Do you use scents?

[split handle]

Decades ago, when Original Fish Formula (an anise-scented oil) came out, I squirted some on the chenille body of a crappie jig with a marabou tail. Unfortunately, the oil flowed down onto the marabou and caused it to clump together in a stiff mass; it wouldn't move underwater in the way that lets marabou give life to a jig. Though I had just caught a crappie on a bass lure (suggesting an aggressive feeding mood), I couldn't get one to hit the oiled jig, and couldn't work the oil out of the feathers holding the jig in the water (had to use detergent later at home).

JuHair would probably be less likely to clump, but I've been leery of applying oil-based scent products to anything but plastics since.

[Badgerloader]

most of the scents seem to have an oil base - when you squirt the oily scent on a maribu or hackle, it matts down the fiber - kip tail or bucktail seems a little more forgiving. If I feel the need for scent when using a feathered jig or fly, I'll use a Crappie Nibble.

[Shoemoo]

I only use Crappie Nibbles for scent. Oil based scents are just too messy, and they clump up feathers and fine hair. Plus they sometimes leak when it gets really hot and stink up your tackle box. Especially the ones with garlic. Everything ends up smelling like an Italian restaurant.

[Badgerloader]

Do Old Spice or English Leather count?

[shipahoy41]

mix some water, cooking oil, sea salt, garlic salt and anise in a pyrex cup. Place in microwave 60 seconds. Stir. Let cool, then place some in your bags of lures.