Quote Originally Posted by artcarney_agr View Post
I don't think it really matters what flavor the spray is, as long as it's something natural. A bait with a naturally occurring odor should get more strikes by masking the human odor you leave on it when handling the bait. They are labeled as "attractants", but I think "cover scent" would be more appropriate.

I've heard of many using regular old WD-40 before as a cover scent. It's an urban legend, claiming that it works due to it containing fish oil. I haven't ever tried it though.
I used WD 40 on my bucktails when down rigging. I know for a fact that I get a lot more strikes when I first put the balls down versus after. I just started using the Gulp Alive shad and soaking my trailers in it when casting. Last time down I got 7 stripers casting when the water cooled and hardly anyone was getting them even with live bait. I'll be trying the Gulp Alive Shad when down rigging season comes around for sure.

The concept is the same. Provide an oil/scent trail for the fish to home in on. Fish are more likely to hit with the more of their senses that says food.