Finding summer bass can be a bit challenging as they tend to move to deeper waters and exhibit different behavior compared to other seasons. Here are five sneaky tricks to increase your chances of finding and catching summer bass:
- Deep Structure Exploration:
- Bass often move to deeper structures like points, humps, ledges, and drop-offs during the summer. Use your fish finder to locate these underwater structures.
- Look for underwater cover like submerged trees, rocks, and brush piles. Bass will use these as ambush points.
- Night Fishing:
- Summer nights can be a great time to catch bass as they may move to shallower waters to feed.
- Use dark-colored lures like black or dark blue to create a strong silhouette that bass can see in low light conditions.
- Topwater Lures during Low Light Periods:
- Fish topwater lures early in the morning and late in the evening when light levels are lower. Bass may be more active near the surface during these times.
- Experiment with different topwater lures like frogs, poppers, and buzzbaits to see what the bass are responding to.
- Vertical Jigging in Deep Water:
- In summer, bass may suspend in deep water. Use vertical jigging techniques with heavy jigs to reach them.
- Drop a jig straight down over underwater structures and work it vertically, mimicking the movements of prey.
- Follow the Baitfish:
- Locate schools of baitfish, as bass will often be nearby. Use your fish finder to identify baitfish schools and then target those areas.
- Match your lures to the size and color of the prevalent baitfish. Crankbaits and swimbaits can be effective in imitating the movements of baitfish.
Remember to stay adaptable and be willing to try different techniques and lures until you find what works on a particular day. Additionally, always be mindful of local fishing regulations and practice catch-and-release when necessary to ensure the sustainability of the bass population in your fishing area.
