July 19 - How do you deal with the things summer throws at you

[CouchTater]

SUNGLASSES, I dont walk out the door with out 'em.   Had the same pair since last year.  I wouldn't last 5 Min. on the water without them.

[silversalmon]

Cooler full of ice for the fillets you will be putting in there

[CouchTater]

Extra strength Tylenol, I always get a headache while fishing in the hot.

[BoilermakerFan]

When fishing from the shore, I watch my step a little more closely.  The snakes may be sunning or hunting for frogs.  Either way, they're much faster when they're hot in the summer and crankier too.  I think the same would apply to you guys that have to deal with 'gators in the water or on shore.

[silversalmon]

More bug dope 

TP, do not forget the TP

[CouchTater]

I'll tell my fishing partner that a spot on the other side of the lake or downriver is where we have been catching them. 

Just to make an excuse to run the water...   :D

[Ron Fogelson]

I have started to all ways wear a hat now.  Helps keep the sun off of you and after I got a hook in my head & want an extra layer of, well anything between my skin & the hooks   

[BoilermakerFan]

Better put on more sunscreen too!  

[CouchTater]

I make sure my partner has plenty of beverages, he usually carries a gallon or two of water.

[Ron Fogelson]

I like to freeze 20onz soda bottels filled with water.  Keeps my cooler cold, when it melts I have ice cold water to drink & I toss one in the live well from time to time to keep the water cool & help the fish survive.

[CouchTater]

Deer Jerky makes a good and light snack in the hot weather...  Although it is addcitive..  :D

[Ron Fogelson]

I have found that during the heat of the summer water is the key to make the hot days bearable.  As was said before sodas don't hydrate you and the sports drinks if consumed to often can lead to kidney stones with all the minerals in it.  SO I have taken to use my Air Force issued Camel pack and fill it full of nothing but ice the morning of my trip & you wear it on your back.  You have cold water to sip on all day so that keeps you hydrated because if you wait to drink until you are thirsty you are allready behind.

[CouchTater]

A charged cell phone or marine radio can help in summertime accidents.

[Ron Fogelson]

I know its a pain in the butt, but I all ways take my cell phone.  It has caller ID so I don't have to answer it if I don't want to, but I can call the wife & let her know I'm staying late so she won't worry or call for help if needed or the DNR hot line if I witness poaching or drunk boaters

[BoilermakerFan]

When I'm fishing with my daughter, I keep the trips much shorter.  I let her bring a couple of toys to play with so she can take a break and not be bored.  She usually plays for about 5 minutes, then comes back to do more fishing.  She's much happier this way and she'll fish on and off for 1-2 hours this way.  I also let her pick out my lures as well as hers.  Keeps her interested and she's learning which lures work well on hot summer days.  

Of course, I make sure she drinks plenty of water, wears her sunglasses, and puts on sunscreen.

[BoilermakerFan]

I have found that during the heat of the summer water is the key to make the hot days bearable.  As was said before sodas don't hydrate you and the sports drinks if consumed to often can lead to kidney stones with all the minerals in it.  SO I have taken to use my Air Force issued Camel pack and fill it full of nothing but ice the morning of my trip & you wear it on your back.  You have cold water to sip on all day so that keeps you hydrated because if you wait to drink until you are thirsty you are allready behind.

Never thought of freezing my camelbacks.  That would also help keep you feeling cooler!

Thanks Fogy, definitely going to try that one.

[Ron Fogelson]

I keep a long, long rope in the boat, so I can launch my boat from the truck by myself without taking up to much time on in the ramp area.  Also it has a clasp on it so I can tie up under a dock during a storm or tie to a throw ring to toss to someone in the water.

[Ron Fogelson]

Never thought of freezing my camelbacks.  That would also help keep you feeling cooler!

Thanks Fogy, definitely going to try that one.

Boilermaker I just stuff it full of ice until not one more piece can fit in I have found that if you freeze it and fill it a bit to full the bladders leaks    LOL  Also when I was thirsty the line was froze & all though my back was nice & cool I couldn't drink.

Also for those of you that have used camel packs you know how you take a drink in the heat, & then the next time you want to drink the water in the hose is all warm & you spit it out or drink hot water.  I blow back into my line and force the water back into the bladder.  This keeps it cold & also build pressure in the bladder so my next drink is easy and I don't have to suck it out so hard.

[CouchTater]

I try and take breaks from time to time, to not over do it.  Kinda hard when the fish are biting...

[CouchTater]

I have a sweat head band I have used from time to time, to keep the sweat out of my eyes. 

[BoilermakerFan]

For those of us with alergies, don't forget to take the anti-histamine and bring some with you.  I had to end one trip early because I felt fine and didn't take my Benedryl.  Ten minutes at the lake and I was miserable.     <-- My eyes watering and nose running!

[Ron Fogelson]

Something I haven't yet brought with me but sure would like to is a shotgun for all the snakes on Cross & the river

[Ron Fogelson]

The best thing I can bring to make my fishing better is my two boys!  They have more hands then you know what to do with & the laughter & smiles are worth more then cold hard cash can buy

[Ron Fogelson]

Never thought of freezing my camelbacks.  That would also help keep you feeling cooler!

Thanks Fogy, definitely going to try that one.

Yep I have a boat full of hot-wheels for my boys to play with

[CouchTater]

Instant freeze Ice packs.  We had plenty of these left over after a stay in the hopital.  Crush them up, instant cold.  Buddy of mine used one last summer after he got too hot.