HOOKED ON SUMMER.  After last night’s rains move out, things will warm up into yet another ideal summer day with light winds and temps in the mid-80s.  Take advantage of those conditions by getting on the water and using today’s tips in our Outdoors Roundup.

 

Featured Photo: UP TOP. The placement of a knot matters on larger wire hooks.  Keep the line from slipping the eye on the hookset by resetting frequently, per our tip below! Simonson Photo.

 

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today:  Wed 7/17 – Chance Rain – Hi 82, Lo 65, Wind L&V
Tomorrow:   Thu 7/18 – Westerlies – Hi 84, Lo 67, Wind W@10, G20

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

 

Sunrise        Sunset
6:06AM       9:32PM

 

Moonrise      Moonset       Overhead    Underfoot
10:20PM      6:40AM       2:09AM       2:33PM

 

Moon Phase:  Waning Gibbous (99% Full)

 

EDGE HOUR:  9:30-10:30PM.  Catch a hot bite as the sun goes down and moon rises in our Edge Hour.
DAY RATING:

 

OUTDOORS ROUNDUP:

SLIP KNOT.  When using wire hooks – especially larger models like 2/0 or bigger – be certain that the knot you tie stays up top on the hook eye.  Check after each cast to be certain the knot hasn’t wedged against where the wire eye closes – superlines can slip right through the small space on a hard hookset – and reset it to the top position as needed.

NOW IT’S A FISH TOWEL.  A great addition to any boat is a towel for wiping hands after boating a fish.  Especially for those who angle in waters where slimier species, such as pike, catfish and bullheads are frequent catches.  Find an old golf towel and clip it to a ring in the boat and it’s always at the ready.

SQUIRT BOTTLE.  Stash a liter bottle of water with a sport cap in a storage compartment in your fishing boat, and refill it before each trip if necessary.  Use it for your own hydration, or if you fish with your favorite four-legged friend, some squirtable K-9 coolant on these warmer summer days.