The months of June, July, August and September feature those seemingly endless, hot and muggy summertime conditions, that can be found throughout all of Alabama. Air temperatures of the low-to-upper 90′s are common. Often exceeding that, during the mid-to-late summer period, when the air temperature can soar to over 100 degrees.
So, to the summertime bass angler as the mercury rises are there any real changes to look forward to? Perhaps for some summertime anglers it is time for a change.
For some summertime bass anglers this can result simply into a change, to fishing for bass after the sun goes down. Night fishing when its always cooler and there is less traffic on the water. For those anglers who have a strict daytime schedule (only suited for bass fishing during the daylight hours), they must either tough it out in the hot, midday sun, fish during the early morning hours or choose to fish late in the evening.
That is, until the cooler air temperatures of Fall arrive. Still you have to be prepared!
* Preparation is the Key to Success and Your Safety As Well! - By now, any bass angler that is worth his/her weight in spinnerbaits knows all about preparation. Being prepared for any situation that can arise always has an angler one step ahead of any major problems. Problems that can arise as we all know, at any time.
This can be preparing your boat, your fishing equipment, your fishing tackle and especially preparing yourself for the long, hot summer season ahead.
So here is a quick rundown of your boat preparation, perhaps to just jog the memory of some anglers, just in case.
* Your Boat - Taking good care of one of today’s often very expensive bass boats is an investment that results in a good resale value when you do decide to sell your old bass boat or trade it in for a new one.
During those hot, summer days when the sun is bearing down on you, keep in mind it is slowly deteriorating the boats seats, the carpet and the gellcoat finish on your shiny, new bass boat. Keeping your boat washed and free of grime and dirt is the first thing required. Often weekly, if you use your boat a lot.
Wax your boat at least once a month during the summer season and always wipe down the entire boat, the trailer and the motor after each fishing trip. Shampoo the carpet and take care of the boats seats with a good cleaner as well. Vacuum the boat regularly. Tighten all screws, tire lug nuts and the bolts on your outboard motor and jack plate to.
Weeds and other debris can clog up the boats bilge pumps and live well aeriators as well. You may need to replace them or take them apart and clean them more that once this summer. Pumps can accumulate old fishing line, aquatic weeds, small sticks and even soft plastic lures! They can get stopped up or debris can help burn out the pump motor.
* Clean off old fishing line and weeds from your boats outboard motor propeller and the electric trolling motor prop by removing and cleaning them with a good inspection each month. These weeds and fishing line can eat up the inner rubber seals and cause internal damage if you do not!
Lights, bulbs, switches, breakers or fuses, may call for replacing or having spares for emergencies. Spare props for the outboard motor and trolling motor are a must! Jumper cables, first aid kits and even cell phones are a must as well! That is, if you want an enjoyable summer of bass fishing with few or any problems, if at all possible.
* Check your boat and truck batteries - Its no fun being broke down on the road or on lake with a dead cranking battery or trolling motor battery that may simply may need to just be replaced.
* Your Boat Trailer - The last thing an angler needs is to be broke down along the side of the road, especially on a hot summer day. Preparation is the key. Check the air in your spare tire and replace it if needed and make sure you air up all tires. A small air compressor can air up a flat tire until you can change it later. Hopefully when you get home!
Wheel bearings may need replacing or greased. Tail lights checked too! Wiring on a boat trailer can get in bad shape after a few years. Check for nicks, cuts or bad scrapes in the wires and fix or replace them if needed. Winch straps and boat tie down straps can get rotten and may need replacing to. Your boat trailer and its tires need a good cleaning to!
So as you can see there is a lot of preparation to get ready for an enjoyable four months of hot summer days here in Alabama! Your fishing equipment and tackle? Thats a whole day of preparation!
* Yourself? Bring along small hand towels, plenty of ice and water, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, food, drinks and snacks. Take short breaks in the shade during midday when its the hottest or take a dip in the lake! Always have a fully charged cell phone for unforseen emergencies!
Be safe this summer season and always be prepared…for the worse if neccesary!
Thanks and Good Fishin’! Reed Montgomery, Owner of Reeds Guide Service Birmingham, Alabama. (205) 663-1504 Website www.fishingalabama.com “Alabama’s Oldest, Professional Bass Fishing Only Guide Service! Guiding on All of Alabama’s Lakes For Over 40 Years”(That’s over 40 Hot Summer Seasons!) Guiding for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass and Striped Bass…Year Round!
