May, June and July are prime tick months and you should be wary if you are fishing in areas with livestock or are known tick hotspots. The tick you are most likely to get bitten by is Ixodes ricinus or commonly known as the sheep tick. I always treat my legs with a DEET based insect repellent like Jungle Formula. I put a ring around my leg just above my sock line and another above my knee. I also tuck my trousers into my socks and wear knee lengths gaiters. My light green longs are perfect for spotting any that get above the gaiter. Alternately, while it might be hotter I wear thigh waders. The NHS advice included below tells you all you need to know about ticks and your health.
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Open in new tab Public Health England have been running a tick surveillance scheme since 2005 and if you do discover ticks please submit records to the scheme. The distribution map compiled by the scheme is included below and may provide you with some idea of where the risk might be highest when out fishing.
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If you do need to remove a tick I would recommend a tick removal tool which I carry in my first aid kit which I always carry in my backpack when fishing. I use the TickCard which is handily shaped that it can also be carried in your wallet. If you don’t have one and need to remove a tick promptly, sharp tweezers will do the job (see the NHS guidance above).
Tight lines and stay tick free
Greg
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