Abstract: A hydrogel fishing bait has a fish attractive scent infused into a water swollen hydrogel. The hydrogel can be a copolymer of at least one water miscible monomer and a cross-linking monomer. The hydrogel can be a terpolymer of hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), acrylamide, and a crosslinking monomer. The hydrogel terpolymer can be prepared in the shape of a fish or other fish attracting shape. The scent can be an amino acid, protein, fatty acid, sugar, or any combination thereof, and can be from a natural or artificial source. The hydrogel can be filled with a fiber, mesh, or matrix material. The hydrogel can be an interpenetrating polymer network. The hydrogel can be biodegradable. The hydrogel baits when fully hydrated on their surface do not stick to each other.