Aniseed as a Fish Attractant
Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: Saltwater Fishing
Forum Name: Hints,Tips and How To's
Forum Description: Rigs, tackle, baits, angling techniques, tips and hints & your DIY projects here
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=128497
Printed Date: 21 Jun 2026 at 11:44pm
Topic: Aniseed as a Fish Attractant
Posted By: JohnnyR
Subject: Aniseed as a Fish Attractant
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2018 at 9:28pm
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I've just come back from Australia where I saw burley being sold impregnated with aniseed as a fish attractant. I haven't seen this in NZ. Has anyone tried it here? I've also heard of fennel being used which I guess has a similar smell to aniseed.
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Replies:
Posted By: Steps
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2018 at 11:05am
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Back in the day.. going backto 50s / to early 70s.. anisseed acka bait soaked in ozo...was occassionaly used. From memory, from back in those days aniseed was illegel to use .. hence the bottle of ozo.. As to working.. dont know. We gave it try in early to mis 70s.. pre Quoto , pree 200 mile limts when off shore factory ship ringed our coasts, decimated our rec fishing.. the fishing was so bad never seemed to make a difference to our catch.
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Posted By: Wanda_Ra
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2018 at 8:51pm
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I remember the old fart next door used to swear by it, he also swore by soaking his baits in petrol as well. wasnt often he didnt catch a decent haul of fish though. Only really sad fact is i am just about to hit 45,still see myself as young and i am 4 years older than the old fart was at that time. And that old fart is still fishing,has switched to salted baits instead. ------------- If you think you are too small to make a difference,try sleeping with a mosquito in your tent. |
Posted By: pjc
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2018 at 7:08am
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Grandfather swore by liver soaked in kerosene.
Wouldnt use ouzo now days the price of it,waste of good ouzo,afradite ouzo n coke yum. We tried to buy aniseed back in the late 70s and to no avail from a chemist,he asked what did we want it for,explained possum bait no,you needed a licence /permit.closest we got was aniseed balls. ------------- Sex at 58.Lucky I live at 56 |
Posted By: letsgetem
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2018 at 9:10am
| I think a berley called Murphys Brew is flavoured with aniseed. I tried it for a while, but didn't think it much good. |
Posted By: Uncle
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2018 at 9:19am
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I still have a small bottle of aniseed oilfrom way back. Have tried it in various ways but can't say it makes any difference. ..but now you got me thinking....
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Posted By: Muppet
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2018 at 9:19am
| Aniseed is used in coarse fishing as a flavour on maggots, corn etc so yes it is a fish attractant. Whether it is any good on salt species who knows but it probably won't hurt to try. |
Posted By: Steps
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2018 at 10:53am
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explained possum bait no,you needed a licence /permit.closest we got was aniseed balls. yeah that brings back similar memory  Back then I worked in the Labs for a major food company... the food flavouring/ herb 'aniseed' is not aniseed but star anise...but the greek ozo was from the aniseed plant.. not the star anise. You can buy star anise herb. used in cooking.. this flavours the same as aniseed, but different chemical and different plant to what aniseed oils come from And this could be why many have tried it and doesnt work...
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Posted By: Uncle
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2018 at 10:57am
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The stuff I have is the genuine article, aniseed oil, from a chemist shop. Is only 10mls but it's mighty strong smelling & goes a long way. |
Posted By: Raging Bull
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2018 at 1:20pm
| Eat loads of asparagus and pee over the side all day, not quite aniseed but apparently asparagus wees does the trick. |
Posted By: Catchelot
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2018 at 2:10pm
You are supposed to soak your bait in it Dave and then get Boulder to cut it up for you.  ------------- "The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." - Jacques Cousteau |
Raging Bull wrote: