FLY FISHING DURING A HEATWAVE

[John Berry]

I have been guiding and fishing during the last couple of weeks in what can best be described a heat wave. The fishing has been remarkedly good. I have been on the Norfork and White. The secret has been to stay cool. In the boat there are not many places to hide. I have been wearing light tropical clothing long pants,long sleeved shirts, sun gloves, a huge straw hat and boat sandals. When I waded, I waded wet. The same clothing as in the boat with differant footwear. I wore wading boots with neoprene booties. I carried a flexiflask filled with water and an extra bottle of water in my vest. In the boat, I carried a cooler full of water. Before I started, I drank a bottle or two of water. The best place to carry water is in your body. The best fishing was early or late. During the middle of the day we caught fish but it was a bit slow. There has not been much competition and during the middle of the day I pretty much had it to myself. There are fish to be had and it is a decent way to cool off.

[Leonard]

Hey John...

I guess I need to say nothing..

Watch that heat guys... it can cause a "hat tan"!!!

Leonard

[John Berry]

That is the reason that I wear the big cowboy hat! I learned that from my grandmother. She always wore a big straw hat when she was in the garden to protect her face. I too have a fair complexion and keep it covered.

[brownieman]

...reminds me...my fishing buddy for years fished himself right out of a marriage.

We fished many places over the years, upon his divorce he bought a boat and we started fishing the lakes more as opposed to the rivers.

As the years passed he eventually got back together with his wife, so, back came the wife, I bought the boat due to my old 22' river jon being destroyed while parked by my fathers garage by a reckless driver running from the law...I had used the boat twice after completely restoring the old boat from about a 15 year break.

Sorry, got off track there, lol...anyway, he used to wear a pair of those 'fishermans' glasses that have the side panels to avoid glare. At the end of the day when he took em off he would have what we called 'The coon eye'...burnt red face and big white areas where the glasses were...we had a many a good laugh about the old coon eye.

bm

[Danimal]

The night before I wade-fish, I buy a 32 oz. Gatorade or Powerade and pour half in another 32 oz. gatorade bottle then fill them both with water and put them in the freezer overnight. They'll stay frozen in a cooler till you get to the creek.Put them in your backpack and you'll have something cold to drink for a good part of the day. Dan-o

[John Berry]

Great idea! I will try that tomorrow.

[catman]

H20 is the best thing you can drink, and I drink a lot of H20. Nothing better, as grandpa said.

[Gavin]

Heck with fishing in this heat..Fish early, then relax, drink lots of bud light and to take a swim every now and then. Cheers.

[John Berry]

Taking an extended break at mid day is definately a great idea. I have done this before. Get there bad early (day break) and fish untill it gets hot say one o'clock. Go home, drink plenty of fluids, and take a nap (under the air conditioner). Return to the river at five and fish untill dark. You maximize the fishing during the coolest hours and do not stress your self during the heat of the day.

[John Berry]

Catman,

I totally agree with you. Water is definately the way to go. I always carry it with me, even in the winter.