By Larry Hunter, for the SNAP

On the first full day of Summer 2018 the weather is hot. Not Arizona hot, but our own Stanly County hot.

Yes, I mean the temperature is in the 90s and the humidity makes it feel like we’re into triple digits.

While this doesn’t stop the fish from biting, it makes fishing more challenging for everyone.

Those hardy individuals who brave the elements are being rewarded with calm water, smaller crowds and everything moving at a slower pace.

Bass fishermen report that while the number and size of their quarry is down, there is still enough action to keep things interesting. That eight-pound lunker might be elusive, but there’s plenty of action on smaller fish to keep things interesting.

Crappie, often called papermouth bass by old timers, are not very different. Cool and deep is the trick to fill your cooler with these beauties.

Most panfish are active during early days of summer, but the best action is during the cool of mornings and late evenings. They’re running big this year, at least for me.

There is a lot of fun to be had catching a 14-ounce bluegill on ultra light tackle.

Catfish are still a big deal in local lakes, especially Badin and Tuckertown.

I rarely talk to striper fishermen, but generally I hear that deep, very deep, slow and very slow are the tricks for these large fish. Patience is the key to all fishing, but especially for these big boys.

Moving into the summer you’ll find top water action is good early in the day and just as it gets dark, around 8:30 p.m.

In the heat of the day, move to deeper cover and fish shadows under trees and piers for your best chance. This applies to most species as they attempt to avoid the heat of the day in the best way they can.

Fishin’ Tip of the Week: This week I have two tips, both specifically addressing this heat wave we are in.

Try live bait for most species. Fish are cold blooded and tend to slow down during the high heat of a summer day. Live bait will be in their view longer than fast moving artificials. This gives the prey more time to see and react to our bait.

Second tip: Wear a hat. It’s just too easy to have a sun stroke when it’s so hot and humid outside.

Thanks and good fishin’.

Larry Hunter is a freelance contributor for The Stanly News & Press.