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Does Sunscreen Spook Bass?

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  • Super User

Someone recently made a post about sunscreen for fisherman and I would like to know who thinks sunscreen even effects fishing for bass. Should we worry about it?

I mean maybe the grease I fry my chicken in spooks em? Maybe my shampoo? Maybe the Pepsi I drink? Maybe the sugar from my donut?

What I'm trying to say is it seems like a lot of the things we use bass can detect but the real question is would it cause them to not hit your lure.

I wouldn't dip my lure in a bowl of it, but I have a hard time imagining a little residue would hurt much.

I don't know if sunscreen would spook a bass. I have never tried to put sunscreen on a bass. However, it is a good idea to wash your hands after handling such things as sunscreen, gasoline, or anything else with a pungent odor before handling your lures or line. I keep a bar of biodegradable soap and a towel in the boat for this purpose. 

  • Author
  • Super User

I use the bananaboat brand of sunscreen that is fragrance free but I doubt that fish wouldn't be able to dectect a good amount of it. But I don't think handling your lures after using sunscreen and washing your hands would effect catching bass.

Went out today, wearing sunscreen, caught 5 fish to my buddy's 1. He didn't have sunscreen on. I'm gonna say that for me it makes no difference, its not like I am rubbing it on the bait

 Since I stated kayak fishing this spring/summer I've been out in the sun more and even with a hat on I need sunblock.  So I've been putting it on an putting on a lot at home before I go.  I do wash my hands though after I put it on.  So far I don't think it's had effect on my bass fishing.  I know this though - If I go out in my kayak when the sun it out, I want sunblock on for sure.  

  • Author
  • Super User

Went out today, wearing sunscreen, caught 5 fish to my buddy's 1. He didn't have sunscreen on. I'm gonna say that for me it makes no difference, its not like I am rubbing it on the bait

So we should put sunscreen on our baits! It obviously attracts fish according to you out fishing your buddy. ;)

  • Super User

If you put a little JJ's or Megastrike on the bottle first, use the correct size treble hooks and don't make too big of a splash when you cast it, you should be OK.

 

:eyebrows:

 

A-Jay

So we should put sunscreen on our baits! It obviously attracts fish according to you out fishing your buddy. ;)

lol well what I mean is, it doesn't seem like it hurt at all 

Went out with a friend last week and used some my wife bought me, 55spf, called helioplex by neutrogena. My buddy said "something smells sweet, is that you?" "Yea, I replied, I just passed gas. I've been thinking about bottling it, could make millions" A bee liked it to.  Now I've got to find some that's unsented. Oh yea, he out fished me about the same (5 - 1) but I did catch biggest and smallest fish. In my defence, he's our local guide.

  • Super User

I rinse my hands off and use megastrike on my lures after sunblocking up. Should be NO problem.

  • Super User

I always use sunscreen and have never noticed a problem.

Mix on part smelly jelly and one part sunscreen then apply

  • Super User

Until bass grow barbels like catfish and carp, I don't give their olfactory perception a second-thought.

 

I never go fishing without a liberal application of Neutrogena Beach Defense on my face and hands,

and I'm sure it gets all over my lures. Nevertheless, I cannot say that I've ever noticed sunscreen

to have a negative effect on fishing. Heck, we've got anglers out there who use WD40 as a fish attractant,

so it wouldn't surprise me one bit if 'Sunscreen' became the next fish attractant craze.

 

Roger

If you are really worried about it, you can mix some JJ's magic in with the sunscreen before you apply. You might scare away other humans with your scent, but the bass will love it.

Just don't throw your bottle at them and I think you'll be fine

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