Cover up and stay cool out on the boat

FOLLOW THE FISH 

Capt. Pete Rapps 

Pete@CaptainRapps.com

When boating in Southwest Florida in the summer months, you have to be very mindful of the intense mid day heat and the effects of the sun on you skin. Out here on the water, we have a much different environment than back on land. We most certainly have different things to think about and prepare for in advance before spending the day out on a boat.

First of all, we have sun baking us from two directions. The most obvious is from above, but few think about the reflection from the water. That reflection from the water and the white deck of a boat can be equally as strong as directly from the sun. It is imperative to completely cover up if you want to beat the heat. I wear long pants, long sleeves, and a wide rimmed hat all year round, especially in the summer. People ask me “aren’t you hot wearing all of that?” Truth be told, I am a lot cooler in the sun than you are in a tank top and shorts. This is why… As the sun bakes on you, it heats up your skin which holds the

heat. Wearing light weight breathable clothing shades your skin not only from the damaging sun, but also from the direct heat it creates. Columbia makes a fantastic line of clothing made for our extreme summer heat, that actually keeps your body cool. Yes you will still sweat, but that sweat is what keeps your body temperature cool as it evaporates. The direct sun on your skin will dry out your perspiration before it has time to do what Mother Nature created it for.

It’s also imperative to be hydrated before, during, and after a day on the water. Hydration must occur on an ongoing basis, not just when you are feeling thirsty. Be sure to pack a cooler with lots of ice and be sure to drink at least 12oz of water for each half hour. It may sound like a lot to some, but drinking that much water is necessary for your body, and if properly hydrated, you will not feel as exhausted after your day in the heat.

Plan your day on the water appropriately. What I mean is that we all know it’s going to be brutally hot by mid day. Many of the fish

feel this heat too. Your best bite will be early morning until maybe 12:00 before the fish get hot and lethargic too. We also know that the summer afternoon rains are going to occur, which will cool things down a bit. The fish feel this too, and will begin to feed again late afternoon into the evening. With this in mind make a plan to get out fishing early, maybe from 7-11 AM. Plan on getting off the water by noon so you can swim, eat, nap, and cool off. Then get back out on the water after our late day showers for some fantastic late day action.

Captain Rapps’ Fishing Charters offer expert guided, light tackle, near shore, and backwater fishing trips in the 10,000 Islands of the Everglades National Park. Capt. Rapps’ top notch guides accommodate men, women, & children of all ages, experienced or not, and those with special needs. Between their vast knowledge & experience of the area, and easy going demeanors, you are guaranteed to have a great day. Book your charter 24/7 using the online booking calendar, and see Capt. Rapps’ first class web site for Booking info, Videos, Recipes, Seasonings, and more at www.CaptainRapps.com