Introduction
First let me say this. I'm not a doctor, a paramedic or any kind of medical specialist. The symptoms and first aid advice that you read here in this article can be checked out and confirmed by the American Red Cross. I'm not a doctor but rather a full time fishing guide that encounters all types of weather situations throughout the 12 months of the year. My clients and I fish in everything from freezing temperatures to snow, sleet, rain and during this time of the year "Extreme Heat"
I have found that every person is different when it comes to physical tolerances on the water. Some people (like me) can handle colder weather far better than the heat. For others it might be the other way around. I have also found that AGE isn't always the determining factor. When it comes to this time of the year, my concerns for myself and those with me are heighten greatly. When it comes to age Extreme Heat is no respecter of person. Why? Let me tell you a quick incident that happened to me 3 years ago on a very hot sunny day on Old Hickory Lake here in middle Tennessee.
I was fishing with a medical doctor (thankfully) from North Carolina. True to my normal routine back then I didn't eat anything before I got to the lake because I was always concerned about the possibility of having a upset stomach during the guide trip. No port a potties on the water you know. We started at daylight and by 11:00am the sun was straight up and air temperatures hovered near 98 actual degrees. No telling what it was with the heat index. I was feeling great. I had drank a couple bottles of water through the morning, the doc and I was on fish, and THEN IT HAPPENED!! I was instantly sick! I turned to the doc and said "Man I don't feel good and then the next thing I knew I didn't have the strength in my legs to hold myself up and I more or less collapsed on the front deck. His first reaction was to ask if I was having a heart attack. I knew it wasn't that, but I had become pale-dizzy-nauseous-and began to (sorry) vomit. The doc knew right away that I was in the stages of either "Heat Exhaustion" or a "Heat Stroke". He quickly motored us to the nearest shade we could find, which isn't easy on Old Hickory Lake. He helped me loosen my clothing and since there was no access to cold compresses began to pour water on me from the lake until it looked like it had rained inside the boat. When I was able, he had me drink some water, drove us back to the ramp, helped me to the Tahoe, and put my head directly into the air conditioner vents. Over a hour period I began to gradually feel better but I was still weak and washed out. What Happened To Me? Heat Exhaustion!!!!! Oh yes, Big Bad Me, the guy that could handle any weather....Wrong! I shutter to think what would have happened to me if I had been by myself that day....I most likely wouldn't be around to write this article.
Yesterday when we launched the Stratos at 4:45am it was already 84 degrees. Temps yesterday reached the high 90's and the heat index was soaring well above 100 degrees. This weeks forecast is much of the same. Please take some advise from someone that had a not so subtle wake-up call- Stay Safe, Don't Take Chances On The Water. No fish is worth it. I hope the following information will help you.
If Your Fishing During A Heat Wave
First of all a heat wave is what we are going through right now here in middle Tennessee and most of the country. It's a prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity. Temperatures with the heat index factored in can reach well above the 100 degree mark very early in the day. Let me say that again very early in the day! You don't have to wait until mid day for the danger level to rise excessively, it can happen by 9 or 10 am easily. The National Weather Service has been issuing warnings concerning the dangers of heat related problems. Warning have gone out for everything from humans to animals. Slow down and avoid as much strenuous activity on the water as possible. If you like to fish at night this might be a good alternative. If your fishing during the day start as early as you can and get off the water as early as possible. I know the fish aren't always where we want them to be-but try to utilize the shaded areas as much as possible. Wear lightweight-light colored clothing and head gear. Drink plenty of water regularly and often. Drink fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Contrary to some national beverage companies advertising campaigns, studies have proven that water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohols or caffeine, these just make the effects on you're body during extreme heat worse. Eat small snacks several times while on the water. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so my your physician.
What Are Some Signal Of Heat Danger?
(1) Heat Cramps: Heat cramps are muscle contractions, normally in the hamstring muscles in the back calve area of the legs. I have experienced these before and I can tell you that they can be very forceful and very painful. These cramps seem to happen in extreme heat. Particularly if you are dehydrated or are in poor physical condition. OOP's How many of us qualify there? I always thought that these cramps were due to some type of mineral imbalance, but from all the reports that I have read this doesn't seem to be true.
(2) Heat Exhaustion: This is brought on by excessive heat and dehydration. The signs of a heat stroke is exactly as I described in the paragraphs above. Paleness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fainting and a normal to moderately increased temperature. This increase in body temperature isn't a fever but rather caused by the heat.
(3) Heat Stroke: Folks I can't stress this enough. A Heat Stroke is a life threatening situation. It is the most severe form of heat illness. It can occur even in people who are NOT EXERCISING if the weather is hot enough. Signs of a heat stroke is warm flushed skin and little to no sweat, rapid weak pulse and rapid shallow breathing. Body temperatures can be very high, as high as 105 degrees and the person may be delirious, become unconscious or go into seizures.
Treatment Of Heat Related Emergencies
(1) Heat Cramps: Get to a cool place and try to rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and drink a 1/2 glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not drink any liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, they can only make things worse.
(2) Heat Exhaustion: Get the person out of the heat and to a cool place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths such as towels or sheets. If available ice packs and a fan blowing on the person may also help. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Make sure they drink slowly. Give 1/2 glass of cool water every 15 minutes/ No alcohol or caffeinated drinks. Rest and watch for a change in conditions.
(3) Heat Stroke: Remember this can be LIFE THREATENING! Get the person to a cool location out of the sun. Loosen or remove clothing and pour very cool water on the person if possible. Use cold compresses-especially to the head and neck area, also to the arm-pit and groin areas. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. Do not give medications, do not use rubbing alcohol...DO NOT give them anything to EAT or Drink....Continue first aid until medical help takes over.
Conclusion
We can prevent heat related illnesses. It's important to stay well hydrated to make sure that your body can get rid of the extra heat. Be sensible about exertion in this heat wave that we are currently in. The hotter more humid the harder it will be to get rid of excessive heat. Wear the right clothing, drink plenty of water, stay in the shade and if you begin to feel bad at all get off the water and into a cool place. I hope this will give you some food for thought.........like I said it's just a fish and it's just not worth the risk.
Contact us any time at www.tennesseebassguides.com or rickm@dtccom.net
