THEY"RE BACK!, Stable Flies

[Grandpa Jim]

Just a heads up on the presence of these hungry little critters! No wind at all on Sunday p.m. and these annoying pests were out in full force. With two fly swatters going non-stop the white, skid proof floor quickly looked like a slaughter house. Blood everywhere - all of which had been deftly extracted from my wife and I by these tiny vampires. Plans to spend a few days fishing and kayaking were quickly altered to a speedy return to the marina.
Time for work jeans, thick wool socks and long sleeved shirts, regardless of the temperatures.

[mamona]

Hahaha, I feel ya. Great Outdoors repellent saved us last weekend. They were still around but not able to bite at all.

[Knuguy]

Have you tried te deer fly patches?

[Longshank]

Ewe I absolutely hate those things..

my only relief comes from socks on and spray with off or somethin similar

[Newburg007]

Another member suggested Off Botanicals (non-deet). I had success using it last year both in the turkey hunt and in the boat. Wally-world sells it in lotion form (not greasy) for about $10. It's also made in a spray -- but I've not seen it -- which might be preferred for fishing (avoid more scent on the hands).