The Detestable Companion

Much has been writ about the many joys of river exploration, particularly when it comes to the pursuit  of the legendary trout.

While the delights are many and the adventures grand, life is not all blissful ease on the trout stream. There are “occupational hazards” one may encounter from time-to-time (and often very frequently). One of the most infamous of all hazards is the Mosquito.

Affectionately referred to as the state bird of Minnesota and Wisconsin, these little buggers have been the source of much suffering, agony, pain, annoyance, hardship and near insanity of many a determined trout fisherman.

I believe that our mind tends to “black out” the memories of mosquito hordes found on trout streams, for anglers never cease to return to their favorite bends and holes, regardless of the needle-nosed companions they are sure to encounter. Many a promising trip has been utterly ruined by these frightfully annoying blood-suckers. At times it seems that no amount of bug spray, citronella, DEET, campfire smoke, or other crazy home remedy will keep them at bay. They are masters at mounting uncoordinated but ruthless attacks at all parts of body, whether exposed or not. Their strategy is in numbers. Swat one and ten more appear to take its place! Woe be to any exposed skin.

Of course, one should not underestimate the power of the Lone Drone, either. An effective means to torture someone would surely be to amplify the sinister high-pitched  humming of a mosquito and play it repeatedly. It’s enough to make a man want his ears lopped off by old St. Peter, for the sole purpose of never hearing this sound again.

Still, if one can tolerate these vicious critters, good fishing is sure to be found. Of course at its core, a river is a wild place, so it makes sense that one will encounter challenges that will push you far past your level of comfort. And no matter how bad the swarms get, a trout fisherman is sure to return to his favorite stream, for when the trout are biting, nothing can be allowed to get between an angler and his quarry! Bring the bug spray, throw on a bandana, roll down your sleeves, and get ready to suffer!

Don’t even get me started on ticks…