Gonna Be Hotter’n Blazes
Yep, it’s August, and what you just read in the line above is a true statement. But you know what? August in Texas has been hot enough to fry an egg on your forehead since the beginning of time. And I’ll let you in on another little secret; all those great fish we were catching back in spring and early summer; they’re still out there. We just have to be a bit more creative how we go about going after them, and it may also be helpful if we can show a little grit while we’re at it.
My best advice is to be on your first fishing spot early enough to watch the sun come up. I like to leave the dock at 6:15, or earlier. You’re going to need a Q-Beam or a light bar to ensure the way ahead is clear. But for Heaven’s sake, be careful not to blind all the other folks already underway. It’s common courtesy, kind of like switching your headlights off when backing down to launch the boat.
Here's a few more tidbits that you may want to heed. This is the season of big hats, long sleeves, sun masks, and gobs of sunscreen. Back in the day we sported raccoon eyes and bronzed skin the way an Eagle Scout displays merit badges. The only good that comes from such foolishness nowadays is that my dermatologist is making a pretty good living. Thank the Lord Medicare pays for most of it.
Stay hydrated! I have a very good friend who suffered a heatstroke a couple years ago and it was no laughing matter. His tolerance to harsh sunlight is now greatly diminished. So, I’ll say it again – stay hydrated. At least a 16-ounce bottle of water per hour. No beer until you get off the water.
When the sun gets high overhead you should already be headed back to the dock. If you haven’t had enough fishing for the day, think about slipping back out there in the evening. I’ve experienced some wonderful fishing as the sun was sinking.
Now we’re getting down to the serious part of this little editor’s column; and that’s sportsmanship, being a good role model, and taking some youngsters fishing. They’ve only got a few weeks left and they’ll be back in school, so let’s make the most of it. If you’ve no kids of your own, what about nieces and nephews, or the neighbor’s kiddos? And don’t forget to get them registered for STAR before you go.
