Keep Bass Alive in the Heat

By Hayley Lynch

Bass tournaments are an exciting and popular activity on Kentucky’s lakes. However, tournaments held during the heat of summer place a great deal of stress on fish.

“We don’t promote summertime tournaments because of the potential for increases in mortality of fish,” said Gerry Buynak, assistant director of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ fisheries division. “We recommend that tournaments not be held when water temperatures are over 80 degrees.”

Read more

Dianna Clark, Army Bass Anglers, Rick Ash

Dianna Clark focused on ledges and moving water to take the WBT win on Old Hickory Lake. She’s here to share the details of that tournament along with explaining her favorite summertime bass fishing technique: stroking a jig.

Bassmaster Elite angler Rick Ash takes time out of his first practice day on Lake Erie to tell us about a very special event coming up on August 16. Ash, along with several other Elite and FLW anglers, will be participating in a benefit tournament for 12-year-old Ronnie Phillips. To read Ronnie’s story, get complete details on the event, an learn how you can participate in the tournament, visit MarshCreekBassClub.com.

Major Chad Nelson updates on the very busy Army Bass Anglers Team and looks ahead to events in October where boaters can “Take a Soldier Fishing” and “Take a Wounded Soldier Fishing.” Keep up with the Army Bass Anglers at ArmyBassAnglers.com and visit ReturningHeroesHome.org to learn about the program the team supports.

Right Click for Direct Download

Topwater Time

By Hayley Lynch

Along with warm temperatures and long days, summer brings topwater action to bass anglers. Now is one of the best times of the year to catch fish on surface presentations.

“When fish are more active because of warmer temperatures this time of year, they are more likely to feed on the surface,” said Dave Dreves, a fisheries research biologist for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “A lot of people think when it’s hot, the fish don’t feed as much. Well, their metabolisms are higher, so they have to eat.”

Read more