Hey there fellow anglers! As the temperatures rise and the dog days set in, it’s that time of the year again – summer bass fishing season! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this article has got you covered with everything you need to know to target bass during the summer months. Bass love the warmth of summer, making it the perfect time to head out on the water and try your luck! So grab your fishing gear and let’s dive into the world of summer bass fishing.
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Table of Contents:
Understanding Summer Bass Behavior
First things first, its important to understand bass behavior during the summer before fishing for them.
Migration Patterns
In the summer, water temperature are warm. In the spring, bass are in shallow water for the spawn. After spawning, one of two things generally happens. Some bass stay choose to stay shallow while some head offshore to deeper water. Largemouth are known for this split in summertime migration patterns. Meanwhile, smallmouth bass head deep in the summertime for the most part.
Feeding Habits
Bass are cold blooded and have a higher metabolism when the water temperatures are warmer. This heightened metabolism leads to bass being quite active and aggressive in the summer. Early mornings and late evenings are prime feeding times during the summer months. As the sun rises and sets, the water cools slightly, enticing bass to come out and feast.
As the temperature rises, so does the activity of our slippery friends beneath the surface. Bass become more active during summer, and they have one thing on their minds: feeding! But don’t expect them to be everywhere; understanding their behavior is the key to success.
Bass Fishing Gear
Now that you know where to find them, let’s talk gear! The right equipment can make all the difference between a good day and an extraordinary one.
Spinning Reel vs. Baitcasting Reel
Spinning reels and baitcasting reels are both popular options when it comes to bass fishing. The spinning reel vs. baitcaster is often debating among anglers, but ultimately comes down to personal preference. Generally speaking, spinning reels excel for finesse bass fishing applications. Baitcasters are more geared towards power fishing techniques. However, there is definitely some carry over between the two. Choose a bass fishing reel based on the techniques you plan on using most.
Baitcasting Rods and Reels
Bass fishing rods come in many different lengths, powers, and actions. For anglers just looking to get started, I recommend a medium power rod with a fast action. As far as length goes, anywhere between 6′ 6″ and 7′ 6″ is a good starting point. This rod will cover most bass applications and allow you to practice a wide range of techniques. As you get more advanced, look into purchasing technique specific bass fishing rods.
Line and Leader Recommendations
Fishing line tends to be largely based on personal preference as well. For bottom contact lures where sensitivity is crucial, I recommend running a braided main-line with a fluorocarbon leader. Don’t worry about the fluorocarbon leader if your water is stained or dirty. For lures with treble hooks, monofilament line is a great option due to its forgiveness and stretch when fighting fish. Experiment with the different types of line for various techniques and find what works best for you.
Best Bass Lures For The Summer
When it comes to lures, there’s a wide range of options to choose from. Creature Baits, Crankbaits, Senkos, and Curly Tail Worms are all great options
Creature Baits
Creature baits are a large category when it comes to bass fishing. There are countless options on the market which can get overwhelming to new anglers. The main thing to keep in mind when choosing a creature bait for summer fishing is action. Look for creature baits that have appendages that displace a lot of water.
Crankbaits
Crankbaits are a very popular choice among bass fishing anglers in the summertime. Crankbaits allow you to cover a lot of water quickly to search for active fish. Additionally, they work well for firing up schools of fish offshore. If you plan on fishing shallow (less than 10 ft), a square bill crankbait is the way to go. As you get deeper, choose your crankbait based on its diving depth. Keep in mind that you want your crankbait deflecting off of the bottom, so choose one that dives a few feet deeper than the depth you plan on fishing.
Senkos
I would be doing you a disservice if I talked about summer bass fishing without talking about senkos. Senkos are straight tail soft plastic worms that are extremely versatile and beginner friendly. Rig Senkos on a wacky rig when fishing open water or sparse vegation and texas rig for thicker vegetation. The retrieve is slow with this bait. Cast it out and let it fall to the bottom. Jig it up slightly, let it fall back to the bottom, and repeat. Your strikes will almost always occur when the lure is falling.
Curly Tail Worms
When you hear curly tail worms you may be thinking of a small finesse soft plastic. However, the curly tail worms I am talking about for summer bass fishing are anywhere from 7 to 12 inches in length. For whatever reason, these long curly tail worms excel for bass when the water temperature is warmer. Rig them on an exposed jig head if you are fishing open water or spare vegetation. For thicker cover, a texas rig is the way to go. Retrieve this bait slowly along the bottom and be prepared for some big summertime bites.
Finding The Best Spots: Summer Bass Location
For bass in the summer, there are two schools of thought; shallow and deep
Shallow Water
In shallow water, cover is everything. Bass seek shallow water to find shade and ambush points. Look for overhead structures like docks and overhanging trees or submergent cover like thick vegetation or timber. Keep your eye out for the thickest and nastiest cover you can find since this provides the most shade. If you are bass fishing in the weeds for example, look out for the thickest clumps or weeds or a submerged log amongst the weeds. These are the hotspots in summer that you should focus your efforts on.
