By: Dan Carns
Now that spring has arrived the weather is going to take a dramatic turn from windy and coolish to OMG hot and flat calm. No one is more affected by the wind than a kayak angler and I for one will trade the wind for the heat.
There are many considerations to take into account as it heats up here in Southwest Florida. Your launch times should come earlier in the day to avoid the midday sun. Fortunately, the fishing can be just spectacular at daybreak so plan accordingly. The intense heat that affects us has the same effect on the fish. You will need to adjust your tactics when targeting snook and especially redfish. Early in the morning you’ll find snook and reds actively feeding on top water plugs in fairly open water but as the sun begins to shine directly down they will move to the shelter of deeper water or the mangrove overhangs. If it’s hot and you send your lures or baits to the edge of that mangrove overhang but don’t quite get in the shade, the fish, especially redfish, will not move out of the shelter that the shade provides. Make sure you’re under the tree overhang! If the tide is down and the fish are unable to hide from the sun they will be holding out in deeper water channels and holes so paddle tails and swim baits need time to get lower in the water column as well as live baits.
Just as important is the personal protection that you need to employ to have an enjoyable day on the water. Long SPF pants and long sleeve shirts are a must unless you’re working on your tan but the sun will fry you in just a couple of hours. Floppy hats and a neck buffs are a must, including really good polarized sun glasses. Do not buy cheap sunglasses as they trick your eyes into believing that they are protected exposing your wide-open pupils to the harmful rays that are not only streaming down from above but also bouncing up off the water. While shoes may not seem necessary they will also shield your skin from the sun but also protect you in the event that you accidentally or intentionally enter the water.
Summer is also bug season here so having bug spray and sunscreen should be part of your setup. Just a couple of hints regarding both. Prior to launch is the best time to apply them as you will be able to wash both off your hands. I have personally seen clients apply one or the other and disregard my advice to clean those chemicals from their hands only to transfer them directly to the lures or baits. That is usually the end of fishing for them as the fish can smell these chemicals in the water. Also, do not over spray these onto you fishing gear.
Be grateful for the flat water but be prepared to change tactics and add some personal protection to your routine!