Creating The New Lab Series Softbaits From Berkley w/ Mark Sexton | JMO Fishing 408

Mark Sexton, Director of Fish Science and Product Testing at Berkley, reveals the secretive, science-driven process behind the revolutionary Lab Series soft baits—baits that have already propelled Dylan Nutt to a Bassmaster Classic win and Austin Tomasek to a National Walleye Tour victory. What makes these baits unlike anything before is not just their design, but a groundbreaking fusion of two distinct materials: Powerbait’s durable PVC base and Max Scent’s intense, water-soluble attractant chemistry. The result? A bait that creates a 'humongous scent field'—so powerful fish detect it before they see it. Sexton describes the three-year development struggle, especially the chemical challenge of bonding two incompatible materials without compromising performance. The real 'aha' moment came not in a lab, but when pros started reporting fish weren’t just biting—they were eating the bait instantly, never spitting it out. This isn’t just a product launch; it’s a testament to a culture of collaboration, where every team member—from chemists to field testers—feels ownership. The company’s refusal to patent its attractant formulas, citing a belief that 'patents are for the weak,' underscores a deep commitment to protecting trade secrets. For anglers, the takeaway isn’t just about catching more fish—it’s about knowing that behind every winning bait is a team of passionate, fish-obsessed scientists and anglers working in the shadows.