Anglers’ Guide to Chinese Herbal Fishing Baits: Key Principles (Part 2)

Let’s be real—if you’ve ever spent a Saturday morning staring at a still lake wondering why the fish are ignoring your store-bought bait, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too! Last month, I broke down the basics of Chinese herbal fishing baits, covering how understanding herb properties makes or breaks your homemade mix. But today? We’re diving deeper—into the actual herbs that’ll turn you from a “maybe” angler to a “watch me haul in a monster” legend. Spoiler: Some of these you might already have in your kitchen cabinet. Wild, right?

First, A Quick Recap (Because No One Likes Skipping Context)

Before we geek out on herbs, let’s circle back: Herbal baits aren’t just “throwing plants in a jar.” They work because each herb has a unique vibe—flavor, scent, even effects on fish behavior. Last time, we talked about warming herbs, but now? We’re covering blood-moving, appetite-stimulating, and digestive herbs that’ll make fish lose their minds. Also, pro tip: Always match your herbs to the season. Summer = cooling herbs. Winter = warming, blood-moving ones. Spring/fall? Middle ground. Got it? Good.

Section 2: Blood-Moving & Scent-Penetrating Herbs (The “Come Here, Fish!” Crew)

These herbs are like the fish world’s version of a neon sign. Their scents cut through murky water, and their properties? Let’s just say they make fish feel… frisky. Here are the heavy hitters:

12. Ling Cao (Sweet, Cooling, Multi-Talented)

First up: Ling Cao. This stuff tastes slightly sweet (fish love sweet, trust me) and has a cooling vibe. I’ve used it in summer baits when the water’s warm and fish are being lazy—works like a charm. Pro move: Pair it with a little honey (we’ll get to that later) for extra sweetness. Bonus: It’s also great for human stomach aches, but let’s focus on the fish, yeah?

13. Pai Cao (Scent That Travels)

Pai Cao is another sweet one. What makes it special? Its scent spreads fast in water. Last fall, I fished a muddy lake where visibility was zero—tossed in a bait with Pai Cao, and within 10 minutes, I had a 5lb bass on the line. Mind. Blown. It also helps calm fish (weird, but true) so they don’t bolt at the first sniff of your bait.

14. Ru Xiang (Pain Relief for… Fish?)

Ru Xiang is a bit intense—smells like resin, but fish go crazy for it. It’s a blood-moving herb, which means it might help fish feel more “active” (or maybe just less grumpy). I keep a small jar in my tackle box for emergency “fish aren’t biting” situations. Pro tip: Use a tiny amount—too much and you’ll repel them faster than a loud boat.

15. Qian Li Xiang (The “Long-Distance” Scent King)

Okay, Qian Li Xiang is my ride-or-die. Its name means “thousand-mile scent,” and it lives up to the hype. Last winter, I fished a frozen lake (yes, I’m that crazy) and used a bait with Qian Li Xiang. The scent cut through the cold water like a knife—caught 3 trout in an hour. Also, it’s used for human colds, but again… fish first.

16. Xiang Ye (Winter Fish’s BFF)

Xiang Ye (bay leaf, if you’re curious) is a game-changer for slow winter days. Fish get sluggish when it’s cold, but Xiang Ye boosts their appetite. I once spent 3 hours with zero bites, added a pinch of Xiang Ye to my bait, and caught 2 catfish in 15 minutes. No joke. It also helps with human stomach aches, but let’s not get distracted.

17. Shan Zha (The Fish’s Favorite Snack)

Shan Zha (hawthorn berry) is something you might eat as a candy—fish love it too. It’s sweet, slightly tart, and helps with digestion (so fish don’t get bloated, I guess?). I use it in spring baits when fish are coming out of hibernation and need a little pick-me-up. Works every time.

18. Hong Jing Tian (Cooling, But Effective)

Hong Jing Tian (red jujube? Wait, no—red ginseng? Wait, no, it’s red rhodiola) is a cooling herb with a slightly bitter-sweet taste. I use it in summer baits when the water’s hot and fish are avoiding heavy scents. It’s subtle, but it gets the job done. Pro tip: Grind it into a powder so it mixes better with your bait.

19. Zang Hong Hua (Luxury, But Worth It)

Zang Hong Hua (Tibetan saffron) is expensive, but oh my god—fish go wild for it. It’s sweet, cooling, and has a unique scent that’s hard to replicate. I only use it for big-game fishing (like targeting tuna or large bass), but it’s worth every penny. Just don’t skimp—use a tiny pinch, not a handful.

20. Xue Lian Hua (Bitter, But Powerful)

Xue Lian Hua (snow lotus) is bitter, so you might think fish would hate it—but nope. It’s cooling and helps with inflammation (again, for fish, I guess). I use it in summer baits when the water’s stagnant and fish are stressed. It’s a bit of a wild card, but I’ve had success with it.

