Different fish species are attracted to different amino acid profiles. A groundbreaking study found that a mixture of amino acids was more effective at attracting fish than individual amino acids alone.

The study identified several key amino acids that were particularly attractive to fish:

1. L-alanine
2. L-glycine
3. L-proline
4. L-serine

These amino acids are commonly found in the natural prey of many fish species. By replicating these scent profiles in your bait, you can create a powerful attractant.

DIY Scent Infusion

You should also try some of these tips. 

• Experiment with different scent combinations. What works for one species or in one body of water might not work in another.
• Remember, less is often more. Oversaturating your lure with scent can actually repel fish.
• Consider using scent dispensing lures or adding scent chambers to your existing lures for a constant release of attractant.

Matching Scent to Specific Fish Species

Different fish have different taste preferences. Here’s a breakdown:

Catfish

These bottom-feeders have an incredibly developed sense of smell. They’re attracted to strong, pungent odors. 

Effective scents for catfish:

• Chicken liver soaked in garlic and amino acids
• Commercially prepared “stink baits”
• Cheese-based scents, particularly those with strong, aged cheeses

Trout

These fish prefer more subtle, natural scents. They’re often drawn to the scents of their natural prey.

Effective scents for trout:

• Worm and insect-based scents
• Anise oil (which mimics the smell of decaying organic matter)
• Shrimp or krill scents (particularly effective for larger trout)

Bass

As predatory fish, bass are attracted to scents that mimic their natural prey.

Effective scents for bass:

• Crawfish (a favorite food of many bass species)
• Shad or minnow scents
• Nightcrawler scents (particularly effective for smallmouth bass)

Salmon

These fish have an incredible sense of smell, which they use to navigate back to their spawning grounds.

Effective scents for salmon:

• Herring or anchovy scents
• Shrimp or krill scents
• Egg-based scents (particularly effective during spawning season)

The Role of Color in Making Fish Attracted to Certain Baits

Fish don’t see the world quite like we do, but that doesn’t mean they’re colorblind. Far from it! In fact, fish can see colors in really unique ways.  

The Role of UV Light and Fluorescence in Bait

Fish can see a broader spectrum of light than humans, including ultraviolet (UV) light. This has some interesting implications for bait selection:

UV Vision in Fish

Many fish species can see ultraviolet (UV) light, which is invisible to the human eye. This has significant implications for lure design:

1. UV-Reactive Materials: Many modern lures incorporate UV-reactive materials. These materials absorb UV light and re-emit it as visible light, making the lure appear to “glow” underwater.
2. UV Patterns: Some lures feature UV patterns that are invisible to the human eye but stand out dramatically to fish. These can mimic the UV patterns found on natural prey species.
3. UV-Enhanced Fishing Line: Consider using UV-enhanced fishing line. It’s less visible to us but can appear as a glowing trail to fish, potentially leading them right to your lure.

Fluorescence in Fishing

Fluorescent colors absorb UV and other high-energy light and re-emit it as visible light. This can make your lure appear to “glow” underwater, especially in low light conditions.

A study found that certain coral reef fish were more attracted to fluorescent colors than non-fluorescent ones of the same hue. While this doesn’t directly translate to all fishing scenarios, it suggests that fluorescence can play a significant role in fish attraction.

Practical applications

• In clear water, UV-reactive lures can make your bait stand out like a beacon.
• In murky water, fluorescent colors like chartreuse or hot pink can provide the contrast needed to attract attention.
• Consider the light conditions: Fluorescent lures can be particularly effective during dawn and dusk, or on overcast days.

Behavioral Response to Color Variations

Fish don’t just see colors; they react to them based on instinct, learned behavior, and environmental factors:

Color and Depth

Water acts as a natural color filter. Red light is absorbed quickly, usually disappearing within the first 10-15 feet of depth. Blue and green penetrate much deeper. This is why many deep-water lures are blue or green.

Seasonal Changes

Fish color preferences can change with the seasons due to changes in their prey, water clarity, and breeding behaviors.

