Adding Bait to Plugs and Spinners: An Extra Edge for Salmon

By: Bob Kratzer

With salmon now moving into rivers and tributaries, anglers are putting away the trolling gear and breaking out their lighter, more sensitive rods. It’s a great time of year to switch things up and take advantage of the different techniques available for targeting Kings and Cohos.

After guiding almost daily for several decades, I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that have helped me put more fish in the boat. In this blog, I’m going to share two of my favorite fall techniques and a little something extra I do to make them even more effective.

Fishing eggs under a float, back-bouncing, and running diver-and-bait setups are all popular ways to catch salmon. But there are plenty of other presentations that can be just as effective, especially when you’re looking to show fish something a little different.

Two of my favorite alternatives are running plugs through faster water and casting spinners in slower-moving areas. Here’s where I do things a little differently: I add natural bait to both. Adding bait to plugs is nothing new, but tipping a spinner with natural bait is a technique you don’t see nearly as often. Combining the action of these lures with the scent of natural bait gives salmon another reason to take a closer look.

Being organized and having different presentations ready to go allows me to adjust quickly as conditions change. The right combination of lure action, natural scent, and attractants can make a real difference.

Two of my favorite baits to work with are tuna belly and sardines. Both have a strong natural scent on their own. But this fall, I started adding another dimension to my bait wraps by giving them a dusting of Fire Bite. This bite stimulant has become a new addition to my salmon-fishing lineup, and I’ve been impressed with the results. I’ve seen it generate more bites this fall, and it’s something I’ll continue using.

Preparing Your Bait

I use sardine fillets and tuna belly, cutting them into approximately one-inch squares or strips about 3/16 of an inch thick.

Keep the tuna belly and sardines in separate containers. Once the bait is cut and ready, generously apply Fire Bite to each container. (If you want to add some color, mix in a small amount of Pink BorX O Fire, too.)

I prefer preparing my bait the night before fishing. This gives the Fire Bite time to soak into the tuna belly and sardines, allowing the scent and attractants to work their way into the bait before hitting the water.

Fishing Plugs

When adding bait to plugs, I use one-inch or half-inch squares, depending on the size of the plug. I secure the bait to the plug using Miracle Thread.

This technique is nothing new and is widely used by salmon anglers. However, I prefer using smaller pieces of bait on smaller plugs to help preserve their natural action. Too much bait can interfere with how a plug works, so it’s important to find the right balance between added scent and lure action.

Tipping Spinners With Bait

Adding bait to spinners isn’t nearly as common, but with a little preparation, you can put together a presentation that combines the flash and vibration of a spinner with the natural scent of bait.

I start with a single hook and a small piece of colored pipe cleaner. Cut the pipe cleaner approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch long, choosing a color that matches your spinner. Thread it through the eye of the hook and fold it in half.

Next, cut a strip of prepared tuna belly or sardine approximately 1/2 inch long and 3/16 of an inch thick. Position the strip against the pipe cleaner, with the top of the bait sitting just below the hook eye. Use Miracle Thread to wrap the bait tightly against the hook and pipe cleaner.

The pipe cleaner acts as a stopper, helping keep the bait from sliding down into the bend of the hook. This keeps everything in place and allows you to make repeated casts without constantly readjusting your bait.

The end result is a spinner that combines the flash and movement of the lure with the added scent of natural bait.

Adding Bait to Eggs

Another great thing about these prepared baits is that they can also be used to enhance your egg presentations. Simply place a small piece on the hook point or secure it in your egg loop. It’s an easy way to add another layer of scent and attraction to an egg presentation that already works well for salmon.

Storing Your Bait

At the end of the day, return any remaining bait to the refrigerator so it’s ready for your next trip. While fishing, always keep your bait on ice to help maintain its freshness and condition throughout the day.

Putting It All Together

Tuna belly and sardines already have plenty of natural scent. When you combine that with the added attraction of Fire Bite, you have another effective tool to add to your salmon-fishing arsenal.

Whether you’re tipping plugs or spinners with prepared tuna belly or sardines, you’re combining three important elements: the action and vibration of your lure, the natural scent of bait, and the added attraction of Fire Bite.

Over the years, I’ve found that paying attention to these little details can make a real difference when you’re trying to put more fish in the boat. Good lures, quality bait, and the right attractants have helped take my fishing to the next level.

Hopefully, these tips give you another idea to try the next time you’re chasing salmon. Whether you’re fishing a river, a tributary, or your favorite stretch of moving water, don’t overlook what a little natural bait can add to your favorite plugs and spinners!

Editor’s Note: Bob Kratzer operates Angler’s Guide Service. To learn more about his guided fishing trips please visit: https://anglersguideservice.com.