Section 3: Digestive & Appetite-Stimulating Herbs (The “Eat Up, Fish!” Crew)

These herbs are like fish probiotics—they make their tummies happy, so they’ll eat more. And let’s be real: A happy fish is a fish that bites your bait. Here are the top ones:

1. A Wei (The Controversial Favorite)

A Wei (asafoetida) is… stinky. Like, really stinky. But fish love it. It’s used to calm nerves (for fish, not you) and help with digestion. I once used it in a bait for carp—caught 5 in an hour, but my hands smelled like garlic and rotten eggs for 3 days. Worth it? Maybe. Pro tip: Wear gloves when handling it.

2. Ba Jiao (Kitchen Staple, Fishing Hero)

Ba Jiao (star anise) is something you probably have in your spice rack. It’s sweet, fragrant, and helps with digestion. I use it in fall baits when fish are fattening up for winter. It adds a warm, inviting scent that’s hard to resist. Bonus: It makes your bait smell like a holiday candle. Win-win.

3. Cao Guo (Smelly, But Effective)

Cao Guo (black cardamom) has a unique, slightly spicy smell. Fish hate it at first, but then they can’t get enough. I use it in muddy water where other scents can’t penetrate. Pro tip: Toast it lightly before adding to your bait—releases the scent better. Just don’t burn it (trust me, that’s worse).

4. Sha Ren (Soothes Fish Tummies)

Sha Ren (cardamom) is sweet and spicy. It helps with digestion and makes fish feel less bloated. I use it in spring baits when fish are eating a lot after hibernation. It’s subtle, but it keeps them coming back for more.

5. Rou Dou Kou (Smells Like Christmas)

Rou Dou Kou (nutmeg) smells like cookies. Fish love it. It’s sweet, fragrant, and helps with digestion. I use it in winter baits when fish are sluggish—adds a warm, inviting scent. Pro tip: Grind it fresh (not pre-ground) for maximum effect.

6. Hong Dou Kou (Stops Fish From Throwing Up?)

Hong Dou Kou (red cardamom) is spicy and sweet. It helps with nausea (for fish, I swear) and digestion. I use it in summer baits when the water’s hot and fish are prone to “sea sickness” (or lake sickness, whatever). It’s a bit of a niche herb, but it works.

7. Gan Song (Weird Smell, Big Results)

Gan Song (spikenard) has a weird, earthy smell. But fish go crazy for it. It helps with digestion and makes fish feel less stressed. I use it in fall baits when fish are migrating—cuts through the chaos of the water. Pro tip: Use a tiny amount—too much and it’s overpowering.

8. Ding Xiang (The Most Common Herb Ever)

Ding Xiang (clove) is a staple in every angler’s herbal kit. It’s sweet, spicy, and helps with digestion. I use it in almost every bait—especially when I’m targeting bass or trout. It’s like the vanilla of fishing herbs—goes with everything. Pro tip: Pair it with honey for extra sweetness.

9. Chen Pi (Bitter, But Fish Love It)

Chen Pi (dried tangerine peel) is bitter, but fish love it. It helps with digestion and adds a citrusy scent that cuts through murky water. I use it in summer baits when the water’s warm and fish are avoiding heavy scents. Pro tip: Soak it in water overnight before adding to your bait—softens it up.

10. Xiao Hui Xiang (Warm, Fragrant, Effective)

Xiao Hui Xiang (fennel) smells like licorice. Fish love it. It’s warm, fragrant, and helps with digestion. I use it in winter baits when fish are sluggish—adds a warm, inviting scent. Pro tip: Toast it lightly before adding to your bait—releases the scent better.

11. Bai Kou (Boosts Fish Energy)

Bai Kou (white cardamom) is sweet and spicy. It helps with digestion and boosts fish energy. I use it in spring baits when fish are coming out of hibernation and need a little pick-me-up. It’s subtle, but it keeps them coming back for more.

12. Da Suan (Garlic—Yes, Garlic)

Da Suan (garlic) is spicy and pungent. Fish hate it at first, but then they can’t get enough. I use it in winter or fall baits when the water’s cold and fish are avoiding other scents. Pro tip: Crush it fresh (not minced) for maximum effect. Just don’t get it on your hands—you’ll smell like garlic for days.

13. Bi Ba (Weird Smell, Great Results)

Bi Ba (long pepper) has a weird, spicy smell. But fish go crazy for it. It helps with digestion and stops fish from getting sick. I use it in winter baits when fish are prone to “cold sickness” (or whatever). Pro tip: Pair it with A Wei for extra power—works like a charm.

