Ebb & F low Hot! Hot! Hot!
By Trey Leggett
W
e have definitely made it to summer here in the Southeast! As usual, we have high temperatures, high humidity, mosquitoes, and unpredictable pop-up thunderstorms – all typical conditions for residents of this area, but worth bringing up in case you’ve become complacent from our nice spring weather. My son and I went fishing/scouting the other day. The winds were light and out of the west, which made for a very calm day on the water. The temperature was tolerable when we set out, but it was climbing. Boats were gathering at inlet beach areas to enjoy a day on the water. While checking some areas for tripletail, we saw a bonito come straight out of the water, but we weren’t sure if it was a Skipjack or a Little Tunny. We started trolling with lures in that area but had no luck. We then moved on to troll with lures, beachside, for Spanish mackerel. By this time the sweat beads were forming and we started chugging water. After not getting any hookups we began checking some other areas for mackerel and we stumbled across a large single cobia. We attempted to throw lines at it, but it was on a mission to get somewhere else. We made our way back inland and tried some inshore fishing but immediately surmised that it was too stinkin’ hot to fish sitting still. On our way back to the boat ramp we continued to hydrate with more cool water. Yep, a boring story about not catching fish! But what was really revealed on that day was: 1) You never know what you might come across out there 2) Whether you’ll have the right tackle to pursue the unexpected 3) Having plenty of cool drinking water is a must 4) Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen 5) It sure would have been nice to have some shade from a T-top or bimini! Although we aren’t even in the dog days of summer yet, it’s already dangerously hot outside. Make sure to plan and pack necessary items like water, sunscreen, hat, umbrella or some other device for shade. Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related injuries to help protect yourself and others. Summertime also brings with it an array of unpredictable pop-up thunderstorms. These storms may not last a long time, but can have damaging winds up to 60 mph, hail, and dangerous lightning. Outrunning these storms by boat when they’re close is not advisable. It’s always better to hunker down in a safe place until the storm passes. Also make sure your boat is properly grounded July 2018
Southern Tides Magazine
Trey's son Austin with their pup, Charlie. Photo by Trey Leggett
against lightning. It’s extremely important that you plan ahead, have communication abilities with the Coast Guard, have a float plan in place, and use good judgement while on the water this summer. It’s going to be hot, but it’s going to be fun! Stay safe and tight lines!
Trey fishes for Hobie Polarized Sunglasses, and ENGEL Coolers.
Email: info@southerntidesmagazine.com 9
