As the summer sun casts its radiant glow upon tranquil waters, we anglers eagerly gear up for the exhilarating pursuit of bass fishing. Summertime presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for those of us seeking the thrill of reeling in the big one.
From strategic casting to mastering the art of lure presentation, bass fishing in the summertime demands both skill and patience.
Seasonal Patterns: During the summer months, bass undergo significant behavioral shifts. Warmer water temperatures prompt these voracious predators to generally do two things: migrate towards deeper, cooler areas of lakes and rivers, and remaining in shallow, 1-15 feet of water seeking refuge from the scorching heat.
Though these two points may seem counterintuitive, they accomplish the same goal: Shielding bass from intense heat and sunlight while giving them an avenue to ambush vulnerable prey.
For deeper water, start by identifying potential hotspots such as underwater points, drop-offs, submerged vegetation, humps, or ledges. Fish finders are invaluable tools for locating bass-holding structures and are darn near a pre-requisite for finding these structures in open water. Pay attention to temperature changes, as bass often seek cooler water in deeper areas during warmer months.
For shallow water summer bass fishing, my personal favorite, it is much more straightforward. During the summer months you will find bass aggressively feeding on topwater during the early morning and dawn hours. Once the topwater bite ceases, it is crucial to identify structure. Depending on your lake you may have rocks, boulders, submerged trees, submergent and emergent vegetation and shoreline structure. Look for structures that provide the two primary requirements for bass: cover and concealment to ambush prey, and protection from direct sunlight. My favorite technique this time of year is finding thick shoreline grass, reeds and weeds and skipping in a heavy jig or chucking one of our weightless soft jerkbaits, TPR jerkbaits, or baby jerkbaits into gaps in the cover
As the sun rises higher, transitioning to soft plastic baits rigged on weighted hooks or jigs allows for precise presentations at various depths. Patiently working these lures along drop-offs, submerged vegetation, or beneath structure can entice even the most elusive bass to strike.
In the summertime, when bass are more sluggish, finesse techniques can yield exceptional results. Utilizing subtle retrieves, such as slow-rolling spinnerbaits, twitching a slow falling soft jerkbait, or wacky rigging a plastic worm, entices bass that may be less inclined to chase fast-moving prey. Moreover, experimenting with different colors, sizes, and retrieval speeds can help identify the preferences of bass in a particular body of water, further enhancing your chances of success. If you're not getting much action on one of our soft jerkbaits, for example, size down to our ned worm and work it slow; slower than you think you should work it.
Summer weather can be unpredictable, especially in the South, with sudden storms or heatwaves followed by relative cold fronts further altering fishing conditions. we as anglers must be adaptable and responsive to such changes.
Storm fronts often trigger increased feeding activity, making it an ideal time to capitalize on bass that become more active in anticipation of the impending weather change. Conversely, during prolonged heatwaves, fishing deeper in cooler waters or during low-light periods can be more productive. Flexibility and a willingness to adjust strategies accordingly are key attributes of successful summertime bass fishermen.
One aspect of summertime bass fishing that is oft overlooked is the stress it puts on the fish. Fish are cold blooded animals and taking a prolonged amount of time fighting or handling the fish can be detrimental to their health. It is important for us to recognize this and strive to impact the fish as little as possible. If you're an avid kayak fishermen like I am and use a measuring board, be cognizant of how hot these boards can be. Imagine being pulled from 85-ish degree water and plopped down on a dry, searing aluminum or plastic board. To the fish, this is tantamount to us grabbing a hot backing tray from the oven. One method to counter this is to dip the board in the water before placing the fish. They'll thank you for it!
In addition, the bigger the fish and the more prolonged the fight and post-fight handling, the more impact it has on the fish. Take the time to 'rehabilitate' the fish before releasing. Place the fish in the water once you're done capturing your photos or weighing, move it back and forth gently to get water flowing over its gills until its ready. You'll know they're ready when they slowly meander off or give you the obligatory tail kick that splashes you with lake water. Simply chucking an exhausted fish back into the water can be detrimental to their recovery, and we all want to preserve these trophies for future enjoyment!
Bass fishing in the summertime is an adventure that tests our skill and knowledge, providing countless moments of excitement and fulfillment. Understanding seasonal patterns, employing tactical approaches, mastering lure presentation, adapting to changing conditions, and promoting conservation are fundamental aspects of this pursuit. So, grab your gear, head to the nearest lake or river, and immerse yourself in the thrill of summertime bass fishing. The challenge awaits, and the memories are waiting to be made.
Our recommended baits for summer: