How to Stay Cool and Comfortable on a Louisiana Fishing Trip

Here in Sportsman’s Paradise, especially in summer, it’s almost impossible to get off the fishing boat empty-handed.

Louisiana’s world-class fishing boasts 40,000 miles of bayous, streams and rivers — not to mention 400 miles of coastline — so pick your spot. If you like inshore fishing, there are redfish, speckled trout and black drum just begging to be caught. The red snapper and big tuna farther out are calling your name.

If there’s one downside to Louisiana fishing in summer, it might be the heat. Even the locals whine about it, but heat is a non-issue if you play it smart.

In the Heat of the Moment

From a scientific standpoint, heat and sun exposure are not drastically more dangerous on a charter boat than on land. Still, there are some built-in risks worth mentioning.

It’s true that water reflects a small percentage of UV radiation, which slightly intensifies the sun’s harmful rays. There is also the inherent danger of long-term exposure on a boat. As every angler knows, fish take their sweet time getting to the hook — if your nose turns bright pink while you’re waiting, you can’t seek relief under a beach umbrella or dash back to the motel room for a hat.

Happily, the remaining risks for sunburn or dehydration are largely preventable. It’s just a matter of dispelling the myths.

For instance, you can get a nasty burn on a cold or cloudy day. You might even be more likely to burn in those conditions because you feel cool enough to skip the sunscreen or shed protective layers. Remember that the sun is the sun, whether you feel cool or not.

In other myths: No, a tan is not healthy. Yes, darker skin can still burn. Ladies, few makeup foundations have the high SPF that you require. As for dehydration, check that sports drink that you brought to replace electrolytes; it’s likely loaded with sugar, which is the last thing you need.

Planning for heat and humidity ranks right up there with deciding which bait is best. It’s no less important than getting the spice level just right on the sac-a-lait. Would you rather take a fishing trip you’ll never forget or a trip to the ER you’ll never forget?

We have great tips for taking the sun seriously while still having a blast.

Hot Fun in the Summertime

Oddly enough, the very items that keep you cool and comfortable will also keep you safe:

• Sensible clothing. Folks, a skimpy tank top won’t cut it when temperatures climb into the 90s. You need far more coverage, and you needn’t swelter in heavy fabrics to get it. Check out the options in protective clothing specifically designed for fishing. One manufacturer, Mossy Oak, thought of everything — stretch, breathability and built-in sun protection that doesn’t wash away over time. Mossy Oak offers everything from shorts to hoodies to crisp button-downs in materials that keep you up to 30 percent cooler. These pieces look great too. Choose from wildly diverse colors and patterns, and enjoy the plentiful pockets for IDs, phones and other items you don’t want to lose.

• Headwear. Visors and ball caps are better than nothing, but a wide-brimmed hat is ideal. It will cover your nose, chin, neck and shoulders, as well as that bald spot that tends to burn.

• Eyewear. Clouds don’t do diddly-squat to protect your eyes. Eyes are sensitive organs, and ultraviolet rays can do all kinds of damage. Wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection are best for Louisiana fishing adventures. You can occasionally slip on polarized lenses to spot your prey below the water’s surface.

• Sunscreen. Everybody knows to wear sunscreen, but few people bother to read the label or instructions. Sunscreen should have an SPF value of at least 30, but higher is better. (Some products offer 100+ SPF.) Apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before you go out. It’s not entirely waterproof, so reapply every one to two hours, depending on how wet or sweaty you get in the boat. Note that sunscreen has an expiration date. It also loses potency in a hot glove box. Also, remember sun-protective lip balm.

• Water. Most of us associate dehydration with football practice, pulling weeds or waking up with a hangover. However, hydration is important on a charter boat, too. Dehydration is simply losing more water in your body than you take in. That’s easy to do when you’re hot and sweaty and not drinking enough. It causes all kinds of health problems — even some life-threatening ones — so read up on signs and symptoms. Sugary drinks exacerbate the problem. Too much alcohol can also backfire. The best thing for preventing dehydration is good old water, so bring plenty. Raw veggies and certain fruits, like watermelon and oranges, are also hydrating.

Finally, know that most fish prefer the same cool temperatures that keep people safe and comfortable. If you can head out early in the morning or after sunset, you’ll find the perfect world for fishing.

Book Now

A few sun and heat precautions can make all the difference in your Louisiana fishing experience. Charter captains, who always put safety first, are bursting with helpful suggestions.

That doesn’t mean they don’t know how to have fun — on the contrary. Our guides have the know-how and experience to customize an unforgettable trip. You’ll probably catch more fish than you can eat and hear some wild stories to boot. Charter captains are also known for their mind-blowing intelligence and powers of observation, so count on learning a thing or two.

For a first-rate captain, book now through LouisianaCharterFishing.com.