Some of you have been asking about details on our Sturgeon Fizzing Scent 'bombs' - what we use and how to deploy them. We are targetting the real sensors on the fish - look at the array of these "ampullae of Lorenzini" detectors on the nose of this keeper. These gelly-like pockets on the fish's nose are super-powered sniffers and also detect small voltages. We'll talk more in the future about attracting fish with electricity and magnets!
Here is a good photo showing a shark's ampullae - sharks are legendary for their ability to detect prey from distances.
One of our challenges in using these fizzing scents is to keep enough scent near our bait to bring the fish in close. One option we've tried is to use jumbo-sized gelatin capsules. They are cheap, we can fill them up with fizzing scent, and then shove them deep into a smelt or bait. After about 5-10 minutes, the gelatin disolves and begins to release the scent.
Here is another technique we've tried - dipping the scent bombs into non-flavored gelatin mix. This lets us use much larger bombs, that dispurse more scent. The main problem with this is the scents start to fizz in the jello. Not a big problem, just a slight mess. But messes are fun, right! This is the kid's favorite part of the work...
Here is a test rig - we attached a piece of 'onion sack' to the lead. Works great to hold the fizz in place and to reload it again.
Our final method to deploy and control the release of scent is the scent 'capsules' that are for sale in sporting goods stores. Various plastic devices are available to put scent into and control the flow out of the holder. These actually are our favorite technique now - much easier to put on a line, shove full of fizzing powder, and adjust how quickly the water gets into and the fizzy gets out of the holder. Give em a try and let us know!
