Abstract: An agent and method for inducing food search behavior in rainbow trout and other salmonids is disclosed. The agent comprises an amino acid selected from the group consisting of L-proline, L-leucine and L-alanine and combinations thereof. The agent may be applied to or incorporated within lures or fish food. When the lure or food particles are immersed in water, the agent will disperse into the water and rainbow trout and other salmonids close enough to detect the agent will be stimulated to search for food, making it more likely that the lure or food particle will be taken by the fish.

Abstract: A fishing lure for largemouth bass and other fishes within the family Centrarchidae is described. The lure comprises a body member having incorporated therein a sufficient quantity of an agent in a manner such that the lure will emit effective concentrations of the agent when said lure is within the mouth of the fish. The agent comprises, L-arginine and L-lysine individually, any combinations or mixtures of L-arginine and L-lysine, any mixtures or combinations containing L-arginine and/or L-lysine, and any compounds and/or mixtures of compounds which, in combination with water, will release L-arginine and/or L-lysine.

Abstract: A bait for catching Ictalurid catfish, and fish with similar feeding behavior, containing the free amino acids: L-proline, L-alanine, and L-arginine, and mixtures thereof, at concentrations above those normally found around fish's natural foods is provided to increase the likelihood of snapping or biting of the bait or lure by the fish.

Abstract: The snapping and biting response of ictalurid catfish, and fish with similar feeding habits, are released by the use of the free amino acids: L-proline, L-alanine, and L-arginine, and mixtures thereof, at concentrations above those normally found around the fish's normal, or natural foods.