Catching Bass in the Summertime Heat

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Catching bass in the hot summer months is not only possible, it may be the best time to catch bass. There are a couple of things the angler should keep in mind. In this article we will try and dispel some myths and hopefully arm the summertime bass angler with the knowledge and confidence to go catch fish.

1. Bass Fishing Slows Down in the Summer Months

Bass do not stop feeding in the summer. On the contrary, bass feed MORE often and digest food faster in warmer temperatures. In fact, evidence seems to suggest that bass fishing slows down in the summer for two reasons. First, fishermen fish fewer hours in the hot summer sun. Less time with your bait in the water means less fish. Second, and the evidence for this is merely anecdotal, fishermen have heard the myths about bass fishing in heat and have less confidence and this negatively impacts their fishing. I can speak from experience that a bait that I had not previously had success with gets fished less well than one I have had success with. As soon as I have success, doing nothing differently except perhaps working it into those little nooks and crannies where I know bass are holding, all of a sudden that bait becomes a winner. Similarly, if you don’t believe you will have success on a cast, I don’t believe you try as hard to work it into those prime locations. Believe and you will achieve, to coin a rather corny phrase.

2. Bass Go Deep in the Heat

Bass do not need the water temperature to be 60 degrees to be active. In most cases here in the Midwest, just a few feet down, water temperatures are ideal. Very often, fish are holding in that 10 foot to 12 foot range and can be targeted there. You do not have to have state of the art electronics to validate that the water temperature is cool a relatively little ways down. Cool off and go for a swim. Very likely the top foot or two will be bathtub temperature and below that, down by your toes, you will feel a water temperature that will give you confidence you do not need to be fishing in 45-50 feet of water.

3. Bass are Lethargic and Should be Fished Slow

To the contrary, speed up the presentation in summer heat. Go ahead and fish your plastics on a texas rig if you like, but try giving a little zip to their presentation. This may in fact be a time when you want to present that plastic worm without a bullet sinker. Let the worm settle and then give it a snappy retrieve. When you have worked the bait to the upper range of the depths you wish to fish, let it sink and repeat the procedure. Also, try mid-level crank-baits. Choose crank-baits designed for the depths you will be targeting and the prey native to your waters. Finally, buzz-baits and spinner-baits can be deadly at this time of year. If you are fishing the evening hours, try surface plugs and poppers.

Finally, the heat is a concern for anglers. Stay on the water longer by observing these rules. Drink lots and lots and lots of water. Wear loose fitting cotton clothing that covers you up. A loose long sleeve cotton shirt is what I often wear. Finally, a hat, preferably one that covers the back of the neck, is a must.

Get out there and fish and believe in the idea that you will catch fish. You will be successful if you work at it like you do other times of the year. Best of Luck! For more fishing information, visit Family-Outdoors Fishing.