Summer Bassin: 5 Tips To Ensure Success

A little late Summer Fishing with the kids.
Photo: Chris Carson

Summertime bass patterns do test the patience of many anglers.  We have a tendency in our fast food drive thru, cell phone, spell check, auto correct, "google it" kind of world we live in these days to expect, not just want, but EXPECT immediate results without paying attention to details.  Well, summer bass are all about the details and taking their sweet time.

Summer is that season we look forward to, then complain it's too hot to do anything.  I have often heard the phrase "too hot to fish" tossed around. The reality, or at least my reality is that it's NEVER too hot to fish.  That is like saying it's too cold to hunt.  That's absurd!

Here are 5 tips to help get those lazy summertime bass to bite. 

Know where the fish are. Good electronics help immensely, but having good maps aerial photos, and other intel can be a great help too. Use your jigheads and C-rigs to "feel" the bottom and search for cover. The old saying (I call it the 90/10 rule) goes "90 % of the fish can be found in 10% of the water".  It applies here and is even more important in summer bass fishing. The fact is that when you catch one on a stump or ledge or a grass edge, there is a better chance that you will catch another there than casting out in a different direction.  Does the term "honey hole" ring a bell?  Something brings those fish in day after day, year after year. 
Fish deep.  Colder water holds oxygen better.  Fish deep structure such as ledges, humps, subtle changes in bottom contour, and changes in bottom composition (mud, rock).  If you can find cover (submerged boulders, trees, stumps, etc.) on any of these areas, you may have found the spot on the spot.
Fish slow. Slow is usually the key.  Many times "finesse" baits are productive.  These baits are typically small and impart very little action in presentation.  A big lazy bass doesn't want to work for it's meal this time of year; it wants an easy meal that won't put up a fight.  One of my favorite finesse presentations is to dead stick a curly tail grub on a shakey head jig. I will throw it out there and let the current wave the tail.  No other movement.  About every thirty seconds or so, I drag it about 2- 3 feet SLOWLY across the bottom. Most of the time you have to put it right in front of their face, or you won't get bit.
Find aerated water.  Aerated water holds more active fish.  Water falls, rapids, moving water, fountains, even boat traffic creates aerated water.  Obviously, areas with high boat traffic are not going to be ideal to fish, but it works.  Last week, my kids and I were goofing around on the kayak.  We were taking turns paddling out to the "No Wake Zone" buoy where the jet skiers were having a blast when I noticed a few fish jumping on the surface, so I tied on an Unfair Lures Rip N Slash and trolled it behind the yak and hammered a couple keeper bass and a few dinks in about 10 minutes.  No electronics, no nothing... Just knew it was aerated water because of all the jet ski traffic.
Fish the low light hours.  Don't overlook the low light hours either.  Those fish will be up in the shallows chasing baitfish in the mornings and evenings.  Still a great time for the topwater bite.  But, it will usually fade quickly when the sun gets up. 

Photo: Bryan Taylor

Yes, the dog days of summer are a tough time to catch bass, but more often than not, it's an issue of not knowing where or how to target them.  Think deep, think slow, think subtle and subdued.

Most of all, get on the water and have some fun.  There is no better way to beat the heat than by catching a few bass. When you've had all the heat you can handle, take a dip.  Cool off and get back to fishing.  Take the kiddos, they will have a blast and more than likely, they will outlast you!