10 Tips for Fishing in the Heat

Posted On June 28, 2012
 

 The current heat wave in North America is particularly hazardous to anglers because it is early in the season and is occurring in normally cooler regions. When fishing in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-angler(s) and have them do the same for you. Never fish alone in the heat. Heat-induced illness can cause an angler to become confused or lose consciousness.  If you are out in the heat and develop generalized weakness, headache,  muscle cramping, or nausea and vomiting, get to a cool place as soon as you can. The best bet is a pond with a share tree if you must fish.
Here are a few tips for recognizing, evaluating and controlling heat stress for those that will head out on the water. 


 1.   Drink cool water. Anyone fishing in the heat should drink cool water in small amounts frequently--one cup every 20 minutes. Have plenty of water available. Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks, which actually cause dehydration.

 2.   Move the boat often. Without a breeze moving the boat is the only option for spot cooling in work Good airflow increases evaporation of sweat, which cools the skin.

 3.   Chose effortless bait presentations and take it easy. The lazy days of summer are not the time to be wearing you out with physical activity required to work some baits. Drift and drag, drop shot, live bait and a bobber are all relaxing presentations that don’t require as much sweat.

 4.   Monitor the temperature and humidity and check your friend’s responses to heat at least hourly. Allow a large margin for safety. Be alert to early signs of heat-related illness and head home if anyone becomes extremely uncomfortable, chances are the fish are uncomfortable and already are done for the day as well.
 
5.   Know the signs and take prompt action. Learn to spot the signs of heat stroke, which can be fatal. Get emergency medical attention immediately if someone has one or more of the following symptoms: mental confusion or loss of consciousness flushed face, hot, dry skin or has even stopped sweating.

6.   Learn first aid to help recognize and to treat the signs of heat stress. You should also be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat cramps and other heat-related illness. Be sure to protect your friends and family.

7.   Lack of acclimatization, age, obesity, poor conditioning, pregnancy, inadequate rest, previous heat injuries, certain medical conditions and medications are some factors that increase susceptibility to heat stress.  If you or someone in your party are at risk it is the best idea to stay home.

8.   Check with your doctor before exposure if you have certain medical conditions such as heart conditions and diabetes, and some medications can increase the risk of injury from heat exposure. Anglers with medical conditions or those who take medications should ask their doctors before fishing in the heat.

9.  Watch out for other hazards. When it is hot, life jackets or PFD’s can be uncomfortable. If you can’t swim, and choose not to wear one you may want to think about it a bit more. Hot weather also means recreational boaters, swimmers, and jet ski’s will be out in large numbers.


10. Protect yourself and others from sunburn. Wear proper clothing, a hat, sunglasses and use sunblock as a precaution. Stay under some sort of shad a canopy or umbrella may look silly on the Skeeter boat, but you wouldn’t think so with second degree burns.  

Happy Fishing!

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About

Mark Bilbrey
Mark Bilbrey
Crossville, TN
Joined July 6, 2010

Growing up on Dale Hollow Lake, in Tennessee, fishing with his family in the shadow of legendary bass angler, the late Billy Westmorland, gave young Mark Bilbrey a solid foundation in the sport of fishing. Mark became an Eagle Scout through conservation projects on Dale Hollow lake and other area parks. He received a skipper certification through the USCG at the age of eighteen navigating and fishing Dale Hollow Lake. Now, after many years as a businessman, Bilbrey has completed professional fishing guide training at Foley/Belsaw in preparation for a future in the industry. A registered Master Angler in Tennessee, and an Ambassador to the World Fishing Network he shares his tips, techniques and stories in hopes to help teach new anglers how to locate and catch fish. His articles have been featured on the web sites of the North American Fishing Club, Monticello Big Bass, and Catfishing Journals. Mark was recently on ESPN Radio's "Set the Hook!" with Pat Rose talking about, what else? Fishing!. Bilbrey holds memberships in several fishing organizations including Pro Staff Positions with lure manufacturing companies and is a member of B.A.S.S., NAFC, and FLW. His passion for sport fishing has been recognized in a promotional video on the World Fishing Network and he was recently selected as "Ambassador of the Year" by WFN. Also a member of The B.A.S.S. Council an exclusive online community made up of bass anglers from across the U.S. who are interested in sharing their opinions. As a member of the B.A.S.S. Council he has the opportunity to tell B.A.S.S. what he thinks about ideas, and provide valuable input through surveys. He credits his passion for fishing to his wife Donna and his childhood fishing with his father, Billy Bilbrey, his three older brothers and to his cousin Jack Huddelston, owner of Dale Hollows, Horse Creek Dock. Visit my web site at http:/markbilbrey.com

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