• Spring: As waters warm and fish become more active, natural colors that mimic local prey (like silver for baitfish or brown for crawfish) can be effective.
• Summer: Bright, attention-grabbing colors often work well in the abundant light and increased fish activity.
• Fall: As waters cool, fish often key in on warm colors like orange and red, which can mimic dying baitfish or changing foliage.
• Winter: In cold, clear water, subtle, natural colors are often most effective.

Species-Specific Preferences

 Different fish species have shown preferences for certain colors:

• Largemouth Bass: Often attracted to red, orange, and yellow, especially in stained water.
• Rainbow Trout: Frequently go for silver, gold, and bright green.
• Northern Pike: Show a preference for white, yellow, and chartreuse.
• Walleye: Often react well to purple, chartreuse, and orange, especially in low light conditions.

Contrast and Visibility

Sometimes, it’s not about a specific color, but about contrast. A dark lure against a light sky (when fish are looking up) or a light lure against a dark bottom can be highly effective.

• In clear water, natural colors that closely mimic local prey are often most effective.
• In murky water, bright, contrasting colors that are easy to see work better.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with “unnatural” colors. Sometimes, a color that stands out from the environment can trigger a reaction strike.

I once had an eye-opening experience while bass fishing on a cloudy day. My usual green pumpkin soft plastics weren’t getting any attention. Frustrated and desperate, I switched to a bright pink worm – a color I’d always considered too “unnatural.” To my surprise, the bass couldn’t resist it! 

Maximizing Bait Movement to Make Fish Attracted to Your Hook

It’s not just about how your bait looks or smells. How it moves can make all the difference.

Advanced Techniques for Bait Movement

Understanding prey behavior is key to creating effective bait movement:

Prey Behavior Mimicry

Different prey behave differently, and predatory fish have evolved to recognize these movement patterns:

1. Fleeing Baitfish: Quick, erratic movements with sudden direction changes. Try a “jerk-jerk-pause” retrieve with jerkbaits or soft plastics.
2. Injured Prey: Slow, struggling movements with occasional flurries of activity. A “twitch-and-fall” technique can be deadly effective.
3. Feeding Movements: Some prey, like crawfish, move slowly along the bottom with occasional quick bursts. A slow drag with occasional hops can mimic this.

Species-Specific Techniques

• Bass: Often ambush predators. Sudden, erratic movements followed by pauses can trigger strikes. Try “walking the dog” with topwater lures or a stop-and-go retrieve with crankbaits.
• Trout: Feed frequently on drifting insects. A natural drift presentation with flies or small lures can be highly effective. In streams, try to match the speed of the current.
• Pike: Aggressive predators that often chase down prey. Long, steady retrieves with occasional speed bursts can trigger their predatory instinct.
• Walleye: Often feed by following prey and striking from below. A slow, steady retrieve with occasional pauses can be effective.

Water Column Positioning

Consider where in the water column your target fish usually feeds:

• Surface: Topwater lures with lots of commotion can attract fish feeding near the surface. “Walking” or “popping” actions can mimic struggling prey.
• Mid-water: Suspending jerkbaits or swimbaits that wobble on the retrieve can attract fish holding in the middle of the water column.
• Bottom: Slow-sinking lures that kick up sediment or crawl along the bottom can attract bottom-feeding species.

The Science of Vibration and Sound

Fish don’t have ears like we do, but they can definitely detect sound and vibration through their lateral line and swim bladder:

Frequency Matters

Different species respond to different frequencies. A study found that some fish species, specifically the American shad (Alosa sapidissima), can detect sounds up to 180 kHz, well beyond human hearing range.

How To Use Vibration And Sound For Attracting Fish: Rattles and Clicks

Lures with built-in rattles can be incredibly effective, especially in murky water or at night. The sound mimics that of prey fish and can attract predators from a distance.

In clear water or high-pressure situations, sometimes less is more. Ultra-realistic soft plastic lures with subtle movements can outperform noisy lures.

• In clear water, subtle vibrations often work best. In murky water, don’t be afraid to make some noise!
• Consider the natural sounds in the environment. In a quiet lake, a subtle “plop” might be all you need. In a rushing river, you might need something louder to get noticed.

