long sleeves, long pants, with light colors both made from dry wicking material. Hat covering head and ears, and umbrella, plenty of cold water, I can fish all day...One in the front, and one in the back..

what type of life jacket is that your wearing?

A friend of mine made a portable misting system with a 12v pump and fan to his pontoon boat bimini top and an oversized umbrella on the front deck with mister. It drops the the temp down at least 20 degrees when the humidity is less than 30%. Similar to this but homemade and half the price.

http://www.mist-er-comfort.com/marine-misting-systems-2/

Jim Sr. What brand and where did you get the dry wicking light weight pants?

Those are $25 at Dicks, made by Reebok,

Cabelas Auto Inflating..

The heat has definitely been turned on in South Texas. Shade onboard is a given, not only for the heat, but obviously for the sun exposure. Long sleeve loose shirts and pants and wide brinmed hat that enjoys getting wet. A bimini is as important to me as a FF or power steering. It has now gotten so hot that I will get all my lines in and jump in for a ten minute soak. Actually blessed to be able to do that nowadays!

I use a great Hydration product to put a few drops in my water bottles. It has really helped with the leg cramps that use old guys get at night after a hot day on the water. Check it out in my signature and mention my name for a discount if you order some. It has no sugar like the sports drinks; just all the things you need and nothing you don't.

Lots of good advice here. Don't think I saw anything about sunscreen, which doesn't exactly help with the heat, but sure will help the skin. I'm 63 and I pretty much just fish daylight till around noon or before. If I stay longer than noon it's because it's a really nice day, I'm on a really nice lake, and I'm catching instead of fishing! At this point in my fishing life, it doesn't bother me a bit to quit early, get home, take a shower, relax and update my file on how many fish I caught , or didn't catch that day!

Happy fishing to you Phototex!

I want to thank each of you for your responses. Some really good ideas here. Some I already do, and some I shall do in the future. Stay cool, y'all, and tight lines.

Tom

It doesn't BEAT the heat, but remember to keep hydrated. Drink lots of water or gatoraide or something. I find it helpful to drink tomato juice with salt in it. It is not beating the heat, but it sure helps in the end when you do not get cramps. Use plenty of SPF sunscreen, too. When it got too hot when it was 110 in Dallas, we used to jump in the water while fishing. That would cool you off for a little while. I am coming down in early July to guide some guys on lake Lewisville and I am planning on taking more fluids than something to eat. You better EAT something, too, I know it doesn't feel like it, but while you are sweating, you are also loosing proteins, as well. So make sure to hydrate and eat something, or plan on going early and late. Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains