Scents and the Angler

A fish’s survival depends on its keen senses, including hearing, sight, movement, touch, taste, and smell. Anglers pay a great deal of attention to this sensory world too, such as the visual qualities of lures, size, shape, and color. They also pay attention to sound and movement. However, most anglers do not pay much attention to smell, even though fish respond to scents and utilize these scents as a way to find food and avoid danger.

In short, anglers might catch more fish if they were more aware of the scents in a fish’s world. Fish have two nostrils, one on each side of their head, where water enters and exits. Water containing scents, are drawn into tiny channels leading to their olfactory pits used for smelling. There are a number of studies about fish olfactory behavior, but the point is we need to be aware that fish do indeed have a well-developed sense of smell.

Fish and animals can detect human odor that has a negative effect. That is why deer hunters take precautions to avoid their own odor in the field; and as anglers, we need to do the same! I have watched fish come right up to a lure or fly and at the last minute turn away; why, who knows for sure. Maybe it was the wrong color, size or action or it has a funny smell. We cannot always know for sure why a specific fly or lure is rejected, but we can eliminate potential possibilities.

Not only do human odors affect fish and other animals, but human secretions can spell trouble too. Do not spit on your fly or lure for “good luck”. For you lake anglers, do not take a leak over the side of the boat and expect to catch fish in the same area. So how do you avoid your scent? Well, many bait anglers put on rubber gloves before they put their bait on the hook. You can wash your hands often with unscented soap. I have seen fly anglers tie on a fly and rub it in the mud or aquatic weeds before casting. The idea is to “adapt” your offering to the local terrain in hopes that it will mask any human odor.

In addition to human odor, many folks use insect repellant on their hands then touch the tackle they are about to use. Most repellants have a strong smell and once on your hands you impart that odor to the lure or fly, and in turn to the water where you are fishing. Gasoline and tobacco can do the same to your tackle, so be sure to wash your hands a few times through the day to keep those scents off the fly, lure and the water. While masking is one thing, attracting is quite another. Is it ethical to put scents on flies while lure anglers have practiced this for years? As far as I can tell fly anglers are all over the map on this one, but I would say “most” fly anglers would frown on this practice. Moreover,

a number of fishing regulations prohibit scents in some states for some types of fishing so check the regulations where you fish. The bottom line is being aware of what products you use and where you apply them.

If you are on a long awaited trip and have planned everything to the last detail, it would be wise to think about what you handle. In addition, are you transferring a scent to the lure or fly you are about to present to that fish you have dreamt about catching? Remember, we are entering their world so whether you are using a fly, lure or bait, they have the distinct advantage so keep that in mind before you make that first cast!