Dress and Fish Smart This Summer

The official start of summer still may be a week away, but someone apparently forgot to tell the weather gods, if the current temperatures are any indication.

With the 90s already upon us, it's smart to be thinking about your own well-being on the water, as well as that of your tournament catch. Here are some things you can do to keep both safe and comfortable.

Wear shirts preferably in colors such as white, tan or light gray. Darker colors only retain more heat. Some tournament-style shirts, including one made by Gemini Custom Apparel, even comes with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating of 25. The material in these shirts reportedly has pores that expand when it's warm outside, thus allowing more air flow to help keep you cool.

Also available are lightweight polyester shirts and pants that wick away sweat. They're a little pricey, even at places like Target, but as I've learned, well worth what you pay for them. I've worn mine now for a couple of years and have nothing bad to say about them, other than for the fact, because mine are white, they easily show dirt. And let's face it, what fisherman spends all day on the water without getting something on his clothes? I'm willing to bet you we all have at least a little ring around the collar at the end of a hot day on the water.

While you're trying to cover up areas exposed to the sun, don't forget your head, feet and hands. Several companies offer lightweight, neutral-color fishing caps with an extended collar and side flaps to protect the ears. If that's not your taste, perhaps a simple full-brimmed hat is. Either is better than an ordinary ball cap, which affords absolutely no protection for the ears or back of your neck.

As for protecting the hands, I choose to wear gloves basically year-round. I've spent enough time having surgical procedures performed on the back of my hands in recent years to warrant the minor discomfort caused by wearing the gloves, even when it's hot. Granted, I'm mostly paying for my shortsightedness in younger years, but if I dodge just one visit to the skin doctor, it makes my efforts meaningful.

If you elect to wear sandals without socks or go barefooted, don't forget to cover all those "little piggies," along with any other bare skin, with a liberal dose of sunscreen (preferably SPF 15 or higher) before you venture out into the hot sun. One other option is to wear compression-style socks. I read online about a guy who swears these are the most comfortable socks he's ever worn. He says they "help increase blood flow and circulation and help keep your feet dry and comfortable, and in my opinion, extremely cool in the summer months."

While you're taking care of "watash," don't overlook the importance of keeping yourself hydrated during all those hot, steamy fishing days. Drink plenty of cool water throughout the day (recommended intake is 16-32 ounces each hour). An occasional sports drink to replace the salt and minerals lost in sweat also is OK. It pays to keep your energy levels up, too, with things like granola bars, fiber bars, and perhaps even a sandwich. Combined, these all will go a long way in helping you focus and combating fatigue caused by the hot temperatures.

Last but certainly not least is the necessity to take equally good care of your catch. Show the bass the TLC they need to stay alive in your livewells all day.

I found one angler online who starts each summer tournament day by dumping a 10-lb. bag of ice into his boat's livewells just before filling them. He contends that the 10-lb. bag of ice cools the water about 8 to 10 degrees, which, in his opinion, is just right. At the same time, he sprinkles in a little Rejuvenade to help protect the fish's slime coat and also to help neutralize any possible additives in the ice. Once the wells are full, he sets the recirc switch to auto and doesn't pump in any more water all day.

"Make sure your livewell plugs are in, or if you have an open/closed valve, make sure it's in the closed position," he cautions, "which will ensure proper water levels throughout the day. Cooling your water first is the key to keeping your bass alive," says this angler, who claims he can't remember the last time he ever lost a fish.

One other important issue here is to get the fish in the livewell as quickly as possible. The sooner you get the hook out and attach a culling clip the better.

Tight Lines! Enjoy your summer!