FISHING TIPS • HAND ODOR GUIDE
How to Get Fish Smell Off Your Hands
Why fish odor lingers — and what to use after handling fish, bait, shrimp, squid, or a full day on the water.
Quick answer: Thoroughly clean the oils, slime and odor-causing residue from your hands instead of simply covering the smell with fragrance. When you’re away from a sink, a portable fishing hand wipe formulated to clean and remove fish and bait odors is the convenient option.
How to Get Fish Smell Off Your Hands?
The goal is to remove the residue causing the odor, not simply cover it with a stronger fragrance.
Clean every surface of your hands
Focus on palms, fingertips, between fingers, thumbs and around your nails—the places residue tends to hang around.
Use Fishing Hand Cleaner soap and water when available
A thorough wash is the standard option when you have access to a sink. Rinse well and dry your hands completely.
On the water, use Lapeyroux's portable Fishing Hand Wipes
When a sink isn’t nearby, use Lapeyroux's Fishing Hand Wipes, which are designed to clean hands and remove fish and bait odors so you can clean up before touching your phone, steering wheel or lunch.
Why Does Fish Smell Stay on Your Hands?
Fish odor isn't simply something sitting on the surface of your skin.
As fish begins to break down, naturally occurring compounds contribute to its characteristic odor. One of the best known is trimethylamine (TMA), a volatile compound associated with the familiar “fishy” smell.
During fishing and fish cleaning, odor-producing compounds and residue can transfer to your hands.
The smell can be particularly noticeable after handling:
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Fresh or saltwater fish
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Cut bait
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Shrimp
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Squid
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Baitfish
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Fish slime
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Fish blood and tissue
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Fishing gear contaminated with bait or fish residue
Your hands also contain countless small creases, around the fingernails and other areas where residue can remain.
That's one reason a quick rinse with water may not completely solve the problem.
What about lemon, vinegar or stainless steel?
Home remedies are popular because acidic ingredients can interact with some fish-odor compounds. But lemon or vinegar can be messy or inconvenient on a boat, kayak or pier.
Stainless-steel “soap” is also commonly recommended online, although evidence for how well it works is limited.
The practical fishing solution: carry purpose-built Lapeyroux's Fishing Hand Wipes for cleanup where you actually need it—on the water.
MADE FOR ANGLERS
What Should You Use After Handling Fish & Bait?
Lapeyroux’s Fishing Hand Wipes are made for fishermen who want a convenient way to clean their hands and remove fish and bait odors while they’re still on the water.
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Cleans + removes odors
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97% water
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Hypoallergenic
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Dermatologically tested
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pH balanced
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Contains aloe
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Zero harsh chemicals
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Toasted Oats scent
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Resealable flatpack
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Veteran-owned business