Deep Water
In deep water, hard bottom tends to be more important. Rocks, wood, cribs or any other form of hard bottom are great places to start your search in the summertime. Depth depends largely on the body of water you are fishing. In a lake that has a max depth of 15 feet, 10 feet may be considered deep. In a lake that has a max depth of 100 feet, 40 feet may be deep. Use your electronics and hone in on the depth you are marking fish at. The main takeaway here is that these fish are relating to offshore cover as opposed to shoreline cover.
Summer Bass Fishing Techniques
Now comes the fun part – learning the bass techniques that work well in summer
Power Fishing
Summertime is a great time to power fish for bass. For those of you that have never heard of the term “power fishing”, this refers to fishing quickly and aggressively. Upsize your lure and use a fast retrieve. Power fishing allows you to cover a lot of water in the summertime to locate active bass. Additionally, power fishing can draw reaction strikes from inactive bass that wouldn’t be willing to bite some other lures. I recommend power fishing when bass are spread out on an expansive piece of cover and you need to move quickly and cover water to effectively target them.
Finesse Fishing
When you find a school of bass, you may want to slow down and try finesse fishing for them in the summer. As the name implies, the finesse fishing technique refers to using downsized lures and tackle to fool finicky fish into biting. If fish are aggressively feeding, this is not the way to go. However, finesse fishing will allow you to catch more fish when the bite gets tough.
Topwater
Topwater bass fishing is a great technique to use during the summer. With the warmer water temperatures, bass are more inclined to feed on the surface. Although topwater fishing can be effective at all times of day, it tends to be better during the low-light periods. Topwater bass lures comes in all different shapes and sizes. Use a topwater lure that you can pause and fish slowly when fishing around cover. Popper and Frogs are two great options. Use a topwater lure that you can retrieve quickly and aggressively when targeting expansive flats. Buzz baits and walking baits are two of my favorites.
Fine-Tuning Your Approach
To increase your chances of success, it’s important to fine-tune your approach and adapt to changing conditions.
Time of Day
While bass can be caught throughout the day in the summer, they are often more active during low-light conditions. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times, so plan your outings accordingly. However, fishing during the midday can be productive when it is windy, cloudy, or the barometric pressure is dropping before a storm front moves in. Additionally, don’t be afraid to try fishing well into the nighttime for bass this time of year.
Adjusting to Conditions
Pay attention to the weather and water conditions. Overcast days, strong winds, or dropping barometric pressure can trigger bass feeding activity. Adjust your lure size, color, and presentation based on water clarity and temperature. Adaptation is the name of the game when it comes to successful summer bass fishing. Keep experimenting and you are bound to find something that works.
Paying Attention to Details
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a big difference. If you are on larger body of water, keep an eye out for bird activity. Just like bass, birds feed on the baitfish and can point you in the right direction on your search. Additionally, wind is another big factor that most bass anglers tend to overlook. This mostly comes into play when fishing bass offshore in deeper water. Strong winds can push baitfish and reposition schools of bass in the summer. Fish the windward side of structures to take advantage of this. If it is a calm day, bass have a tendency to be more spread out. If faced with these conditions choose a technique that covers a lot of water to effectively target these roamers.
Safety on the Water: A Must for Summer Bass Fishing
As you gear up for a fantastic summer fishing trip, remember that safety should always be a priority
Weather Watch: Plan Accordingly
Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan your fishing trip accordingly. Summer storms can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to know when to head back to shore.
Sun Protection: Stay Cool and Protected
Having the appropriate summer fishing clothing is critical. The summer sun can be relentless, so remember to wear sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and protective clothing. Staying hydrated is also crucial, so carry plenty of water.
Boat Smart: Stay Safe on the Water
If you’re boating, make sure everyone wears a life jacket. Familiarize yourself with navigation rules, and be cautious of other boaters. Fishing at night is popular during the summer, so make sure you have all navigation lights and equipment necessary to stay safe while doing so
Conservation and Ethical Fishing Practices
As passionate anglers, it’s our duty to preserve the beauty of nature and ensure the future of bass fishing.
Catch and Release
Adhere to catch-and-release guidelines whenever possible to preserve the bass population for future generations.
Handle Bass with Care
When you land that trophy bass, handle it gently and with wet hands to minimize stress and potential harm. Consider using single hooks or barbless hooks to minimize injury, and return them to the water as quickly and gently as possible.
Document, Then Release
If you want a picture, leave the fish in the water in a net until you are ready for the photo. Capture the memories with a quick photo, but be sure to return the bass to the water as soon as possible. A healthy release ensures that the fish survives and thrives in its habitat.
Summer is an awesome time of year to get out and do some bass fishing. From the excitement of choosing the right lure to the thrill of feeling that bass strike, it’s a passion that brings anglers of all skill levels together. So, embrace the warmth, the thrill, and the joy of summer bass fishing – because there’s always another big catch waiting just around the corner! Tight lines and happy angling!
