Fish Attractants & Scents

Having the right fishing bait and fish attractants can make a big difference on your next fishing trip. Using these enticing scents can help bring in fish and help them hang on to your line for a more seamless experience. Canadian Tire offers a large selection of attractants and baits in a variety of scents, colours, and types so you can make fishing a success.

How do I choose the right bait?

Different bait targets different fish, so you’ll want to consider what you’re fishing for. There are four main types of live fish bait, including worms, leeches, minnows, and insects, as well as artificial bait that are suitable for a variety of fish:

·       Live worms: Red worms and nightcrawlers are popular worms to fish for freshwater species with.

·       Leeches – Leeches are popular for larger game-fish and fishing at deeper depths. They are good for fishing crappie, perch, and walleye but are good general bait for freshwater fish.

·       Minnows – There are both smaller and larger minnows, where smaller ones are good for targeting Panfish and Trout, and larger ones for largemouth bass, catfish, pike, walleye, and muskellunge.

·       Insects – Insects like grasshoppers and wax worms are often reserved for specific fishing scenarios. They are suitable for trout and some panfish.

·       Artificial bait – This includes jigs, spinners, spoons, plugs, and plastic baits that can mimic the appearance and motions of live bait. Bass and walleye are particularly reactive to artificial bait.

How do you use fish attractants?

This depends on the type of attractant you have, whether it’s a spray, gel, ball, or nugget. For balls and nuggets, simply place them carefully onto the hook. For gels, squirt some onto the lure and rub it in. The way attractants work is simple - they take away the foreign smells from your surroundings, yourself, and the lure and provide a more natural smell that signals fish to come and eat. Although they aren’t an instant solution to catching more fish, they can increase your chances.

What are fish attractants used for?

Fish attractants provide a natural and attractive scent for many species of fish. They help mask the plastic or rubber smell of your lure and attract fish to the area around your rod to create more opportunities.

Which types of fish respond best to attractants?

Attractants are ideal to lure walleye, bass, catfish, carp, trout, and many other species.

To get ready for your next fishing trip, browse our fishing collection for nets, apparel, fishing tools, and more.