went this evening and everything was pleasant till it got dark and I hooked up the light. I've never heard bugs in such mass before that it sounded like we were setting next to a bee hive. Is this the norm? It has been a long time since I nite fished and I know the Mrs will not want to go again. But someone please share your experiences lately maybe I just picked a bad night.

I don't know if it's any worse this year, than years gone by ... or if it was just a good night for the bugs, too ... but :

I have had some nights like that, where the bugs were so thick that they almost blotted out my "black lights". White lights would have made matters worse. Although, I will say, it mostly seemed to occur between dusk to around 11PM. After that, they seemed to thin out ... at least enough that they weren't a hindrance to being able to see
A little breeze is also good at keeping the numbers down

If the Mrs was with you ... was she wearing any perfume ? That's usually a big no-no, when night fishing. Seems to draw the critters

Might want to invest in some Thermacell products, if you plan on venturing out on the lake at night. Can't give you a personal appraisal, on their effectiveness, but if you can believe the majority of members that have used them ... they work.

Most of the bugs that are drawn to the light .... are more of a nuisance, than a biting threat. Mosquito's, on the other hand, aren't attracted to the light ... but are attracted to the dark places, and the CO2 given off by your body and breath. And they're about the only ones that seem to be affected by the wearing/use of "bug repellants" .... most all of the "other" bugs don't seem to care whether you have any kind of repellant on, or not. They're just flying around all crazy ... getting in your nose, ears, up your sleeves/pants leg, and into most everything else. LOL !!

.... cp

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You did have a point on the wind. Wish I could catch it that calm during the day.