14. Ning Meng (Lemon—Yes, Lemon)

Ning Meng (lemon) is sour and sweet. Fish love it. It helps with digestion and adds a citrusy scent that cuts through murky water. I use it in summer baits when the water’s warm and fish are avoiding heavy scents. Pro tip: Use fresh lemon juice (not bottled) for maximum effect.

15. Gui Pi (Cinnamon—Yes, Cinnamon)

Gui Pi (cinnamon) smells like cookies. Fish love it. It’s warm, fragrant, and helps with digestion. I use it in winter baits when fish are sluggish—adds a warm, inviting scent. Pro tip: Use ground cinnamon (not sticks) for better mixing.

16. Mu Xiang (Bitter, But Effective)

Mu Xiang (costus root) is bitter and spicy. It helps with digestion and makes fish feel less stressed. I use it in fall baits when fish are migrating—cuts through the chaos of the water. Pro tip: Use a tiny amount—too much and it’s overpowering.

Section 4: Tonifying Herbs (The “Fish Multivitamins”)

These herbs are like fish multivitamins—they boost their energy and make them feel healthy. And healthy fish eat more. Duh. Here are the top ones:

1. Zi He Che (Weird, But Powerful)

Zi He Che (placenta) is… weird. But it’s a powerful tonic. It boosts fish energy and makes them feel healthy. I only use it for big-game fishing (like targeting tuna or large bass), but it’s worth every penny. Pro tip: Use a tiny amount—too much and you’ll repel them.

2. Gou Qi (Goji Berries—Yes, Goji Berries)

Gou Qi (goji berries) is sweet and warming. It boosts fish energy and makes them feel healthy. I use it in spring baits when fish are coming out of hibernation and need a little pick-me-up. Pro tip: Soak them in water overnight before adding to your bait—softens them up.

3. Gan Cao (Licorice—Yes, Licorice)

Gan Cao (licorice) is sweet and warming. It boosts fish energy and helps with digestion. I use it in almost every bait—especially when I’m targeting bass or trout. It’s like the glue that holds everything together. Pro tip: Use a tiny amount—too much and it’s overpowering.

4. Feng Mi (Honey—Yes, Honey)

Feng Mi (honey) is sweet and warming. It boosts fish energy and makes them feel healthy. I use it in almost every bait—especially when I’m targeting bass or trout. It’s like the vanilla of fishing herbs—goes with everything. Pro tip: Use raw honey (not processed) for maximum effect.

Pro Tips for Seasonal & Species-Specific Baits

Okay, let’s get real—herbs aren’t one-size-fits-all. You need to match them to the season and the fish you’re targeting. Here are my go-to rules:

• Summer: Use cooling herbs (like Ling Cao, Hong Jing Tian) and sweet scents. Fish are lazy, so you need something that’s not too heavy.
• Winter: Use warming, blood-moving herbs (like Xiang Ye, Xiao Hui Xiang) and strong scents. Fish are sluggish, so you need something that wakes them up.
• Spring/Fall: Use middle-ground herbs (like Ding Xiang, Chen Pi) and balanced scents. Fish are active, so you need something that’s not too strong or too weak.
• Fish Species:
  • Small fish: Love sweet, fragrant scents (like Gou Qi, Feng Mi).
  • Adult fish: Love savory, slightly spicy scents (like Ding Xiang, Xiao Hui Xiang).
  • Large fish: Love bitter, pungent scents (like A Wei, Bi Ba).
  • Wild fish: Love natural, earthy scents (like Gan Song, Mu Xiang).
  • Pond fish: Love sweet, fragrant scents (like Shan Zha, Gui Pi).

Last month, I tested this with a friend: We fished the same lake, same time, same rod. I used a winter mix (Xiang Ye, Xiao Hui Xiang, Ding Xiang) and caught 4 bass. He used a summer mix (Ling Cao, Hong Jing Tian) and caught zero. Proof? It works.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Where do I get these herbs?” Most of them are available at Asian grocery stores or online. Just make sure you’re buying fishing-grade herbs (not human-grade—they might have additives). And always start with small amounts—you can always add more, but you can’t take it back.

Oh, and one last thing: Don’t forget about the carrier for your herbs. Most anglers use rice wine or vodka to soak the herbs (hence “fishing wine”). But you can also use water or honey. Just make sure the carrier is something that won’t repel the fish. Vodka is my go-to—it’s cheap, strong, and doesn’t leave a weird aftertaste.

So, that’s it for part 2! Next time, we’ll dive into how to mix these herbs (the ratios, the soaking time, the secret tricks). Spoiler: There’s a 3-day soaking rule that’s non-negotiable. And yes, I’ll share my personal “secret weapon” mix that’s caught me 10+ fish in a day. Stay tuned!

Oh, and if you try any of these herbs, let me know how it goes! I love hearing from fellow anglers. Just don’t blame me if your hands smell like garlic for 3 days (looking at you, A Wei users).