Finding Your Comfort Zone

Being comfortable when you fish is important. A good mental attitude and a sense of well being is a high priority. If I don’t feel good, I can’t concentrate. There’s no sense in trying to be a tough guy. It’s all a matter of being positive about the day’s activities. So, for this reason, I carry along a few things on the boat to make sure the day goes well.

One of the essentials is insect repellent. Some guys swear that if there’s one mosquito on a 50,000-acre lake, it will find them. That may be true if they are wearing aftershave. Remember to leave off the good-smelling stuff on fishing days, because mosquitoes are attracted to it. Black flies are drawn to open areas of sweat, such as on the back of your neck. That’s why I always carry a good insect repellent.

During summer, you also have to take precautions against the sun or you will get burned. Believe it or not, a cloudy day can result in a worse sunburn than a sunny day. So make sure you never leave home without sunscreen. I buy the ones with the highest SPF rating I can find.

Another tip on sunscreen is to get one that doesn’t cake up and turn white. I prefer the transparent sunscreens that are odorless, so I don’t attract flies, mosquitoes or other insects. Keep this in mind when you buy anything that will be on your boat.

If you fish standing up, you know that sooner or later your feet will get tired. It doesn’t matter how many fish you are catching. Your toes get worn out and start cramping. The best thing to do is to take off your shoes and socks, put on a fresh pair of socks and let your feet “breathe.” In a few minutes, you will feel fresh and renewed, and you’ll have a fresh attitude about the rest of the day.

You must also prepare for blinding sunlight. Polarized sunglasses are great blockers of UV rays, which can hurt your eyes and make you weary and cranky. Sunglasses are designed to prevent eye fatigue and will help you stay alert and maintain your focus. The newer models come in a variety of colors with lenses that don’t clog up.

In addition, polarized sunglasses are great for seeing into the water and through any glare that may blind you. I think sunglasses are most helpful when I’m fishing a topwater or a spinnerbait. I can often see the fish approach and take the bait, or in some cases, move away. This tells me to slow down, speed up or change baits. It also lets me know that the fish are active and in the area.

Your energy level is another concern when fishing during the summertime. Eating a snack is a simple thing to do, yet so many anglers just try to be “tough guys.” You don’t have to pull over to the bank and have a picnic, but munching on some peanut butter and crackers or a piece of fruit will help you stay at the top of your game.

Beverages are a necessity. A cooler filled with ice and a few bottles of water will keep you from becoming dehydrated. You may also want to have some soft drinks and a container of mild coffee. Fruit juice is probably the healthiest choice, especially orange juice and grape juice.

You should also have a first-aid kit onboard and any medications you might need. This would include pain relievers such as Advil or Tylenol, as well as something for bee stings and mosquito bites.

While I’m sure there are other things I’ve forgotten to mention, I know from experience that the items I’ve described can definitely make your day on the water better. More importantly, they can prevent a ruined day when you don’t have them onboard.