Leeches

[Paul Arden]

I was wondering if anyone has experienced fishing in areas of high numbers of leeches? This is a problem I have to solve for fishing the jungle rivers in this country. Waders are going to be a last resort because it’s 33/34C every day and the streams are not exactly cold. I’ve bought tights and socks. Just wondering if anyone knows of something better than this?

Thanks, Paul

[James9118]

Lycra leggings seem to be the latest style for flats fishing - would that work?

[Paul Arden]

I don't know yet because I haven't been back, but certainly that has been the first thing I have bought. Legs were obviously the hardest hit, but a few managed to find their way inside my shirt. I'll also carry some sort of spray next time so I can blast them off instead of picking them off. That will be more fun. I suspect this is more of a Wet Season problem.. hope so.

Cheers, Paul

[Limpe Iven]

Lycra leggings seem to be the latest style for flats fishing - would that work?

Been using them on the flats, mostly for UV protection, prevents mosquito bites-as the zika virus had been around on my latest destination- most comfortable, i must say, and with my skintype "chernobyl" it reduces the amount of sunscreen needed. Keeps all sort of bugs out. Combined with a tight fit long sleeve shirt covers most of the body. I'm very pleased with it.

[Jason King]

Salt on leeches to remove them? Or is that an old wives tail? Lol pretty sure I saw it in a black and white movie as a kid..so must be true.
I may have also seen covering yourself in lard helps as well.

Jason.

[Paul Arden]

Nice bump! Yes salt works as does shampoo, DEET, or just picking them off and then chopping them up with a machete!

Now I fish in boots with socks, trousers, gaiters, shirt tucked in belt, and they get me at my neck mostly. No way in apart from the long way, but they still get me. To be honest it hasn’t taken very long but they are just a nuisance now

Cheers, Paul

[Jason King]

Yeh hope I don’t annoy anyone bumping old threads
I am enjoying cruising around the forum.
I think leeches may be my biggest phobia.....closely followed by March/horse flys.
I bought a “Bugstopper” shirt to wear last summer and it actually worked keeping the flys away.

Jason.

[Paul Arden]

No it’s fantastic to pick up on old topics. Once you have had a few hundred leech bites the phobia wears off. I don’t like horse flies either At least here in the jungle there are no mosquitoes. If there were then I probably wouldn’t still be here! The only time I encounter those is when there are people and standing water.

Cheers, Paul