5 Tips for Summer Bass Fishing

By Larry Thornhill

1. Go Dark. If your water is a popular recreation destination consider fishing after dark. Things usually settle down at this time and the fish typically become more active. Safety is the big concern after dark. Don’t fish alone; know your water; always wear a PFD; make sure your boat is properly lighted; and watch for other boat traffic.

2. If you can’t fish after dark go early Most fish are more active at dawn than in the evening during the hottest days of summer. It’s easy enough to get up around 4:00 a.m., fish a few hours, and then go home and take a nap.

3. Deep-diving crankbaits are hot Deep-diving crankbaits are super bass lures during July, August and into September. Throw them over offshore breaks and ledges. Long cast and very fast retrieves are usually your best option.

4. Fish schooling bass Often bass will surface-school during the hottest days of summer. Look for them breaking the surface and cast directly into the school. Small topwater baits, spoons, in-line spinners and crankbaits are effective lure choices for this type of fishing.

5. Release your bass immediately. Survival times for bass in hot weather, hot water conditions are short. Release you fish immediately so you can catch them another day.