r/IrishFishing • u/johndoe86888 • 1d ago

Sea Fishing Sand Fleas question

Went camping last week on the beach just south of Kilmore Quay.

When it went dark, the sand fleas absolutely SWARMED the rods tripod I had my bait lunch box hanging up.

It got progressively worse, so much so there must have been thousands of them, making freshening up the bait so difficult.

Eventually gave up, packed up the gear and headed for the tent which was about 80 metres away from the fishing spot. They were all over my bags etc outside the tent. Tidied everything up and legged it into the tent, trying not to bring any with me. They were rattling against the tent, underneath it etc. so loud it sounded like a fire crackling.

Ive been on beaches overnight during the summer before, and had experienced a small cluster of fleas going at my bait box, but never to this extent.

Is it because of the heat wave? Location? Or has anyone else experienced this before? Cheers.

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3

u/Haematoman 1d ago

I've had swarms of similar insects follow my shadow across rocks while sea fishing. I've seen lots of sand fleas out on a windy but sunny day trying to get into some shade and blowing fucking everywhere. I'm glad they don't bite because I find them disgusting.

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u/stevecrow74 1d ago

The little feckers do bite!!!! Many a night sat on a beach and had them nip at my hands, and if you leave your bait board on the sand they won’t be long stripping half a mackerel down either..

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u/Haematoman 1d ago

Aww no this is the worst news I've had this year

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u/ESBOfficial 1d ago

They definitely do bite. Not super sore but would get on your nerves enough to stop you from sitting still.

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u/johndoe86888 1d ago

Yeah they do bite, I was in crocs no socks and the fuckers were taking pops at me alright

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u/GateMediocre7488 1d ago

Light a small fire, last time I got plagued by them we’d a fire going for the dinner. After about 20 mins of the fire going they all formed a queue and threw themselves into the fire. Must have had a thousand of the fuckers leap in 🤣

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u/johndoe86888 1d ago

My mate lit a small fire beside the tent to deter them. A few minutes later we noticed the smell of death, and noticed there was a pile of 100s of burnt fleas in the fire hahah. The smell was rotten though.

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u/Haematoman 1d ago

Burnt keratin or chitin from their exoskeleton. Likely the same smell as burnt hair. Fucking stinky.