"Be
prepared for summertime fishing"
Author - John E. Brady, Hanover PA-USA
Copyright 2001
e-mail - jeb@jebswebsite.com
Summer can be one of the most frustrating times of the year to be fishing as well as trying to catch fish.
Not only have the fish almost disappeared until the water starts to cool again, but braving the high heat and humidity can be almost unbearable for even the most seasoned angler.
Venturing out on the water when mid day temperatures are expected to be well into the 90's can not only be tough, it can be dangerous if we don't go prepared.
Baking and perspiring under a hot sun for long hours can deplete most of our body fluids. Unless replenished, it can lead to heat exhaustion and sunstroke. Following a few common sense tips can help to avoid these problems and let us concentrate on catching fish.
First, before going out make sure you have had a good breakfast. At least some juice and donuts. They will help give your body some nutrition to start the day.
While many of us are in the habit of drinking several cups of coffee in the morning, coffee can cause more harm than good. Although it gives us plenty of fluid, the caffeine makes us perspire and we loose those fluids more quickly.
Take along plenty of water. Scientists say our bodies need at least eight glasses of water a day. We'll need much more to replace the fluids we loose from being out in the sun all day.
Sport juices are good, but some experts say too much of them isn't as good as just plain water. My advice would be to take some of both. The water will add the fluids, and the sports juices will add the other nutrients we need.
Rather than taking a cooler full of ice to store bottles of water in, freeze several quart or half gallon bottles beforehand and put them in your cooler. They will stay colder and last much longer. And as they thaw, you can drink them as well.
Make sure you take a good quality sunscreen. A safety meter on one of the leading sunscreen
manufacturers website recommends an SPF of at least 30 for teen and adults that will be out in the sun for more than 5 hours.
Most sunscreens can be applied before venturing out and re-applied again later allowing for all day protection. Find one in the mid price range that doesn't leave a greasy film on your skin. Once work into the skin you almost forget you have it on.
Apply the lotion to all parts of exposed skin including neck, nose, ears, cheeks and lips.
Take along a light colored, loose weave, long sleeve shirt with a collar. If you find yourself getting too much sun, you can put on the shirt to try and shield your skin as much as possible until you can get out of the sun.
A wide brim straw style hat works well for some additional protection.
Have a towel and or washcloth on hand. Making them wet and wiping yourself down can help cool down your body temperature. If you don't want to use the water you're fishing in, use some of the water from your cooler. However if you do, make sure you reapply your sunscreen.
If the area you are fishing allows, taking a dip in the water may be a nice break. Although make sure you are close to shore and you can get back into your boat before jumping in.
Some anglers have started adding folding ladders on the back of their boats. This is a nice option if you want to take a dip, and a life saver if you take one by accident.
One tip I use is to wear a pair of old deck shoes that I don't mind getting wet, and dipping them into the water every now and then. Cooling down your feet make you feel cooler. Old canvas sneakers will work just as well.
Make sure you don't go out alone. Take a buddy or two along. That way you can keep an eye on each other. If one gets into trouble there will be others around to help.
Protecting yourself when going out in the summer sun is serious business. Not a time to show how macho or tough you are. Being prepared by taking a few essentials along can not only make the day more bearable, it could make a life and death difference. It will let you concentrate on your fishing, and maybe allow you to catch a few more fish.
After all..."They call it fishing, but the goal is catching!"