Summer is coming and the heat will be here soon, but the fish will still be biting for those who get on the water. This is a time of year when the fish and anglers seek the coolest and most comfortable places to be. For bass, it's easy as they can seek shelter from the sun in the grass, shade, and deeper water, but it takes some preparation for us anglers to stay comfortable.
Bassmaster Elite Series champion Frank Talley knows a thing or two about fishing in the heat. He grew up fishing desert lakes like Mead and Havasu and now lives in Central Texas, all places with extreme summertime heat. For him, it's a complete system to stay hydrated and wear the best gear possible so he can beat the heat while fishing all summer.
Acclimating and Staying Hydrated
Anyone who's fished a day in the heat knows that it can be physically draining and even dangerous. Talley has learned how important it is to stay comfortable and perform at his highest level. He begins preparing for the heat long before he launches his boat.
"I know this sounds weird, but I do whatever I can to start getting acclimated to the heat before a long tournament where I know it's going to be hot," he said. "That means driving the truck around without air conditioning and getting used to the heat. If not, it can hurt you come tournament day, and you'll have no energy at the end of the day."
The other thing is simple but often overlooked by some anglers: staying hydrated.
"I carry a big one-gallon insulated jug and fill it with water and ice each morning," he said. "I keep it right by my console and take a few sips whenever I move spots. It's right there, so you don't forget, and it's easier than getting into the cooler every time. I also make sure to eat something because that can also affect you, and some unsalted almonds or dried fruit are quick and easy."
Gear for Hot Weather Fishing
There are many great options nowadays for anglers that will keep you cool and comfortable on the water. Getting geared up with sun-protecting clothing that will allow you to fish all day is a must.
Talley likes a long-sleeved sun shirt and has a new favorite, the AFTCO Yurei Air-O Mesh with the hood. "I was always an AFTCO Samurai guy and that's still a very good shirt, but this one has even better breathability," he said. "You stay comfortable and the hood keeps the sun off your head. It's a really, really good fishing shirt."
Talley also likes to wear an AFTCO Nukam Camo Face Mask in blue camo. "It's got great UPF sun protection and what I really like is the vented mouth so you don't fog up your sunglasses," he said.
Talley likes a good pair of gloves to protect his hands from the sun. There are many options with open or closed palms and he likes the AFTCO Solblok Gloves with a full palm.
"They are great for keeping my hands from sunburned, but I like the full palm because of how much extra grip you get," he said. "You can grab a fish without any problem when landing them. They also have great dexterity, and you can still fish normally and not lose any sensitivity."
Many anglers prefer long pants for fishing during the warmer months, but Talley is generally going with shorts and he's found a pair he uses all the time. His choice is the AFTCO Deckhand Shorts.
"They make a bunch of good shorts, but my favorites are the Deckhand Shorts," he said. "They have big pockets like cargo shorts and are great for storing baits or whatever you need. They are also very water repellant, and water just beads off of you, so you don't end up wet and soggy."
Talley also selects his clothing colors based on the heat he will be facing and goes with the lightest shades possible.
"Black clothing is a big no-no because it gets so much warmer with the sun beating on you. It's easily going to be six or eight degrees hotter on your skin," he shared. "I like the lightest colors, like white, light gray, and khaki. Everything from my shorts, face mask, gloves and shirts will be a light color when I'm fishing during the summer."
Protecting yourself from the sun's rays and added heat is a great idea for the long term, but it can also keep you fishing comfortably all day. It comes down to selecting suitable clothing and preparing yourself with proper hydration. This is a time of year when all that comes into play to keep you fishing at your best.
Advertising