Cam Fishing - Guide to freshwater lures

by Cameron Jones.

PART 2 CUING IN ON FISH SENSES

Colour is a function of lure design often dictated by the desires of the angler rather than the fish. Intern this desire is dictated by the productivity of certain colours on particular waters. In areas of poor water quality or low light conditions, fish are more likely to use their sense of smell or hearing to track down food, although sight may be exploited by using bold fluorescent or dark colours.Conversely, the same profile may spook a fish in clear water.

Using a smaller, subtler lure pattern, which closely represents the natural forage of the area you are fishing, can produce better results. Visibility is the reason why brighter lures generally produce the goods in discoloured water, while subtle more earthy tones tend to produce the results in clear water. Before a fish sees a potential food item chances are it has already utilised its other senses. A fish picks up vibrations in the water through the otoliths (ear bones) and its lateral line.

Generally a fish has to see a lure before striking it, but the lateral line, which detects vibration, becomes more important when their visual abilities are impaired. They are also able to detect changes in barometric pressure and water movement. Vibrations also travel more rapidly and over greater distances in water than they do in the air, so lures that splash, rattle or pop will often attract a fish’s attention well before it can see it. In dirty water it is an important clue to instigating a positive response, although there are times when a more subtle approach may be necessary.

A fish’s sense of smell is said to be 8 times stronger than a dog. In freshwater, fish utilise this sense to assist in river navigation or migratory travel as well as finalising food selections. Scents are present on everything and must be considered at all times. Sunscreen and petrol are negative scents that can have an adverse effect on a lures success, so anglers need to be conscious of it. Natural scents or masking agents in one form or another have been used in Australia for several decades. Some old yet effective tricks include rubbing the lure on the belly slime of a recently caught fish. This gives the lure a different, more natural smell. Another is to smear the juice form a crushed yabby or shrimp head to attract the attention of any nearby predators.

Anglers these days have the luxury of commercially produced scents made from natural extracts. These not only mask potentially negative odours, but also offer a natural scent that will help persuade a fish that your lure is something it really wants to eat.

Stimulating a fish is very important in tough conditions, as it may turn a looker into a striker. The days of the sceptic's seem to have disappeared, as scent junkies the country over seek out new flavours and smells to add to their favourite lure. Brands like Riverside, Yum, and the popular Halco are readily available in leading tackle outlets.

The final stimulant that a fish can be tempted is its sense of feel. Soft plastic, which have grown increasingly popular in recent times, give fish the ultimate sensation of something soft and chewable, which will be covered in an adjoining article.