Don't Let the Florida Sun Turn You Into a Baked Grouper

Preventing Heat-Related Illness While Fishing Tampa Bay

If you've spent any amount of time fishing Tampa Bay during the summer, you've probably noticed one thing: Florida's sunshine doesn't play around.

Folks come down from up north thinking they're ready for a day on the water because they survived a July afternoon in Ohio. Then three hours later they're sitting in the shade of my T-top looking like a boiled lobster wondering why they suddenly feel dizzy.

As your captain, one of my jobs is putting you on fish. Another important job is making sure nobody gets cooked like the day's catch.

The Tampa Bay Heat Is Different

The combination of Florida sunshine, high humidity, and sunlight reflecting off the water creates what I call the "double oven effect."

The sun is beating down from above while the water reflects it back up underneath your chin. Before you know it, you've got a sunburn in places you didn't even know could get sunburned.

Even experienced anglers can get into trouble if they don't respect the heat.

Drink Water Like It's Your Job

The number one mistake I see on fishing charters is people waiting until they're thirsty to start drinking water.

By the time you're thirsty, you're already behind the curve.

I recommend drinking water before the trip starts and continuing throughout the day. Don't wait until you feel like you're crossing the Sahara Desert.

A good rule of thumb is simple:

If your captain is drinking water, you should probably be drinking water too.

We always carry water onboard, but bringing your favorite sports drinks is never a bad idea. Electrolytes help replace what you sweat out while battling fish and Florida sunshine.

Beer Is Not a Hydration Plan

Now let's have an honest conversation.

I've heard every version of this:

"Captain, beer has water in it."

Technically, so does tomato soup.

Alcohol contributes to dehydration and can make heat-related illnesses develop faster. If you're going to enjoy a cold beverage, balance it with plenty of water throughout the trip.

Your liver may disagree, but your body will thank you.

Dress Like You Know What You're Doing

The old days of standing on the bow shirtless while getting roasted all day are over.

Most experienced anglers today wear:

• Lightweight long-sleeve fishing shirts
• Neck gaiters
• Wide-brim hats
• Polarized sunglasses
• Lightweight fishing pants or sun-protective clothing

The funny thing is that covering up actually keeps you cooler than exposing your skin to direct sunlight.

Plus, nobody wants to explain to their spouse why they came home looking like a bright red stop sign.

Sunscreen Is Your Friend

Apply sunscreen before boarding the boat.

Not after.

Not once we're running across Tampa Bay.

Not after you've already turned pink.

Use a quality sunscreen and reapply throughout the day. Pay special attention to ears, neck, nose, and the tops of your feet. Those areas seem to get forgotten until later that evening when every shower feels like a chemical attack.

Know the Warning Signs

Heat-related illness doesn't usually happen all at once.

Watch for:

• Excessive sweating
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Muscle cramps
• Fatigue
• Confusion

If you start feeling any of these symptoms, tell your captain immediately.

Don't try to tough it out.

I've been around boats and fishermen long enough to know that some folks would rather wrestle a shark than admit they're not feeling well. Trust me, it's better to speak up early.

Kids and Older Anglers Need Extra Attention

Children and older adults are often more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Parents should encourage kids to drink water frequently, even when they're having too much fun catching fish to think about it.

Likewise, grandparents trying to outfish the grandkids should remember that hydration is every bit as important as bait selection.

Shade Is Not a Sign of Weakness

On a Five O'Clock Charlie charter, nobody gets judged for taking a break in the shade.

In fact, smart anglers use the shade regularly throughout the day.

The fish don't care if you spent ten minutes cooling off. Heat exhaustion can ruin an entire vacation much faster than missing one cast.

Captain John's Final Thoughts

I want every guest who steps aboard my boat to leave with great memories, great photos, and maybe a cooler full of fish.

What I don't want is somebody ending their vacation with a trip to the emergency room because they underestimated a Florida summer.

Tampa Bay offers some of the best fishing and wildlife experiences anywhere on the Gulf Coast, but the heat deserves respect.

So drink water, wear your sun protection, listen to your captain, and don't try to prove you're tougher than the Florida sun.

After eleven years of running charters, I can tell you one thing with certainty:

The Florida sun is undefeated.

I look forward to seeing you on the water.

Tight lines and stay cool!

Captain John Blenker
Five O'Clock Charlie Tours & Charters