July is nearly over and we sure have had our share of July heat. When the thermometer climbs above 90 and the humidity index matches it, even fishing can be uncomfortable.
According to my Humminbird sonar the water’s surface temperature has climbed into the high 80s. It might be time to abandon fishing from the boat, and find a shady creek bank and do some leisurely bait fishing. You might want to bait up with worms, crawdads, or even leeches if you can find them.
For those who read last week’s column I hope you will follow my advice to smear on an ample amount sun block and then fish deep to find the fish. With my pontoon fishing boat the Barbie J I have some additional sun protection as the boat has an awning to provide at least a little shade.
Barb loves the awning even when the boat is sitting at the dock, and we often walk down to just sit and talk. It’s very likely we will also enjoy a cool beverage.
Of course, like everything, there is a downside to the awning. When the wind blows the awning acts like a sail and holding a correct trolling speed is difficult. I need to find an easier way to fold it up when I go fishing.
For those who fish from a smaller open fishing boat there are ways to provide some shade. I once had a 16-foot Smoker Craft boat that had a Bimini top, which is just a small awning. They provide some shade, but just like the awning on the Barbie J they can get in the way when fishing.
There also are large umbrellas that fit on the back of a small boats seat. I’d hate to be using one of those when the wind pipes up on Pymatuning Lake. That could be a thrill ride to rival Cedar Point, and I don’t even want to think about having that happen on Lake Erie.
If we all agree that we need sunscreen, and that the fish are seeking cooler depths, our next problem is how to get the lure or bait down to the fish. With bait you just need to add a sinker to take the worm or minnow down to the fish, but trolling a lure requires a little more thought. If you check the lure you are using, you can find how deep they are supposed to run.
I plan to use a lure called the Abyss and the manufacturer states that it runs from 16- to 18-feet deep. This might be too deep for this lake, but these are not absolute depths, because there are many other factors to consider. Boat speed must be figured in, as are line diameter and how much line you put out. And you thought fishing was easy.
Sometimes just adding a little weight ahead of the lure helps and I have found that a few split shot sinkers will sometimes work. But when the fish are seriously deep, such as 15 feet or so you might need to resort to contrivances such as bottom bouncers.
It is hard to describe a bottom bouncer without a photo, but it is basically a weighted wire that bounces along the bottom and the lure is tied to the bouncer via a leader. YouTube has some excellent photos and techniques for bottom bouncers. You should look it up.
Bottom bouncers can be bought at tackle shops as can other designs of sinker weights. I have tried most and with the bottom bouncer and the walking sinker I can make my own to save a bit of money. But beyond saving a little cash, I enjoy producing some of what I use for fishing.
Perhaps some week I will delve into my techniques for producing my own walking sinker, keel sinkers, bottom bouncers, and jigs. Making my own gives me something to do when winter hits, or a summer storm keeps me off the lake.
And speaking of winter, if you find the heat oppressive just take time to remember those February days when you would gladly have enjoyed the warmth of July. My advice is to take each day as it comes and enjoy it. The weather in Ohio will always change.
The Link LonkJuly 25, 2020 at 01:00PM
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