Human scent

[Flannelshirt]

My father-in-law is convinced that humans have a scent that fish can detect and tries to use that to explain why he sometimes can't catch fish. I always laugh at him and tell him he's full of it. What do you think?

[woodzman]

Things like gasoline or other strong odors on your hands can turn fish off, but I've never noticed fish being repelled by human odor alone. At least the types of fish that I fish for don't seem to be bothered by it.

[boomerang]

I cannot find a single valid proof confirming your father-in-law's thought. I don't think fish can detect the scent of humans from that far. Moreover, there is water between them which would neutralize the scent.

[Smokey]

I've seen stuff in fishing stores that you can wash your hands with to get rid of human scent but I've never believe such a thing was needed. Maybe your FIL is a lousy fisherman?