Scent, Soft Plastics & Saturday Rockfish: Pro-Cure in Action

This past Saturday, I joined a charter off Korea’s Western coast with one mission in mind—rockfish. The air was heavy with coastal fog, the seas stirred just enough to remind you this wasn’t going to be an easy day. But with a bit of planning and a secret weapon or two, the odds quickly shifted in our favor.

While most anglers onboard were relying solely on movement and bait, I leaned into scent—a variable often overlooked, but game-changing when used right. My setup was simple but intentional: Rapala Trigger X soft baits, rigged on a single jig hook, and generously coated with Pro-Cure Super Gel—Shrimp and Mullet formulas.

Let’s talk scent for a moment.

The ocean is a dynamic place. Water currents, thermoclines, and light penetration all influence visibility. But scent? It travels—often more efficiently than color or flash—and fish trust their noses more than we give them credit for. Especially rockfish. These ambush predators lurk close to structure, and when visibility drops, they hunt more by instinct than eyesight.

That’s where Pro-Cure shines.

The Super Gel isn’t just “scented goo.” It’s made from real baitfish, infused with amino acids and UV enhancers, and formulated to stick like crazy—even through repeated casts. I applied a generous bead along the belly and tail section of the soft worm. After about 20 minutes (or sooner, depending on the water movement), I’d reapply. No guesswork—just habit.

The result? Fish. Consistently.

My first hook-up came just ten minutes in—textbook bite: soft hit, slight tension, then a determined run. The rockfish wasn’t huge, but it was the first of many, and it proved the theory. Throughout the trip, both Shrimp and Mullet scents delivered, sometimes alternately depending on the drift and mood of the fish.

For anglers who haven’t yet added scent to their toolkit—especially when using plastics—you're fishing with one sense tied behind your back. Adding Pro-Cure isn’t just about catching more fish, it’s about fishing smarter.

Pro Tips from the Trip:

• Use Shrimp scent when fish seem picky—it’s more pungent and triggers curiosity.

• Mullet scent works great in moving water—its subtle brininess mimics baitfish on the run.

• Apply scent before the first cast and reapply every 15–30 minutes depending on action.

• Don’t forget to rub it in thoroughly—it helps it stay longer and keeps your bait balanced.

Next time you're out chasing structure-bound rockfish or even targeting flatfish or bream, don’t forget the scent factor. You can thank me later.