06-02-2002, 09:30 PM
I've caught fish with and without formula. The only reason I use it now is to grease up my soft plastics so they slide through and over lilly pads and weeds. They also give a worm an oily sheen which reflects some light versus a flat finish.<br><br>It may also mask certain adverse taste elements from the boat or hands. I agree with the previous poster, fish don't 'smell'. They have 'taste buds' that differentiate organic from inorganic, protein from vegetable. But do they recognize a crawfish flavor as a crawfish, or a shad flavor as a shad or garlic as a clove? (I've never heard of aquatic garlic.)<br><br> I don't think it matters. Fish hold on longer to soft baits and pork; salt may be a key 'flavor' factor. Formula on a crankbait or spoon is probabally wasted because reaction strikes don't allow enough time for a 'yum' test. <br><br> As usual, confidence and beliefs determine a lot of why and how we fish a certain way as well as what we use to catch fish. BASS Times has a fish biologist that has done extensive research on bass behavior. I lean towards his data far more than a manufacturer's hype or a pro that unequivocally states<br>with absolute certainty that fish bite this or that lure for 'scientifically based reasons'. Barnum is still right!<br><br><br>