Maintaining healthy fish populations is critical in salt and freshwater environments because it supports a healthy ecosystem and allows for excellent fishing opportunities for anglers. A submerged device called a fish attractor is fundamental in achieving a balanced ecosystem and structure for fisherman to catch fish. Here is what you need to know about fish attractors utilized in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

What Is A Fish Attractor

To create a habitat for marine life, submerge the fish attractant device. The device rests on the bed of lakes, rivers, creeks, oceans, inland waterways, and more. 

An attractor is designed to replicate submerged trees, pilings, rocks, weeds, or other rip-rap beneath the surface. Fish attractors are made of materials including PVC, aluminum, wood, and other products. 

After purchasing or constructing the underwater device, deploy the structure to begin attracting fish. 

Why Are Fish Attractors Important

A fish attractant device aims to provide shelter for recently hatched fish species. Without structures, predators quickly decimate the population of young fish. The long-term effects are detrimental as fewer fish will grow into mature size for further reproduction.

When prey is present, so are predators. Baitfish will gather around the fish attracting device in massive schools, thus attracting gamefish which anglers target. 

Despite fish attractors providing shelter, young fish which stray quickly become eaten by predators. The purpose of the device is to create shelter from aggressive feeders.

The importance of fish attractors is to aid in sustaining healthy fish populations and provide structure for anglers to focus their attention on increased catches. 

Where Do You Put Fish Attractors

Before placing any fish-attracting device in public waters, it is essential to determine if submerging an object is legal. When deploying a fish attractor in a backyard pond, approval is not required.

Focus on deploying the structure in areas that you frequently fish after verifying the legality. Typical placement is within casting distance of a dock or shoreline, allowing the angler to fish the structure repeatedly. 

However, shore fishing is not the only location for man-made attractors. Find a place in a backyard pond accessible by kayak or small boat. Drop the device and note its position to fish time and time again. 

Knowing the location of the structure is crucial. Without knowing the site, your efforts are futile as you will not focus on the area where fish congregate. 

How Do You Make A Fish Attractor

The process of making a homemade attractor is straightforward. Remember, there are endless variations to the design. 

To avoid introducing contaminants to the water from materials such as metal, we suggest plastic buckets and PVC pipes. 

Purchase a 5-gallon bucket, lid, concrete, and flexible ½” irrigation hose. Cut holes large enough to slide the flexible tubing from one side of the bucket through the other. Allow the hose to extend two feet out of each side. Repeat the process five times.

Mix one bag of concrete and pour the mixture into the center of the bucket. Wipe away any access that oozes through the hose cutouts. Secure the cover on the bucket. 

Lastly, cut three holes in the lid of the bucket.  The holes must hold the hose firmly in place. Slide the hose into the holes, allowing two feet to extend from the top. Allow the cement to set.

Deploy the attractant device once the cement has set. Due to the materials used in construction, use the device in fresh or salwater.  

Where Can You Buy A Fish Attractor

Consider purchasing online for those who prefer not to construct a homemade version of a fish attractor. The prices vary significantly based on the size and materials. We recommend the Cedars Bill Dance Porcupine Fish Attractor. This device is best suited for freshwater environments and is budget-friendly despite the capability of being detected by fish-finding electronic devices. 

What Kind Of Fish Congretate Around Fish Attractors

Anglers do not receive instant gratification upon deployment of a fish attractor. Algae must accumulate on the device.

After the device has soaked and become acclimated, baitfish will congregate. Once baitfish are present, on comes the predators. 

Freshwater 

The most common freshwater predators through North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia include bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish. Each of these fish is prevalent on underwater structures. 

Saltwater

Saltwater is highly corrosive therefore fish attractors are seldom used. However, when deploying a fish attractor in saltwater expect to catch redfish and grey trout inland and snapper and grouper offshore in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. 

How Do You Fish Near Fish Attractors

The technique of catching fish on attractors is highly dependent on the species in which you are targeting. One critical piece of information is understanding the risk of becoming snagged. The protruding pieces of an attractor are notorious for catching lines. A fish attractor which has become snagged is prone to tipping or being moved from its original position. 

One of the best methods to catch fish from attractors is matching the bait. Determine the type of bait common to the body of water and deploy it next to or just above the attractor. A second option is trolling lures around or on top of the device. 

Are You Ready To Fish Or Deploy A Fish Attractor

No matter where the device is deployed, fish attractors are highly effective at attracting fish for anglers to catch. Ensure to have a freshwater or saltwater fishing license depending on your location, before casting a line. Lastly, remember that the device serves a more important purpose: providing shelter to newly hatched fish.