Attn: ETT

[bob why]

My partner brought up a question tonight and I told him that I would go to you for the answer. What about fish scents? With all the different ones on the market do any really work? Do you use them? When and how when trolling spoons, cranks or harnesses?

[ETT]

Bob,
If I'm going to add scent to a crank it's usually a piece of worm.
I do think scent or live bait can be important for spring reef fishing. But maybe not so important this year.
I do know many very good fisherman who use liquid scent on cranks all the time, but they look at it as cheap insurance, to overcome unnatural oders.
Scent is most important when the fish are neutral or negative. And it seems to add a few fish on those days when they are marking but not biting.
So, I'm a believer but not a super strong believer. (if you know what I mean)

This is a subject I've been testing for last four seasoms out there and from input from other tournament pros relating to calm water and cranks. Basically when trolling cranks in western basin in high skys and calm water most of the local information was to not bait a piece of crawler. There view was the profile when a walleye under the bait needed to look more realistic, and after testing and tourney fishing I share the same opinion. But how do we add scent then. Well I have tried many brands, but purchased a bottle of Pro Cure bait butter fron Denny 3 to 4 years ago, and its results were fantastic in stained water on spawning females. They have added many different types, shad, emerald shiner, night crawler, etc, etc, but its a butter add it sticks on and does not wash off, I add it to the back side of the lips on cranks. and your action is better because no crawler, this brand I'm not sure on if it removes paint thats why i put it on the lip. Its good stuff and highly recommend it. They have some retail sales at Marathon at Wild Wings or you can order Online.
Gluck.

[Sunshine]

I'm not ETT but I played him in my last movie :rotflmao:

I feel that scent shines in cold water situations of spring and fall. I feel they loose their effectiveness in the warm months of summer.

[ETT]

Yea but do have the walk down (I understand Marc Brumbaugh does) Scott ratted him out. LOL Now he'll have to rework it. Once I get off these crutches.

By the by... I always liked the looks of a short pc. of crawler on a belly hook....kinda looks like the minnow is trailing intestine. Now that's got to be a valnerable prey fish.

I think in murky water that something extra can help. I like the shiner bait butter! Also in murky water dont be afraid to try a gulp curly tail on the front treble. I think the extra kick the reef will give helps more than the actual curly tail but it can make a big difference at times!! Seems to only work on a bait with a big bill though, otherwise it just screws up the action. By the way, in clean water just run straight and slow!

Sorry, that should read; clean, straight and slow.