Celticav Posted August 25, 2003 Report Share Posted August 25, 2003 Can using bug spray turn the fish off? I know alot of people that will not pump gas before they fish and say the fish can smell it on everything they touch. Is bug juice like this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Splash Posted August 25, 2003 Report Share Posted August 25, 2003 YES!! Don't use your palms to apply bug juice. Use as little as you can get away with. Avoid sprays that apply too much at once. I use a small squeeze bottle of repellent and apply to the back of my hands and wrists, then rub onto the neck and forehead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gr8flyz Posted August 25, 2003 Report Share Posted August 25, 2003 I agree with Big Splash, and don't think any other animal is much different than we are when it comes to smells or taste. We stay away from what we don't like. If it offends, then I'm sure it will cause fish not to bite, and most other animals have a better sense of smell than we do so they can detect smaller amounts than we can. I've always just thought it best to keep anything like that off my hands when fishing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodsac Posted August 25, 2003 Report Share Posted August 25, 2003 I read a study a few years ago about this subject. The individuals concluded that there were several smells that not only detoured bass from holding on to a lure or bait, but actually repelled the bass all together. Here are some of the things that were on the list: gas bug spray sun screen cologne/perfume cigarette smoke certain soaps I apply my bug spray like normal. But when I'm done, I wash my hands with purel (not sure if thats a good idea) the kind that doesn't need water, then I spray a light coat of BANG on my hands and rub them together to mask any other smells. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassnG3 Posted August 25, 2003 Report Share Posted August 25, 2003 I always fail safe, after putting on bug spray or sun screen I just put a couple drops of Kickin Bass scent in the palm of my hand and rub my hands together. BassnG3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Splash Posted August 30, 2003 Report Share Posted August 30, 2003 Here is some info on deet; maybe more than you want to know. "DEET is a chemical solvent and plastizer...it causes rapid deterioration of plastics...builds up readily in small bodies, especially during summer (when) heat causes pores to open more readily." DEET is capable of damaging plastic eye glasses frames, watch crystals, synthetic fabrics, leather, painted or varnished surfaces. DEET repellents are not totally safe, and pose the greatest risk for children especially with repeated usage. According to Marion Moses, MD, founder of the Pesticide Education Center, San Francisco, CA, DEET is very toxic to the brain and nervous system. It can cause headache, tremor, weakness, paralysis, slurred speech, emotional / behavior changes, seizures and death in rare instances. More common symptoms may be skin rash, blistering, or allergic reaction. Fish don't bite either... I found the above information at http://www.cacinfo.org/DEET.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
