Anyone have ideas on keeping biting flies away on the boat? I know the normal ideas of keeping the boat clean, wearing pants and long sleeve shirts, and bug repellant/thermacells. I have read about sprays that you can use on your boat and carpet to help with this and I am curious. Things like bronco equine spray, ultraSHIELD spray that has more natural ingredients, etc. Thoughts?
I’m all over interested in this thread!!! 
I use the battery operated Ryobi fan set on high and pointed at my ankles. Keep you cool and keeps most all bugs away.
-J.
Coppertone Sport 50. Lots of people swear by it. I have only had a chance to try it once and it worked. Just on my ankles. That’s where they attack me in the pontoon. Little devils.
I heard somewhere that Vicks Vapo-rub on your ankles and wrists, so I tried it up-north Kayak fishing. I’m here to tell you that it was a night and day difference if you don’t mid smelling like a pack of menthols. Actually it was warm weather and the Vapo-rub had a nice cooling sensation, as well. Give it a try!
A Thermacell also works on biting flies if you keep it on the floor by your feet, I’ve found
This stuff is great, but light long pants and black socks are the best prevention
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Are we talking the black biting flies or the deer flies? I haven’t found anything that repels the deer flies in the river. They are a curse. And down right merciless. They’ll land right on your face and take a bite out of you.
I was assuming ankle biters, not the big fat ones.
I keep a fly swatter in the boat, too.
Raid Yard Guard. Piritherin(sp?) works great too.
Ankle biter flies.
I was wondering on the raid yard guard, and if it os detrimental to the boat carpet or other materials. Similar question with horse stable sprays.
Coppertone Sport 50. Lots of people swear by it. I have only had a chance to try it once and it worked. Just on my ankles. That’s where they attack me in the pontoon. Little devils.
I had first experience with the black biting flies on the Mississippi last week. It was a sunny, windless, hot evening and I had no idea where these flies were coming from, or why they were attracted to me or the boat.
Of course I forgot the three cans of bug spray at home, but I did have a can of sport sunblock spray. I tried it as a last ditch effort. It didn’t work. I gave up and went in early.
I wear my waders. And when it’s hot outside, I have a built in weight loss program.
Actually, I just wear high topped shoes.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>suzuki wrote:</div>
Coppertone Sport 50. Lots of people swear by it. I have only had a chance to try it once and it worked. Just on my ankles. That’s where they attack me in the pontoon. Little devils.I had first experience with the black biting flies on the Mississippi last week. It was a sunny, windless, hot evening and I had no idea where these flies were coming from, or why they were attracted to me or the boat.
Of course I forgot the three cans of bug spray at home, but I did have a can of sport sunblock spray. I tried it as a last ditch effort. It didn’t work. I gave up and went in early.
I read it has to be the cream and 50 for sure. That’s what I bought. Could be bunk though. Maybe Ill get a chance to experiment the next couple of weekends.
I keep a fly swatter in the boat, too.
i do also but i want to fish instead of swatting blood sucking insects. i’ve used different sprays and works temporarily. i hate wearing long pants when its hot out but i find wearing long pants and shoes that cover the ankles the best remedy…….even if its hot out!!!!
i hate wearing long pants when its hot out but i find wearing long pants and shoes that cover the ankles the best remedy…….even if its hot out!!!!
I bought a few pairs of “Water-Resistant Cresta Hiking Pants” from LL Bean, mainly because of bugs, and they’re the best money I ever spent for summer time. I actually find them much more comfortable in hot weather than canvas type shorts but, of course, shorts that are lighter material would still be marginally cooler.
I bought one of the salt guns for this. It is great!! Keeps the kids busy too.
I believe it is called the Bug-a-salt. Get the grey one for outdoor use. Has a little more reach than the yellow one.
Some flies seem to only attack whatever the highest point on your body is. Obviously not the case with ankle biters.. But in the bwca, I’ve found that if you put a blue hat on a stick or something that makes it the highest point of all human things around, the flies seem to swarm that more and will provide you a little relief. I’m not sure why blue, but legend has it that flies are most attracted to the color blue.
You need one of these party hats
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Fishing season begins in October for me 
Never used bug spray before….what’s that?
Just a heads up. I used the Coppertone Sport 50 on a trip to LOW. I think it did help with the black flies but it left a white stain on seats or upholstery. Anything it came in contact with. So far, I havent found anything to remove it. If anybody knows how to get it off let me know!
I believe it is called the Bug-a-salt. Get the grey one for outdoor use. Has a little more reach than the yellow one.
You need to upgrade to the camo version. They may only be available at scheels however.
I use Skin so soft. It’s an Avon product. Works well.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>buschman wrote:</div>
I believe it is called the Bug-a-salt. Get the grey one for outdoor use. Has a little more reach than the yellow one.You need to upgrade to the camo version. They may only be available at scheels however.
I might, it never hurt to have two guys on the trigger!
Biting flies I use a heavy amount of deet100. A fly swatter helps too.
I keep a can of Farm and Dairy fly spray in the boat. Just a couple short blasts in out of the way corners of the boat and they vacate. How they can appear out of nowhere 5 miles from shore is amazing.
Pete
Biting flies I use a heavy amount of deet100. A fly swatter helps too.
One interesting thing I read recently.. Studies show there is marginal incremental effectiveness of 100% deet compared to 20-30% deet. The 100% just lasts longer.
I have used bug spray that was 100% deet. Didn’t do a darn thing to repel biting flies. Nothing repels those merciless things except fire lol
Before spraying anything in the boat regardless of wind direction cover the screens on all locators and leave them covered until any chemicals are blown away or settled.
I have never had a problem with biting flies on a lake-I always wear long pants socks, usually a long shirt and socks, think I would jet around if their was a problem-I use repellant just a few times a year. On the way to the lake can be bad and small to mid sized rivers…..
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