I remember fishing a quiet lake at dawn. Nothing was biting until I switched to a popper lure. The subtle “plop” sound it made on the surface drove the catfish wild. It was like they couldn’t resist investigating the commotion.

Environmental Factors That Make Fish Attracted to Specific Baits

Fishing isn’t just about the fish – it’s about understanding their environment and how it affects their behavior.

Water Chemistry and Its Effect on Bait Attraction

The chemistry of the water can have a big impact on how effective your bait is.

pH Levels

Water pH can affect how well fish can smell. In highly acidic water, scented baits can be more effective as the acidity enhances scent dispersion. A study in the Journal of Chemical Ecology found that some fish species were more sensitive to certain amino acids in slightly acidic water.

Dissolved Oxygen

In waters with high dissolved oxygen, fish tend to be more active. This is when movement-based lures shine. In low-oxygen environments, fish are less active, so subtle, scent-based presentations might work better.

Salinity

Saltwater fishing? Remember that salt water conducts electricity better, making vibration-based lures more effective. The higher density of saltwater also affects how light travels, which can impact color choices.

• Consider using scent dispersing lures in highly acidic waters to take advantage of enhanced scent detection. You can use one of those orange/red nets that citrus fruits usually come in and fill it with sardines (saltware). Tie it to a rope and throw it in the ocean to attract fish. 
• In low-oxygen environments, try using lures that create a lot of disturbance to attract lethargic fish.
• For saltwater fishing, don’t be afraid to go big with your lure size and vibration.

Real-Time Bait Adjustments Based on Weather, Temperature and Time

The fish’s behavior changes throughout the day, with different weather conditions and moon phases. Adapting your approach can significantly increase your success:

Time of Day

Early morning and late evening? That’s when topwater lures can be deadly effective. Midday sun high in the sky? Time to go deep with jigs or crankbaits.

Weather Changes

Barometric pressure can significantly affect fish behavior. A study in the Journal of Fish Biology found that a changing barometric pressure often triggers increased feeding and movement activity in some fish species for a certain period.

I once had an amazing day fishing right before a thunderstorm rolled in. The bass were hitting everything I threw at them. 

Temperature

Water temperature affects fish metabolism. In colder water, slow down your retrieval and use more subtle presentations. It’s difficult when you’re fishing in fast-moving waters, but it really helps. . In warmer water, fish are more active, so faster, more aggressive presentations can be effective.

• Before a storm, fish often feed more aggressively. This is when bold, noisy lures can really pay off.
• During bright, sunny conditions, try using reflective lures to create flashes that attract attention.
• In cold water, don’t be afraid to pause your lure for extended periods. Sometimes, a nearly motionless bait is irresistible to a cold, lethargic fish.

Quiz Time! Fish Attracted to Certain Baits

Key Takeaways – Fish Attracted to Certain Baits

• Fish Sensory Systems: Fish are attracted to certain baits due to their advanced sensory systems, including smell, vision, and the ability to detect vibrations in the water.
• Importance of Scent: The right scent can make your bait irresistible. Different fish species are drawn to specific amino acid profiles and natural scents that mimic their prey.
• Color and Light Sensitivity: Fish can see a range of colors, including UV light. Using UV-reactive and fluorescent lures can increase visibility and attract more fish, especially in varying water conditions.
• Movement and Action: How your bait moves in the water plays a crucial role in attracting fish. Mimicking the natural movements of prey, such as erratic or struggling actions, can trigger a fish’s predatory instincts.
• Species-Specific Preferences: Different fish species are attracted to different baits. For example, bass are drawn to crawfish and shad scents, while catfish prefer strong, pungent odors like chicken liver.
• Environmental Factors: Water conditions, such as pH levels, temperature, and light, affect how fish perceive bait. Adjusting your bait strategy based on these factors can improve your chances of a successful catch.
• Adapting to Conditions: The effectiveness of your bait can change throughout the day and with weather conditions. Being flexible and adjusting your bait selection in real-time can lead to more bites and a better fishing experience.