I lived in the far east for 7 years and certainly many predatory fish could be attracted to the bait with splashing and noise. Mekong cats being a prime example. You float down the river at night with a large livebaits suspended just under the surface and, with an oar or flat piece of wood, slap the surface with a loud *thwack* The cats thought it was fish leaping.
I can also recall fishing The Warren in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex (Famed for its 40lb pike, which is dead now). There are several wooden walkways between the islands and, on one particular day, I was present when a match was taking place. Around 40 pairs off feet had trampled over this particular walkway, trolleys in tow when i saw a carp roll, right next to one of the supports as the last of the matchmen crossed. I crept along the planking, and there, below me, were half a dozen large carp feeding.
However.....I have also fished Balmaha on Loch Lomond and seen fish bow wave awy from a boat that entered th large shallow expanse of water there. We never had another fish until that boat had left
I think a lot depends on the water involved, but certainly, as a rule, I think predatory fish are attracted to subtle splashing.