Began fishing with my Grandad at age 3 and have fished, both fresh and salt water, each successive year for the past 65. Have used deet based repellant for as many years as it has been on the market and have never had a problem. However, I do not spray it on the palms of my hands, nor do I allow it to get on my bait, tackle or fishing gear. I don't like the spray on me period, so, I wear a hat, long sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and shoes, all very light weight. I litely spray my hat, shirt collar, sleeves-shoulder to cuff, and around the bottom of my pants legs. I live in eastern SC where it is hot, humid, and swampy, with plenty of bugs and I have not experianced a problem with the fish not biting from it. I would forget about what someone says and try it for myself. If it works, great. If it doesn't, what have you lost? A small bottle of Deet spray.

I can't spray Deet on my skin directly, so we went to the health food store and they have a free formula, we mix it this time of the year, i spray it on my skin, then i spray Deet on outside clothes, when i come home i take off clothes to wash and shower this keeps the possibilities down, make sure to spray your shoes, but not wading boots, now i don't know about Fish repellents that you have to check on. Good luck and Happy Fishing. We live in the Midsouth.

Try Bounce Dryer Sheets, rub all over your skin and clothes, it really works for bugs, gnats, etc. Don't know about ticks.

BOUNCE FABRIC SOFTENER SHEETS: These things work great on anything where the game smelling you is not a problem. So far the skeeters have not been a problem this fishing season. However, when I heard of this last year, I was skeptical, but, decided to try it dove hunting. Had an old hat that the sides are mesh, so I rubbed my exposed skin with the sheet, then put it in the hat on top of my head. Eight of us were in the group, all used bug spray and still had to fight off the swarms of skeeters. I did not spray and did not have any problems at all. Used them from then till after the frost, worked every time. When the skeeters come out this summer, you can bet your booties, I will be using them while fishing!

Here's a woman's tip: try Avon's Skin-So-Soft to warn off mosquitos. It's a thin application that works very well, not to mention very inexpensive especially if you catch it BOGO (Buy One Get One Free). You'll also smell a whole lot better and have soft skin as an extra bonus. 😛

I'm definately going to try the dryer sheets.