Float trip heat

Matt B said:
Nothing like a hot convective upstream wind to row against all afternoon to dehydrate the sh*t out of you.

Dunking the dorky hat helps a lot too. That’s one thing where the straw hat is at a disadvantage vs a fabric hat.
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A large milk crate with a pool noodle around the rim makes a nice drogue in the long windy straights. Pull it up in the tail out to store your rod for the next run.
 
Shad said:
Boy is this good timing! As I write this, I'm in the middle of a 2-day tarpon fishing bonanza in Islamorada. In two words, it's frigging hot. High temps in the mid-upper 80s, but the heat index is right near 100, and it doesn't get below 80 at night. (No, I haven't caught any tarpon yet, despite very intentional follows from three absolute giants... leave me alone!)

Anyway, re-apply the sunscreen to exposed skin frequently, and drink more water than you think you need to. Worked to keep me alive today, but dammit, it didn't catch me any tarpon. Tomorrow's another day, and I will be packing sunscreen and as much water as I can carry. I recommend you do the same. The buff is also a good idea. You may or may not slay them, but you will live to fish another day.
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Sounds like my tarpon trips. I primarily go for big snook and take shots at tarpon when available. I just hate hunting all day for just one big fish. baby tarpon those are fun different game.
 
Clean Willy said:
I'm heading out for a four day float in a couple of days and the forecast is for high 90s. Here's what I'm doing to deal with the heat and sun but I'm wondering what you might add?

Liquid IV powder in water bottle and drink way more than I think I'll need
Hooded long sleeve shirts/gloves
Long pants
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Fish mornings and evenings and try to find shade mid day

Am I missing anything?
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float means river could be western states for trout? All I can add is keep them in the water. If it's hot for you it is hotter for the fish. Watch those water temps!
 
Coach Potter said:
Ice makes everything better.
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Block ice too. Lasts way longer than crushed. If you have the freezer room, freeze some gallons of water. Way cheaper, convenient to handle, and you then also have a back-up water source towards the end of the trip.
 
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Just because it feels good I like to wet a bandana or two, put them in ziplocs and freeze them at home. Then they go in the cooler on the raft. Break one out and tie it around your neck for some short term relief.
 
Ok, besides beer.
I despise having to put sun block on my arms, neck and ears so I don't fish anywhere without my super lightweight UPF 50 hoody. With that and a nice light trucker hat I only have to apply sunblock to my face and front of neck. And I have some Buff gloves that I've grown accustomed to. I didn't like them at first, but just made myself wear them since I hate (and forget) putting sunblock on the back of my hands. Now I mostly don't notice them.
I used to wear straw/cowboy hats, but you get so much reflection off the water that I still have to apply sun block to my neck and ears. And my shades can be stored on my trucker hat. And the damn wind!

If I'm wet wading where I know my calves & knees will be exposed I wear super lightweight pants. My favorite right now are the Levi 511 Slim Tech. They dry way faster than the cheap Orvis ones that Costco was selling. Way more fashionable (everyday wearing) and they actually fit. They are much cooler (temp I mean) and stay cleaner than Orvis too. The Orvis are like 2-3" longer than true size and pretty much bell bottoms. Not great in the weeds. I'll be tossing the Orvis ones soon. There's a reason they were $10 at Costco.

I wear pants in the boat if I know I won't be swimming. No burned knees.

If I'm floating a river in hot weather and know I'll be jumping in and/or wet wading I wear shorts and just re-apply sun block to my legs. And I keep my UV hoody and hat on when I jump in so then they're wet when I get out. Worth an hour or so of good cooling.

I know I didn't add anything to your list. 😁 Like @DimeBrite said...ICE!!

Have fun!
 
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