RTP Company: The Global Leader in Specialty Compounding

End-Use Case Study —

Fishing bait Storage Bag

• Impregnated with aromatic essences to attract fish
• Scents optimized for fish preferences
• Low density polyethylene compound co-extruded to air/vapor barrier

Brandon Dobbs has a nearly uncontrollable taste for fishing, but he sees this only as a problem when the fish exhibit the same kind of taste for him. Long suspecting that fish are sometimes smarter than their pursuers, this tournament fisherman's suspicions have been born out in recent studies from the University of Oklahoma. Citing this data, Dobbs says, "Fish do possess a sense of taste and smell, some species more developed than others. Further, they seem to have distinct preferences."

Looking for an edge in pursuing trophy fish, Dobbs decided to turn this knowledge into an advantage. He was dissatisfied with commercially available pouches used to store soft plastic baits. He thought them to be of poor quality, susceptible to tear and abrasion. He reasoned that in order to mask human odor, why not apply a natural odor to the inner lining of the bags that would coat the soft plastic lures they hold. This in turn, would make them taste more natural to the fish. This solution also would eliminate the need for messy spray, oil, and powdered scents applied directly to the bait. He wanted an air and odor tight pliable package that would fit inside existing bait binders, specifically soft-sided tackle carrying bags.

Inexperienced in plastics, Dobbs cast into the pools and holes of the Internet for information. He landed a lunker. While visiting RTP Company's website, Dobbs discovered that RTP Company specialized in scented compounds, capable of both masking and imparting various aromas. At his request, RTP Company engineers custom formulated an RTP 700 Series low density polyethylene (LDPE) compound.

RTP Company's custom compound was formulated as an extrusion grade and impregnated the material with the four "flavors" specified by Dobbs—shad, crawfish, garlic, and anise. With extremely high loadings of aromatic essences, the materials were then engineered to bond with a second layer providing an air and vapor barrier. Prototype pouches were co-extruded with the vapor barrier in six sizes, each color coded for identification, heat sealed and cut to fit inside the popular brands of bait binders.

Dobbs then checked his nets. He distributed the pouches to a select number of field test participants in all areas of the country and calls the response "overwhelmingly positive." He said, "They are so effective that it seems the longer the soft lures remain in the bag, the more scent they absorb." He remarks that the soft plastic worms, grubs, jig skirts and spinner bait skirts stored in the pouches not only stay fresher for a longer period of time, but with the addition of the scent, seem to be even more effective.

Dobbs formed the Scent Loc™ Storage System to market the bags as stand-alone products, for which patents are pending. There are also plans for creating their own line of soft-sided tackle binders. He cites RTP Company's assistance as "extremely helpful." He said, "They managed to blend my ideas with their creativity and knowledge of scented compounds, which allowed me to produce a viable, effective product. This is the first successful attempt to blend these flavors into a storage system for freshwater fisherman."

Scent Loc™ is located in Dallas, TX, and markets their storage systems to fishing holes everywhere. Visit their website at www.scentloc.com.

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