Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

Stay up-to-date on hunting, fishing and camping products, trends and news.
Font size: +
2 minutes reading time (432 words)

Fishing Tips - Create Your Own Fish Attractants

Creating your own fish attractants can enhance your bait and increase your chances of a successful fishing trip. Here's how you can make DIY fish attractants using readily available ingredients:

1. Garlic and Oil AttractantIngredients:
  • Garlic cloves (3-5)
  • Olive oil or fish oil (1 cup)
Instructions:
  1. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
  2. Mix them with the oil in a small jar.
  3. Let the mixture sit overnight to infuse.
  4. Apply the oil to your bait or lures before casting.
2. Anise-Scented AttractantIngredients:
  • Anise oil (a few drops)
  • Vegetable oil (1 cup)
Instructions:
  1. Combine a few drops of anise oil with vegetable oil in a jar.
  2. Shake well and store in a sealed container.
  3. Dip soft plastic lures or live bait into the oil for added scent.
3. Cheese and Bread Dough PasteIngredients:
  • Cheese (grated, 1 cup)
  • Bread crumbs (1 cup)
  • Water (as needed)
Instructions:
  1. Mix grated cheese and bread crumbs in a bowl.
  2. Add small amounts of water until it forms a thick, sticky paste.
  3. Mold the paste around your hook to attract catfish, carp, or similar species.
4. Fish Guts and Blood MixtureIngredients:
  • Leftover fish parts (guts, heads, etc.)
  • Water (1 cup)
Instructions:
  1. Blend fish parts and water into a slurry.
  2. Store the mixture in a sealed container (preferably airtight).
  3. Pour a small amount into the water around your fishing area as chum.
5. Sweet Corn Syrup MixIngredients:
  • Corn syrup (1/2 cup)
  • Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
  • Flour or cornmeal (as needed)
Instructions:
  1. Combine corn syrup and vanilla extract in a bowl.
  2. Slowly add flour or cornmeal to create a thick consistency.
  3. Use this mixture as a dip or bait wrap for carp and other freshwater fish.
6. Sardine or Anchovy Oil SprayIngredients:
  • Sardines or anchovies (canned, 1 can)
  • Vegetable oil (1/2 cup)
  • Spray bottle
Instructions:
  1. Mash the sardines or anchovies into a paste.
  2. Mix with vegetable oil until liquid.
  3. Strain the mixture to remove solids and pour into a spray bottle.
  4. Spray it on lures or bait to increase scent trails in the water.
7. Molasses and Oat MixtureIngredients:
  • Molasses (1/2 cup)
  • Oats (1 cup)
  • Water (as needed)
Instructions:
  1. Mix molasses and oats in a bowl.
  2. Add water gradually to create a sticky ball of bait.
  3. Use it for bottom-feeding fish like carp or catfish.
Tips for Using Attractants:
  • Apply attractants sparingly to avoid overwhelming fish.
  • Test different recipes to see which works best for the species in your area.
  • Store attractants in sealed containers to keep them fresh.


Homemade attractants can be a cost-effective and personalized way to improve your fishing game. Experiment to find the perfect formula for your fishing conditions! 

Embrace Unpredictable Winds
Drift Fishing


Outdoorsmen