Bass Fishing Tip of the Week 05/24/09: Take the Sting Out of High Speed Boating during a Storm

Bass fishing in the southern states during the summer often results in an afternoon thunderstorm. These typically happen just before weigh in and you'll often need to go through or around them at high speed to prevent a big late penalty. One of the biggest problems is trying to traverse the lake or river system at 60+ mph with the rain pelting your face like tiny pebbles and water streaming in your eyes. This is not a good situation to be in and often leads to slowing way down and risking the penalty.

Years ago I remember fishermen wearing helmets for these situations and they can do the trick although heavy and hot. I found another alternative that has served me well and much lighter, less bulky and less expensive. So what's the secret? It's a Paintball Mask.These are available in most sporting goods stores and even at your local WalMart for around $20. They provide good ventilation and come with a pair of goggles.

My first experience in using one was on Lake Okeechobee out of Clewiston and I was fishing the Harney Pond area in July. I managed a nice limit and was heading south right into a storm. I didn't have much time and the rain starting coming down so I dawned my raingear and the paintball mask and goggles. The typical pebble sting was gone and the goggles provided much better visibility than my Maui Jim sunglasses during the rain. I managed a steady 55- 60 mph through some pounding rain although I had to slice and dice some rollers on the way back in. I made it back with time to spare.

The paintball mask and goggles is also great for the cold southern mornings. I simply put on a ski mask then the paintball mask goes over the top. This has kept me much more comfortable during a long morning run to my favorite fishing hole in 40 degree weather.

Buy a paintball mask and goggle outfit and throw it in your dry storage and you'll be a much happier fisherman when navigating the rain storms. Don't forget to come back for some more great fishing tips so you can do more catching with less fishing.

The Largemouth Herald