Does sunscreen on my hands scare smallmouth bass, and which sunscreen should I buy?

The documented case is PABA, a sunscreen active that Berkley's Keith Jones found strongly repels bass; most modern formulas dropped it. For other ingredients controlled evidence is thin, so the sensible purchase is a fragrance-free mineral lotion or stick (zinc oxide / titanium dioxide) rather than a perfumed spray. Cover up first — UPF hoodie, buff, sun gloves — and only the face needs lotion. Put it on at home 20–30 minutes ahead, use the back of the hands, and wipe the palms with unscented soap or a handful of lake weed. Smallmouth raise the stakes through how they are fished: clear water and baits that sit still. A tube dragged on rock, a drop shot held in place or a ned rig soaking on bottom gives the fish a long, close look and a taste. A fast jerkbait or spinnerbait gives it neither.

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