Learn to Beat the Heat

We’ve been spoiled. This summer began with daytime highs in the 70’s, advancing to upper 80’s, by late July. Even the first two weeks of August were unseasonably cool, with low 90’s and cloudy, rainy periods.

The end is in sight, but the month of September traditionally holds some record highs, as in years past. So for another 6-8 weeks its going to remain hot, possibly reaching the upper 90’s, for the first time this summer season. Fishing for bass can be very miserable during this late summer period. Many anglers have resorted to night fishing or just staying home until Fall arrives. But if your schedule only permits fishing during the day, you must find ways to stay cool, and still catch fish!.

In my line of work, I have to find ways to beat the heat during these not-so-comfortable sweltering, summer days and in the meantime, successfully put anglers on some fish and give them their money’s worth. I have owned Reeds Guide Service for over 40 years, fishing every lake in Alabama during these trying times. Often, the task at hand, can be very demanding. But staying cool and keeping clients of my guide service comfortable and happy, always involves many ways of beating the heat, especially when the bite slows during the hot, midday hours.

So here are a few tips for cooling down and making a day on the water a little more bearable, until Fall arrives.

#1. Like any time you go fishing, arriving at the lake before the roosters start crowing, always gives you a jump on other anglers and extra fishing time at dawn, when most quality bites are available, before the sun gets high. Time your trip accordingly and arrive at the ramp at least 15-30 minutes before sunup. For about 2 hours, it will be noticeably cooler and you will be glad you did. Its much cooler at 5:30 A.M. than at 7:30 A.M.

#2. Planning your day, involves fishing first, then running second. Whether your just fishing, practicing for an upcoming tournament or actually in a tournament. Thoroughly fishing the first spot you select will have your hooks wet, rather than flying in the wind, as you ride for 30 minutes up or down the lake, to another destination.

#3. Plan your day, before you arrive at the lake. Dawn is the most important time of your fishing day and when big bass are shallow. Of course to be successful, you must fish where the bass are. This means fishing places with shallow to deep water access. Also finding schools of evident baitfish activity and most importantly, bass busting on top. If all this is evident, then there is no reason to leave. Just experiment with many lure choices (and as many ways to fish them), then give the bass a chance to feed. Then make your move. You will enjoy the cool ride, especially with a livewell full of bass.

#4. Riding. Taking a boat ride to your second or third spot of the morning, brings needed relief, especially as the sun begins to rise and the sweat begins to roll down in your eyes. This breaks the monotony of no bites either, that is, if you have thoroughly fished the first spot and decide its a time to move. Don’t leave before you give the bass a chance to bite. Experiment with lure choices, colors and sizes. You never leave a bunch of bass it took you all morning to find. Often, simply fishing up the bank, will show biting bass again, after leaving them alone for 5-10 minutes. This happens often, on a spot it seemed like they quit biting on, just a few minutes ago. Missed strikes or lost bass can regroup and bite again, if you just give them the chance.

#5. Staying cool and comfortable, now becomes very important to help you regain your fish catching abilities, especially during a long day on the water. Concentration and paying attention to detail can be very rewarding, but only if you are focused. You can’t be, if your mind is wandering and your completely miserable. So, no matter how "Gung Ho" an angler you are, the needed relief can only come from cooling down. This means taking a short break. You will amazed at how a 5 minute break can improve your performance.

#6. Taking a break during these hot, summer days, always means finding shade. No matter where your fishing, you can always find some shade. Up in the creeks its always possible to find overhanging trees, bridges, bushes or creek backwaters, that all provide lots of shade. On the main lake you can time your trips to find shade. Plan on making that mid-morning stop along some Eastern bank on the lake. Some banks remain shady until noon.

#7. Water, lots of it, will do wonders. Not only drinking as much as you can, to replenish your sweated out body, but swimming in it as well. Wear shorts or a bathing suit under your pants. When it becomes unbearably hot, jump in! Doing this several times during your fishing day (like a ride up the lake) does wonders for your hot, sweated out body. In addition, keep a towel in the ice chest or cooler. Put it around your neck, wipe your face off, or simply wear it on your head, even under your hat, to beat the heat.

These are just a few ways to cool down during this late summer period.

I’m sure you will find some of your own, as you discover that catching bass can be possible, if you first learn how to beat the heat. Stay cool during this late summer period, Fall is just around the corner.

Good Fishing...Reed