[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he word August must originate from some ancient language meaning ‘time when skin leaks water’. It is one of the few times I wish I had an inside job in a pleasant thermally controlled environment, full time on demand, looking out a window at those outside and think, “Dude, you’ve got to be hot”. Actually, I’d rather be fishing in the heat than boxed in an airconditioned office building.
Being prepared for the heat makes for a more enjoyable day on the water. Briefly, dress appropriately. Take advantage of shade. Wear a wide brimmed straw hat. Ice
down an excess of bottled water and drink it all day long. Frequently, wet yourself with chilled freshwater using a towel or direct dump over the head. Water guns make the process a fun sport for everybody. Evaporative cooling is wonderful. To up the level, bring a squirt bottle mixed with 75% chilled water and 25% scented isopro- pyl alcohol. The alcohol not only accelerates cooling, but the mix can be used to clean sunglasses and small cuts one commonly gets on your hands while fishing.
Generally, the best bite is early or late in the day, regardless of what you’re fishing for. Mid-day can be the toughest time to fish, especially when conditions are slick calm. A chop on the water is a good thing regardless if you’re fishing inshore or offshore.
I’ve found while offshore fishing, when the water is glass, it is best to target competitive fish such as Florida snapper (grunts) and amberjack. If there is action, it seems anglers’ deal better with the heat. During calm periods, just drift fish and don’t sweat the anchor. When you get hot, take a slow ride to stir the cool breeze and bust out the water guns.
On Aug. 20 my new book titled Reeling in Time with Fish Tales – Mono Fulfillment will be available. You can purchase at syppublishing.com, Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and other online retailers, as well as some local stores. My first book signing will be at the Decatur Book Festival, Georgia, August 30-31, 5pm on Saturday, noon on Sunday. Hope to see you there!
I think the book will be a good read for most any single flushable seat “library,” as well as as a gift for others and their own personal “libraries.”
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