i checked some old pictures and the two trips i made were in the early part of june??
i alway's go to the Q about the 20th of may and the bugs are just starting to get real active.
everybody seems to have a different tolerance to blackflies, even on the two trips i went on i was wearing shorts and t-shirt, sometimes no shirt at all.
i alway's doped up before i left tent in morning and every couple of hours during the day.
my paddling partners usually waited till they had been bit numerous times before doping up.
i'm not a bug expert but i think it's sort of like shark repellant?
once the bugs bite you and draw blood i think the repellant isn't as effective?? just my personal observation!
if your going to be on a lake just pick a point opened to the wind and you should be okay??
i just use Cutters bug dope and only go to the 100% deet in a real emergency??
i also have a set of mesh pants/jacket that i carry.
about $40 at Cabela's.
so far i've never used them or the deet.
i think your personal body chemistry has something to do with it as well??
i read were people take garlic tabs before trips and it seems to help??
i eat lot of garlic(love italian) so maybe that helps??
main thing is don't let them bite the hell out of you before putting on SOME kind of dope.
i think that's the key??
have a good trip and plan on catching some big eye's and monster pike!!!