Just curious; if you are covering yourself and your hands with deet to keep the mosquitos off, does that have any effect on fishing with live bait or gulp? I imagine it wouldn't matter too much with lures since it's a reaction strike, but if they come up to "sniff" live bait will deet odor be a turnoff? (not using bug spray is NOT an option)
Thanks!

Well, it would seem that Deet would deter fish, but I have heard of people spraying WD40 on lures and catching fish.

Have no proof if it would deter fish or not, but I always wash my hands after using deet or sunscreen. I also carry a small squeeze bottle of fish attracting juice to rub on my hands after washing and prior to touching bait or lures.

I also wash my hands after before putting bait on. WD40 is a very popular trick with lures especially with the guides on Lake of the woods.

I'm one of those idiots who religiously believe in not letting DEET have any contact with any of my fishing equipment. I put deet on BEFORE I get in the canoe, like at the campsite. Dave

deet also melts plastics.....what isnt atleast partly plastic these days?

I think the deet and fishing thing is more so for damage to the line (florocarbon or mono) if you handle it excessively with deet (melts plastic). Personally, I don't have many problems about deet on my fishing gear that I have noticed. I did read somewhere recently that a good idea to avoid excessive deet on your fishing gear is to apply the deet to the back of your hand, then rub it on areas that you need it. Whatever the case, you can still catch fish with deet imo.

Maybe coincidence but I have consistently learned that deet and fish bite do not mix. Sometimes you just have to though. Try a head net. Use scent free soap and deoderant and scent free wipes that will help keep them away.