Bass Fishing Tip of the Week 05/31/09: My Top 10 Summer Preparation Tips So You Can Enjoy Your Next Fishing Trip

Fishing in the summer can be great but you have got to be prepared to really enjoy it. Summer afternoon thunderstorms, bugs and heat of the day all combine to try to spoil a good trip. Here's some tips to keep you on the water during the dog days of summer.

1- Bring lots of fluids including water or Gatorade type hydrators. Keep your drinks on ice and drink them steadily during your outings to prevent heat exhaustion.

2- Make sure your rain suits are onboard. Many heavy afternoon downpours occur in the summer and during your trip back to the ramp the suits will keep you much more comfortable.

3- Take some 30+ or higher sunscreen. There's nothing worse than a bad sunburn especially on the tops of your feet (Hmmm, sounds like I've been there). If it's your 1st trip without shoes and you're going barefoot or with sandals, get that stuff on your feet.

4- Bug repellant is a must especially just before dark or when fishing night tournaments. Get the good stuff and you'll be catching instead of scratching.

5- A hat made for bug nets. These are fine screened nets made to go over your face to keep those hydrilla nats form going into your nose, eyes and ears.

6- A bait bucket with holes can be an awesome container for water for a nice nooner shower. Fill it up and drench your self. The evaporative cooling effects can often bring you back from the summer heat.

7- Bring extra ice, maybe even a separate cooler to keep the livewell cold. You would be surprised how effective the cool water is in keeping your catch alive.

8- Use your recirculation setting during the summer to keep from pumping in hot surface temperature water into your livewells. Keep it cool with the ice from tip #7.

9- Wear light colors like white or tan and keep them loose. A dark shirt will keep you too hot during the heat of the day.

10- If you didn't bring that spare bait bucket to drench yourself, try dipping your t-shirt/shirt into the lake then wring it out and put it on. What a difference that makes especially if you do it just before getting on plane.

The Largemouth Herald