SUMMER: 8 TOP TIPS TO BEAT THE HEAT

Catch fish, not a tan! WORDS: Tight Lines Staff During summer, fish bite throughout the day, not only during first light and dusk, so for readers looking to spend the day out under the African sun, here are our EIGHT TOP TIPS to beat the summer heat and keep fishing all day long. SUNBURNT WHAT – EYES?? That certainly can’t be? Unfortunately it is – a condition known as Photokeratitis most often strikes after extended, unprotected exposure to the sun’s rays and is increased by the reflection coming off the water all day, which is essentially one giant mirror. The effects of sunburnt eyes are watery, scratchy and dry eyes and in extreme cases is accompanied by pain, swelling and light sensitivity, and can cause long-term damage such as cancer or cataracts. To properly protect your eyes wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays; they need not be the most expensive but must fit well. Opt for wrap-around styles that prevent light entering from the sides. HAVE A HAT STRATEGY Peak caps are great – for team or trophy photos, early mornings and late afternoons, but when the midday sun burns down they offer absolutely no protection for your ears or neck and will have you feeling considerably warmer than you need to be. Use a cap that has a neck and side flap. Better still, adopt a two-hat strategy, not only this month but throughout the year, and don a wide brim hat when the sun is at its hottest to double your protection. Seasoned tournament anglers swear by this strategy. LATHER IT UP We’ve all heard the proven theory of reapplying sunscreen throughout the day, but even if you do it might not always be enough. When applying it to your face, the accepted amount to provide adequate protection is roughly a teaspoon (5ml) and a shot glass (25ml) for arms and neck combined. Also don't neglect your hands. If you're landing and releasing fish all day, sunscreen can quickly wash off, so reapply often. HAVE A MID-DAY MILKSHAKE Come mid-day, a cool chocolate milkshake is preferable to an isotonic sports drink. According to the sports sciences and nutrition researchers at the University of Limerick, milk replaces 49% more of total energy than sports drinks, while a separate study by the British Journal of Nutrition found that milk provides additional minerals (Ca, P, Zn, I) and vitamins (A, E, B group vitamins) which are not found in carbohydrate electrolyte sports drinks. So when fatigue and dehydration begin to set in, grab a tasty milkshake, and for those of you that are worried about the sugar content, most milkshakes on the market contain only 1g/100ml serving more sugar than sports drinks. Avoid drinks that contain large quantities of caffeine. DRESS FOR THE OCCASION Those T-shirts emblazoned with catchy verses are great in a clubhouse but not on a boat or bank. The average cotton T-shirt has a sun protection factor of only 5, or nothing in real-world terms. Rather invest in light, UV-protected, vented and quick-dry clothing, preferably long sleeve to keep you completely covered. It must however be breathable, as otherwise you could expose yourself to heat exhaustion. STAY HYDRATED Your body perspires in order to regulate your body temperature, so frequently replenishing lost liquids is the key to avoid heat exhaustion and sunstroke. Drinking cool liquids, particularly plain water, throughout the day won’t only cool you down but will also help to keep you fishing. For an average day out pack at least 4,5L of liquids per person and ensure it's kept cool at all times. For cooling, use two bags of ice for a 25L cooler. Nothing beats a refreshing drink when the sun is blazing down! BREATHABLE FOOTWEAR Your body releases most of its heat from your head, feet and hands. Gumboots do provide good protection but should not be worn all day. When fishing off a boat try wearing a light pair of breathable socks or consider amphibious-style footwear with good ventilation. Sprinkle foot powder in them before each use to wick away moisture and unwanted odours. Do not fish barefooted! ACCESSORISE Most anglers resemble multi-coloured ninjas these days by sporting a Buff, a protective clothing accessory that has become a favourite on the water because of the numerous ways you can wear it. Increase your sun protection by combining it with a set of fishing gloves. Modern fishing gloves enable you to continue unhindered with fishing duties such as tying knots, putting on a lure, lipping a bass and baiting up, and because most are made from quick drying materials there will be no discomfort when damp. Look for half-finger versions in your tackle store.

SUMMER: 8 TOP TIPS TO BEAT THE HEAT

KEEP FISHING ALIVE: If you like our work support For Anglers’ journalism with a digital membership!

Premium Digital

Read Next

SOCIAL BASS FISHING: Remind Yourself Of The Good Times!

THE BLUE ECONOMY

UIT & TUIS: NSRI – ’n Unieke en Blywende Geskenk …

COVER: December 2023

DIE KATROLLE SING: Reg en geregtigheid het geskied …

MY TURN | MY BEURT: Stywe Lyne Tight Lines December 2023

UIT & TUIS: Vis in die boot, waar is my sandale …

LESERS | READERS: November 2023

Major Bass Fish-Off at Albert Falls

JUNIORS: November 2023

SOCIAL BASS FISHING: Remind Yourself Of The Good Times!

THE BLUE ECONOMY

UIT & TUIS: NSRI – ’n Unieke en Blywende Geskenk …

COVER: December 2023

DIE KATROLLE SING: Reg en geregtigheid het geskied …

MY TURN | MY BEURT: Stywe Lyne Tight Lines December 2023

UIT & TUIS: Vis in die boot, waar is my sandale …

LESERS | READERS: November 2023

Major Bass Fish-Off at Albert Falls

JUNIORS: November 2023

SOCIAL BASS FISHING: Remind Yourself Of The Good Times!

Von Du Rust is ‘Von-derlik’

THE BLUE ECONOMY

R550.00 per year

R55.00 per month

R399.00 per year

R40.00 per month

R399.00 per year

R40.00 per month