Absolutely, adding bait or scent to reaction lures can indeed increase your chances of getting bites, especially in certain conditions. Let's break it down:
Reaction Lures and Their Purpose
Reaction lures, such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and jerkbaits, are designed to trigger a bass's instinct to strike out of aggression or curiosity rather than hunger. These lures often rely on their movement, vibration, and flash to provoke a reaction from the fish.
Adding Scent to Reaction Lures
From the video context provided, particularly the insights from "Scents and Attractants: Do They Work?" by BassResource, we know that bass are primarily sight feeders. However, scent can play a role in making a bass hold onto the lure longer once it bites. This can be crucial for setting the hook effectively.
- Slow Moving vs. Fast Moving Lures: Scent is more beneficial on slow-moving lures where bass have more time to inspect the bait. For fast-moving reaction lures, the impact of scent might be less pronounced, but it still can help in certain scenarios, especially when the bite is tough.
Practical Tips
- Scent Application: For reaction lures, you can apply scent to soft plastic trailers or skirts. This can make the lure more appealing and encourage the bass to hold on longer.
- Types of Scents: Garlic scents are popular and effective, as mentioned in "How to Use Scents and Dyes to Get More Bites" by BamaBass. Brands like JJ's Magic and Spike It are commonly used.
- Color Contrast: As highlighted in "Science Proves You Will Double The Fish You Catch With This Fishing Lure Tip!" by Matt Stefan Fishing, color contrast can significantly increase reaction strikes. Adding a scent that also dyes the bait can create this contrast, making the lure more visible and enticing.
When to Use Scent
- Tough Conditions: When the bite is slow, adding scent can give you an edge.
- Clear Water: In clear water, bass rely more on sight, but a subtle scent can still make a difference.
- Cold Water: In colder water, bass are less aggressive, and a scented bait can encourage them to bite and hold on longer.
Conclusion
While scent might not drastically increase the initial strike rate of fast-moving reaction lures, it can definitely help in making bass hold onto the lure longer, giving you a better chance to set the hook. Additionally, using color contrasts and ensuring your lure has an appealing scent can make a significant difference, especially in challenging fishing conditions.
If you have any more specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask! Happy fishing! 🎣