Bring a hook. I've had plenty of times where there was nothing lying around. In a forest, not a problem. In a field, bigger issues.

I wear rubber boots because I wade 50% of the time.

In dryer areas I wear tall hiking boots. I never wear shorts and generally wear long sleeved shirts.

I'm not so sure about bug spray, I don't use it when I don't have to. After all, the animals that you touch will always do better without it, so I don't risk it.