Bug repellent -- effect on fish bite?

[KarstRanger]

Now that the noseeums are becoming a factor again this season, I wanted to ask: Do you guys worry about getting Deet-type stuff or Avon SSS on your lures, rod/reel, etc? These critters will sure bite the top of my hands, but I've always tried to keep my hands clean of repellent before tying a hook or lure or handling my gear. Is it worth the pain to be this careful of "contamination"?



Noseeums
Also known as "sand fleas," noseeums can make a morning or late afternoon at the beach unbearable – especially in the summer and early fall. They are nearly invisible and their bite or sting really isn't a bite or sting – it is the sensation you feel when the acid in their bodily fluid hits the skin.
Sand fleas are actually a gnat (Culicoides furens) that are sensitive to temperature and humidity.

Some swear by and application of Avon's Skin So Soft to keep the little critters away, but any insect repellant with DEET is sure to do the trick. Just remember that you may need to reapply after going in the water.

(from "http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/aquatic/biting_midges.htm")

[jsuber]

I don't worry about it at all. Noseeums were so bad at Oyster Bay that some of the trout I caught sprayed some Off on before getting back in the water.

[KarstRanger]

I don't worry about it at all. Noseeums were so bad at Oyster Bay that some of the trout I caught sprayed some Off on before getting back in the water.

I am mostly worried about the fish tasting repellent on soft baits and spitting them out.

But then, if it actually helps fish keep the bugs off too, sort of like FrontLine for your dog, then I'm all for sharing the technology to our waterbound friends.

[Barhopr]

If it's the acid that causes the sting, why can't you put something on that will neatralize the ph how, about vinegar? May not smell good but shouldn't transfer to baits.

[jsuber]

I've heard of people spraying it on their plastics as well as WD40. Hey, whatever works. I put Smelly Jelly on my plastics.

[KarstRanger]

If it's the acid that causes the sting, why can't you put something on that will neatralize the ph how, about vinegar? May not smell good but shouldn't transfer to baits.

OK, that's the ticket! I will just drink so much beer the night before so that it is still exuding (ask my wife if it don't) through my skin when I get up in the morning and that will make me naturally immune to the noseeum acid stings all day. Maybe we can patent this idea ?!!

[RC]

Try a thermalcell. I was shocked how well they worked. Don't need no stinking bug spray no more.

I put one by the fish cleaning station at Shell Island Fish Camp and within a few minutes the bugs were gone. You know how they take advantage of you while you are cleaning fish.

[Tom Keels]

If it's the acid that causes the sting, why can't you put something on that will neatralize the ph how, about vinegar? May not smell good but shouldn't transfer to baits.

Because vinegar is also an acid (acetic). You need a base to counteract the effects. Try drano. I guarantee you won't feel the gnats biting you anymore.

[Chalk]

Because vinegar is also an acid (acetic). You need a base to counteract the effects. Try drano. I guarantee you won't feel the gnats biting you anymore.

Sand gnats no better than to bite me ...They generally swarm me and leave Tincan alone

I have been using Bullfrog with insect repellent in it...no problems so far

[mjsigns]

No-seeums come with the territory. There is something in my blood that they really like. I use SSS when I have some, Bullfrog when it's available. I know that stuff on your hands will kill every live shrimp in the bait bucket..

[Ty one on]

I know if you take a dog on the boat the flies want bother you as much.

[TroutTrent]

You calling your partner Mike a Dog That's not right

[Capt Reggie]

RC is correct - use a Thermalcell...except in our larger vessels, use (2) Thermalcells, one fore, one aft. For those out there that do not want to use [or do not have] Thermalcells, use whatever "bug spray" you like...just be careful as some of the contents are harmful to fishing equipment, eh! Like mama says when we go to the grocery store, "read the labels on the contents and act {or buy & eat} accordingly". My research on using "flavored scents" over the past several decades to spray on our plastic and hard artificial baits has produced positive results. Years ago, when I was into the BASS thing & all the hype coming out of the early '70's, juicing up the plastic baits (worms, lizards, etc.) made them zip through the grass quite easily. Of course, it was the oil in the solution that made it "zippy". The "flavor" stuff came along later and found an audience with the pro's and the armature fishermen. Now, we have all kinds of stuff to spray, dunk, dredge, drizzle, etc.., on all our artificial, soft or hard plastic. Whoever said WD-40 works is very much on target - yeah, baby! And, there are some people out there that go to extremes, ya think? I once took a fella fishing last year and we were using live pinfish, under the Cajun Thunder Corks. He brought out a bottle of commercial menhaden oil, and splashed a gob of it on the wiggling live pinfish. Can't hurt, I suppose, thought I! Killed the pinfish right away, but all the oil did attract a big bullshark that literally ran off with hook, line, and...Cajun Thunder. He got really aggravated at me for laughing at his, er, technique...see, that's why I don't charge for guide services, okay!