By Daryl Bauer, Fisheries Outreach Program Manager
Have always been a bit perplexed by people’s aversion to “smelling like a fish”. Oh sure, I get it, there is nothing worse than the smell of dead, rotting fish. I am not referring to that, I am talking about just the way fish smell, when you catch them, what your hands smell like.
If you fish enough, catch enough different species, you will begin to recognize the different odors of different species of fish. Bluegills have a distinct odor; sometimes you can even detect it when you are sitting on a school of them. Largemouth bass smell unique. Muskie anglers are obsessed with the smell of success, the odor of a muskie in the net, on their hands! Cannot get enough of that smell! After I handle a muskie, I may not wash for days!
Have always considered it a good day when I “smell like fish”!
Whether on the job, as a fisheries biologist or just spending a day fishing, many times I have had to clean up immediately after walking through the door at home. Once, in the drive-through lane of a fast food restaurant, the girl working the window informed my partner and I that we smelled like fish (Gasp, Horror). That proclamation was complete with a look of disgust on her face. We laughed. We were hungry and thought we smelled just fine! She must have been a golfer.
Anyway, another weekend is upon us. Hope you have a great one!
