How does the heat effect the Arizona angler?

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[#000080][size 2]How do you guys deal with the heat in the desert? Just wondering...thx tommy[/size][/#000080]
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[TubeDude]

[cool]Can you say beer, air conditioning and swimming pools? Good. That's all you need to know about surviving in Arizona. Of course, there are those new personal "misting systems" to spray cooling vapor around your head too.

In my business I talk to people all over the country, and the topic of heat in Arizona always comes up. All I can say is to quote Joan of Arc..."It's a nice dry heat."

The heat does play a big part in fishing in Arizona. First of all, it gets the fish spoiled. If the water temps drop below 65 degrees they think it is winter in the Antarctic. But, from 65 to 80, it's Katy bar the door. Once the surface temps soar past the 80 to 85 mark, everything except the catfish move out into deeper water and fan themselves all day. However, there is often some good night fishing for bass, crappies and especially walleyes.

Savvy fishermen plan to be on the water before daybreak during the warmer periods of summer. Sometimes the fishing is done by the time the hot sun hits the water...along with the power squadrons and the PWC. Any fisherman who stays on the water past about 10 AM better have a lot of sunscreen and stay "hydrated"...or "beer-brated" (inebriated). From the first of June on, it is not unusual to have temperatures over 100 by late morning...and upwards of 110 or more by late afternoon.

Arizona anglers who are smart...and financially capable...usually plan to be in some other part of the country during the hottest summer months. They head to the northern states for "payback" on the snowbirds who come down here and raise the fees on the golf courses during the winter months.

Along about mid September...to the first of October...the shortening daylight hours and the slightly decreasing temps are enough to stimulate a fall bite. After Labor Day, a lot of the summer set put up their water toys and serious fishermen start to come out from under the shade of their patio covers. In most years there is good "winding down" action clear through the middle to end of November.

You probably didn't want all that, but you should know better by now. Wanna come down and play sometime?
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