Inshore:
Finally the rains have slowed down a little. You can still expect afternoon showers just about every day this time of year. The polluted waters from Lake Okeechobee are still being flooded into the Saint Lucie River and the water conditions have deteriorated to a critical stage. Health warnings are out for those waters and it doesn't look good for the environment there. Check out the many pages on Facebook that are frantically trying to get people to take action and help clean up the Saint Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon. Taylor Creek is also dumping into the river in Fort Pierce and is being pushed to the north in that area. I have been fishing south of Fort Pierce where the water has held up pretty well so far.
We have had a good snapper and sheepshead bite this past week on the river around the docks. The trout bite has slowed for now, but you can still catch some nice ones on DOA shrimp in two to four feet of water. Look for redfish around docks, mangroves and in the shallow flats around the river. CAL paddle tails or DOA shrimp works well for reds. Les, Andrew. Sean and Daniel had a nice day fishing on the river. The boys caught most of the fish that morning and took some snapper and sheepshead home for dinner. Roger and Joanie joined me on a beautiful morning and caught a variety of fish including snapper, sheepshead and one big flounder that spit the hook at the boat. Jake fished the Treasure Coast Casters tournament for the first time. He lost a couple big fish around the docks that could have won the tournament, but we had a nice time fishing anyway. It was a fun week on the water!
It's been hot outside lately. Keeping hydrated is essential when on the water. Here are some tips to recognize heat stroke and heat exhaustion and what to do in an emergency.
Heat Stroke/Exhaustion
With the heat of summer upon us, make sure you have a plan for an emergency. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion is always a possibility when out on the water.
SIGNS:
Heat exhaustion:
Cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.
Heat stroke:
Hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high-- as high as 105 degrees F. If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry.
TREATMENT:
Heat exhaustion:
Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position, and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition.
Heat stroke:
Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.
Check out the Red Cross web site for more information: www.redcross.org
Have a great August on the water!
Remember, as always, fishing is not just another hobby……it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing,
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852