Fishing means being exposed to mother nature and its elements - humidity, rain, wind, chill, and not to mention, insects and bugs. The number one thing that can ruin your beautifully-planned fishing activity is the mosquito.

To get started, let’s discuss the most common diseases that these winged ones could cause:

Table of Contents:

6 Common diseases that you can get from a mosquito bite

It might seem impossible that something so small can kill so many people with just one bite. Mosquito bites result in the deaths of over one million people every year.

West Nile Virus (WNV)

With WNV, a mosquito that bites an infected bird, then bites a person, can transmit WNV. This disease is commonly spread during the summer, but the majority of the people who are infected hardly show any symptoms.

WNV is a viral condition, which means that it doesn’t have a cure. However, OTC medications, such as pain relievers may help relieve symptoms of WNV.

Encephalitis

Encephalitis is a viral infection that causes inflammation in the brain. The virus brings mild flu-like symptoms, such as headache, fever, fatigue, and muscle and joint ache. For severe symptoms, an individual may experience seizures, confusion, hallucinations, muscle weakness, problems with speech or hearing, and loss of consciousness.

Dog heartworm

A mosquito infected with the heartworm larvae will give your dog heartworm disease. It takes seven months for the larvae to mature into adult heartworms once an infected mosquito bites a dog. 

Dogs with severe heartworm disease have abnormal lung sounds and they can pass out due to blood loss to the brain. If not treated, dogs may die from the disease.

Zika virus

People who experience mild symptoms of the Zika virus report mild fever, muscle pain, and rash. Other signs of the virus include pink eye, headache, and a general feeling of discomfort.

Dengue Fever

Mild dengue fever can appear within seven days after being bitten by a dengue carrier mosquito. Mild symptoms are body rash, high fever, aching muscles and joints, intense headache, pain behind the eyes, vomiting, and a feeling of nausea.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya’s symptoms include the sudden onset of fever, fatigue, headache, and rash that appear within two to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Why do mosquitoes bite people?

Mosquitoes bite people because they need protein in their blood. Apparently, they get their much-needed protein from humans. However, only female mosquitoes bite and they also use the blood to help lay their eggs.

There are some humans that get bitten more often by mosquitoes compared to others. Scientists are finding genes that govern certain body odors to help them come up with more targeted types of mosquito repellants.

Another reason is that people with high levels of steroids or cholesterol on their skin surface attract mosquitoes more.

Mosquitoes are attracted to the rate of carbon dioxide production, and people with higher metabolic rates tend to produce more carbon dioxide, such as larger people and pregnant women.

13 Tips to make fishing a more enjoyable experience

Prevention is definitely better than seeking a cure. Here are some tips to help keep mosquitoes at bay whilst you are out fishing: 

Mosquito repellent

Mosquito repellent that contains DEET is known to be safe and effective. DEET is the chemical N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, which you may see as an active ingredient in most insect repellents being sold today. 

Picaridin is also known to be effective. There are some observations that Picaridin is more effective than DEET because it can keep mosquitoes at a greater distance. 

Herbal oils

You can also protect yourself from mosquitoes by using herbal oils. The potent smell of herbal oils keeps the mosquitoes away for at least six to eight hours. Moreover, herbal oils contain antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-protozoan properties. 

You can check out herbal oils made from: 

• Lilac
• Coconut
• Eucalyptus
• Lemongrass
• Lavender
• Rosemary

All you need to do is mix them with water and *poof*, you got yourself an instant mosquito repellent. 

Wear loose-fitting clothing or synthetic sports fabric with a high UPF rating for sun protection

Loose-fitting clothing can also keep you comfortable and cool while you are out on the boat. Synthetic sports fabric is also a great choice to keep mosquitoes at bay. And since you are out in the sun, make sure that your clothing has a UPF Rating above 40 for sun protection. You do not want to get a bad sunburn from your fishing trip!

Avoid being out at dusk or dawn

Dusk and dawn are the prime feeding times for mosquitoes, which is why you should try to stay indoors during this time. You can set off to fish early in the morning or in the afternoon. 

Wear light-colored clothing 

Bright-colored or even dark colored-clothing may make you more attractive to mosquitoes. That is why it is best to stick to light-colored clothing when you are going out to fish.

Avoid areas with standing/stagnant water

Mosquitoes frequent standing water because this is where they lay their eggs. Make sure to avoid areas with standing water to protect yourself from mosquito bites. 

Shower and wear fresh clothes

The scent of your sweat and other odor that you emit when you have not showered or do not have fresh clothes on may produce a strong odor that may attract mosquitoes. One of the substances found in sweat is lactic acid, which research has shown that it is a key mosquito attractant.

Ride with the wind

If you are out fishing and you want to avoid mosquitoes, use the power of the wind. You can take a boat out on the water or you can go to places like a bend in a valley or a canyon to fish.

Face into the wind

If there are still mosquitoes and other bugs flying around but you feel a strong breeze, face into the wind. It will push insects to cluster behind your head instead of your face.

Go with the flow of the water

As mentioned, mosquitoes breed in standing water. Find an area where the water is moving fast but still has pools. This is also a great spot because you will get more wind to keep mosquitoes and other bugs away. 

Avoid eating foods that are high in carbohydrates, sodium, and potassium 

These foods release acids in the body that are attractive to mosquitoes. So, before you head out to catch some fish, avoid eating salty and potassium-rich foods. Instead, consider eating foods that can repel mosquitoes, such as apples, blueberries, watermelon, cucumbers, and green peppers. You can also eat citrus fruits and spicy foods.

Don’t drink beer

Studies show that abstaining from alcohol whenever you are outdoors and doing activities, such as fishing, may help keep mosquitoes away. This is due to the body odor that beer drinkers emit that is attractive to mosquitoes. 

Wear fishing hats with flaps that cover your face and avoid not just mosquitoes but all bugs

When it comes to preventing mosquito bites, you can also wear fishing hats with flaps. It can cover your face and repel mosquitoes and other bugs. That way, you will be able to concentrate on your fishing without having to shoo away pesky insects around you and in your face. 

Fortunately, there are a lot of fishing hats that you can get today. One of the best on the market is our selection offishing hats here at GearTop. Our fishing hat with flaps is not only stylish and high quality, but it can also protect you from mosquitoes and harmful UV rays.

Conclusion

Mosquitoes are deadly and you are vulnerable when you are outdoors. Since there is no cure for some of the viruses that mosquitoes carry, prevention is a must. 

Eating the right foods, considering the timing and spot, and wearing the right clothing is essential to keep mosquitoes at bay. 

Invest in good quality gear and clothing, such as fishing hats to keep you protected from mosquitoes and the harmful rays of the sun. 

Thanks for reading!