05/06/2024
TWO MORE SENSES
So how do gustatory (taste) and olfaction (smell) work in the marine world. The best way to look at these two senses is to simplify them by saying olfaction is a longer distance detection system, and gustation a much more close up detection system.
The two senses are somewhat related in that something that smells good generally is perceived to taste good as well. Olfaction is a more primitive sensation and developed earlier on the evolutionary scale.
Smell is the only one of the 5 senses that doesn’t require the brain to interpret. Direct neural pathways go directly to the brain and elicit a reactive response not needed to be interpreted to be reacted on.
An example in the human world would be to get in an elevator with a woman with an enticing perfume as opposed to a person who ate too much broccoli! You instinctually react without interpretation 🤨.
Olfaction can play a huge part of a successful or skunk outing. Every fish we target is using its sense of smell to find bait and act upon its presence. For fish, smell is detecting dissolved chemicals in the marine waters. Tests on humans reveal we can detection many thousands of different smells and the sense of smell in humans is actually very poorly developed. A bloodhound following a scent trail would laugh at our inability to smell what it was following.
In a marine world where visual detection is reduced, fish likely have an enhanced sense of smell such that it is wise to consider that quality in our baiting systems.
When using natural baits, it is wise to use fresh strips, keep them cool and protected from the sun. If you make a beautiful strip to use as a bait and use it 5 minutes later, even if well cared for, the scent of that strip has changed. Leave it in the hot sun for 5 minutes and the scent has drastically changed and may have totally lost its appeal. Cut some fresh bait and put it on the same bait board as some rancid bait without rinsing it negates your well intended efforts.
And what about fish attractant compounds that are sold. Products like Gulp and Fishbites use semiochemicals (scent chemicals) that are proven to entice a strike. In Florida, Dr Juice is a compound sold that is squeezed onto plastic baits and has helped me catch a lot of species in that locale like the hogfish in the picture. Pro Cure is another compound that I have seen enhance the bite in New Jersey for fluke and other species.
Capt Harv
www.vetcraftsportfishing.com
