Fishermen will try some pretty fantastic things to gain an edge out there on the water, including using a common household item in some very interesting ways. Some fishermen use WD-40 to clean their reels, others spray it on their fishing line, and many even swear it works if you spray it on lures as a fish attractant. The question, though, is are these people onto something, or just nuts?
While I’m not going to claim to be a scientist or lawyer, I did some research for this article and concluded that you’re better off just buying a dedicated reel cleaner, line spray or fish attractant. That way you don’t have to worry about damaging your gear, polluting your lake, or suffering legal consequences.
I would be very happy to find that none of my readers continued using WD-40 as a fish attractant, line conditioner, or reel cleaner after reading this post. Let’s explore why.
Is It Illegal to Use WD-40 on Fishing Lures?
From what I can tell, it depends, but I sure wouldn’t risk it. Some people have reported receiving very hefty fines for being caught using WD-40 on their fishing lures, whereas other state governments are apparently fine with it (source). Bear in mind that just because a state government is OK with something doesn’t make it a good idea.
You would probably want to consult with a licensed legal professional to see if it is legal in your neck of the woods, or on a particular water body. In fact, if you read Section 311 (b) (1) of the Clean Water Act, it would seem it is illegal to use WD-40 in “navigable waters:”
“(b)(1) The Congress hereby declares that it is the policy of the
United States that there should be no discharges of oil or hazardous
substances into or upon the navigable waters of the United
States, adjoining shorelines, or into or upon the waters of the contiguous
zone, or in connection with activities under the Outer Continental
Shelf Lands Act or the Deepwater Port Act of 1974, or
which may affect natural resources belonging to, appertaining to,
or under the exclusive management authority of the United States
(including resources under the Fishery Conservation and Management
Act of 1976).”
I’m certainly not a lawyer and can’t give legal advice. However, when I read that law quoted above, “no discharges of oil” is pretty clear to me. I’d avoid using WD-40 on fishing lures as some sort of “attractant.”
Even if it wasn’t illegal, why would you want to willingly and deliberately introduce a petroleum-based chemical into your waterway? Isn’t there enough pollution in this world without you adding to it just to catch a fish? It hardly strikes me as a good thing, and I’d urge you not to do it. Fishermen are the best and the worst conservationists out there. Which half do you belong to?
Does WD-40 Work as a Fish Attractant?
One reason people put WD-40 on their fishing lures is because they think it attracts fish. Apparently, people have been using WD-40 as a fish attractant for decades, and several swear by it. Judging by forum responses it seems that people think salmon,lake trout, and catfish like it particularly well.
While I can’t find an actual scientific study with control groups to comment on if WD-40 actually attracts fish, I think it is at least fair to say that it doesn’t appear to be a deterrent, as it has seemed to have worked for many anglers over the years.
It appears that it was used more frequently as an attractant “in the old days.” We’ve come quite a way since then. Today, most people generally frown on directly polluting our lakes and rivers and I would hope you share that opinion. Even if this stuff did work as an attractant, it’s not worth the impact to the environment.
The WD-40 company has directly stated that they don’t recommend using their product as a fish attractant. I’d urge you to take their advice on this.
It needs to be said, again and repeatedly, that WD-40 is a pollutant. Even if it does work as an attractant, you shouldn’t use it. There are plenty of other safe attractants out there that people have confidence in. I would recommend Gulp! Alive! Attractant
Also, if you’re new to the sport, bear in mind that attractants aren’t some magic shortcut. Invest some time in yourself and learn a few new techniques. You’ll be better off than risking fines or worse by spraying this product on your lures.
Will WD-40 Damage Fishing Line?
From what I can tell this is another one of those “it depends” answers. WD-40 has a chemical composition that is going to break down or weaken certain objects and have absolutely no effect on others. Depending on your fishing line’s composition or formula, spraying WD-40 on it could cause just about anything could happen.
I’ve seen many people make the argument that it should be just fine for most monofilament. They argue that since this type of line is made out of much the same stuff as gas cans, a petroleum-based product shouldn’t harm it.
People are less certain about different types of braid, especially those that are coated with various materials. It’s tough to say how WD-40 might affect those.
Regardless, it is important to remember–again–that it is a pollutant. If you are spraying WD-40 on your fishing line to try and keep it supple, and then cast that fishing line into the water, you are polluting your local waterway. You are making the water less safe and enjoyable for others around you, including your children. Even if you feel the impact is negligible, it is more than necessary.
There are plenty of other great products out there for keeping your monofilament and fluorocarbon lines. I’ve used Line & Lure Conditioner Kevin VanDam’s 4oz Spray
Can I Use WD-40 to Clean My Fishing Reel?
It does seem that just about every potential application for WD-40 receives vigorous debate on the fishing forums. This question is no different. Some people recommend lightly wiping down the exterior of your fishing reels with WD-40, especially after using them near salt water, while others complain that it will eventually gum up on your reels and collect dirt.
People do seem to at least agree this should be for external use only, and never for greasing any internal components of the reels. This is because fishing reels rely on proper lubrication, and even though WD-40 is often mistaken as a lubricant, it can break down the different chemicals and solutions necessary to keep your reel working properly.
About the only thing I can conclusively say is that if done correctly, at least this will not harm the environment because your reel should (ideally at least) never be submerged in the lake, river, pond or ocean.
All in all, I don’t see a reason to use WD-40. Several companies make purpose-made reel cleaners (such as Ardent Reel Kleen Cleaner, 16-Ounce
Conclusions: Save It for the Squeaky Hinges
Look, I’m as big a believer as the next guy in WD-40 and Duct Tape being all you need to fix life’s problems, but the bottom line is we’re talking about a pollutant here that could be introduced into a waterway, and could potentially damage your gear as well. Why do either?
You could definitely find people who would disagree with everything I’ve said here. That’s the nature of life and especially the internet. But FishingFather is a site designed to help parents take their kids out fishing. One of the main reasons I want more parents to do that is so that there are future stewards of conservationism and the environment.
It would be completely against the spirit of this site to take a kid out fishing and then teach them to spray their lures down with WD-40, or any other pollutant, so I hope you’ll stick to the commercial, environmentally-friendly sprays out there.
Again, Line & Lure Conditioner Kevin VanDam’s 4oz Spray
Another item you might consider picking up at Amazon is my book, Fishing with Kids: A Parent’s Guide
Remember, scents aren’t a magic bullet. If you’re looking for some help catching more fish, purchase the book above, or check out the following articles on my website:
- The Basic Skills You Need to Take Your Kids Fishing
- How to Improve Your Fishing Skills
- Why You Can’t Catch Fish and What to Do About It
I’d argue that you’d get much more use out of spending your time reading these articles than heading off to the hardware store for a can of WD-40!
I hope this article was helpful. If it was, please consider sharing it so it can help others. You can also follow FishingFather on Facebook to keep in touch with new content and fishing reports.
Thanks,
John Paxton