Gone Fishing - Mosquitoes and Other Biting Insects

Fishing in many regions means the angler is confronted with biting insects that feed on human blood causing agitation and occasionally severe illness. There are two forms of protection against the biting insects: Adequate clothing or use of chemical/natural insect repellents.

The usual insect culprits are the mosquito, black-flies, biting midges (sand flies, no-see-ums) and ticks. These biting insects often breed near water, making anglers prone to being the meal of the day. Be aware that many of these insects can transmit serious illness: Encephalitis (North American mosquitoes); malaria, dengue and yellow fever (tropical mosquitoes); Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Colorado tick fever (ticks); and leishmoniasis (sand flies). Even when the risk of serious illness is low, biting insects can drive unprotected anglers off the water, with the effects being felt for days.

Physical forms of protection involve loose-fitting clothing, long-sleeved shirts and pants, with the pants legs tucked into socks and sleeves into gloves. A brimmed hat is worn as well. Face nets may be advisable in areas with high mosquito concentration. It is also possible to get a lightweight, nylon mesh “bug suit” to provide total body protection.

There are various chemical insect repellents available and anglers have their favourites. Taking a vitamin B complex for a period (3-4 weeks) before your fishing expedition can result in the insects finding you less appealing. Another good alternative to chemicals is the use of natural protects, like Melaleuca oil. What works for one person may not be effective for another, so it is best to test out repellents in lower populated insect areas until you find one or more that work for you. Then you can boost up your use for the higher insect concentration areas…