Can a Ned Rig Catch Big Bass?

The Ned rig is a popular finesse fishing technique that has gained immense popularity among bass anglers in recent years.

Ned Kehde, an avid, mid-western finesse angler, was looking for a finesse technique that could help him catch more bass in tough fishing conditions. He experimented with different baits and presentations before finally settling on a simple rig consisting of a mushroom-shaped jig head and a soft plastic stick bait.

The original Ned rig consisted of a small jig head with a short hook shank and a round, mushroom-shaped head. The hook was typically inserted into the head of a soft plastic stick bait, such as a Senko or a Z-Man Finesse TRD. The bait was rigged so that the hook point was exposed, allowing for better hooksets.

The Ned rig proved to be incredibly effective at catching bass in tough fishing conditions, such as clear water, heavy fishing pressure, or during cold fronts. It's simple design and subtle presentation mimicked natural prey items that bass feed on, making it irresistible to even the most finicky fish.

The question is can the Ned rig be used to consistently catch big bass?

According to Lurenet's Frank Scalish, the answer is absolutely, so long as you know where and how to use it!

Take a moment and watch the following video as Scalish describes the conditions, environment and presentations where the Ned rig shines at not only producing finicky bass but big ones as well...

Although he discusses the use of Yum products in this video, the same approach and presentations will work using your favorite Ned baits as well!

Curly Tail Grubs for Smallmouth Bass

Curly tail grubs are a versatile and effective bait for catching smallmouth bass. They can be fished in a variety of ways, making them a great choice for anglers of all skill levels.

There are a few reasons why curly tail grubs are so effective for smallmouth bass. First, the grub's soft plastic body and curly tail give it a lifelike action that smallmouth bass find irresistible. Second, the grub's small size makes it a perfect imitation of small baitfish, which are a major food source for smallmouth bass. Third, curly tail grubs can be fished in a variety of ways, making them a versatile bait that can be used in a variety of fishing situations.

Rod and Reel Selection

Grub fishing is considered a finesse bass fishing technique and selecting the right rod and reel combination is key to feeling even the slightest bite. A sensitive 6.5' to 7.25 medium-light to medium power fast action rod and matching reel filled with 6 to 8-lb fluorocarbon line are great options for fishing grubs.

How to Rig a Curly Tail Grub

To rig a curly tail grub, you will need a jighead and a 3" to 5" curly tail grub. The size of the jighead will depend on the depth you are fishing, wind conditions, and the size of the grub typically ranging from 1/16 to 3/8-ounce. An 1/8 or 3/16-ounce jighead is a good all-around size for most conditions.

Once you have chosen your jighead, thread the grub onto the hook. The grub should be threaded on so that the curly tail is just behind the hook point.

How to Fish a Curly Tail Grub

Though there are a number of ways to fish grubs, two methods to fish a curly tail grub are most typical: swimming and jigging.

Swimming a Curly Tail Grub: To swim a curly tail grub, simply cast it out and retrieve it slowly. The grub will swim with a seductive wiggle that is irresistible to smallmouth bass. You can swim a curly tail grub in a variety of water conditions. It is a great bait for fishing shallow water, as the grub will create a lot of action in the water column. It can also be fished in deeper water, but you will need to retrieve it more slowly.

Jigging a Curly Tail Grub: To jig a curly tail grub, simply cast it out and let it sink to the bottom. Then, jig it up and down slowly. The grub will create a lot of noise and vibration as it jigs, which will attract the attention of smallmouth bass. Jigging a curly tail grub is a great way to fish for smallmouth bass in deeper water. It is also a good way to fish for smallmouth bass that are holding on to bottom structure.

Color Selection

The color of the grub you use will depend on the water clarity and the time of year. In clear water, you will want to use a natural-colored grub, such as watermelon, green pumpkin, white or black. In stained water, you can use brighter colors, such as chartreuse, orange or pink.

In the spring, you will want to use brighter colors, as the water will be colder, often stained, and the smallmouth bass will be more aggressive. In the summer, start with more natural colors, since the water is warmer, clearer and the smallmouth bass are usually more selective.

Where to Fish Curly Tail Grubs

Curly tail grubs can be fished in a variety of places, but they are especially effective in water depths < 20'. You can fish them in rivers, lakes, and ponds. Look for places where there is cover on structure, such as rocks, weeds, or wood on points, drop-offs, etc. Smallmouth bass will often hold close to the cover on structure, so it is a good place to start fishing.

Take a few moments and watch as the folks from W2F provide a great video overview on successfully fishing curly tail grubs for smallmouth bass:

Bass Fishing During Summer Heat Waves

As the scorching summer heat blankets the landscape, many anglers find themselves facing a unique set of challenges when it comes to bass fishing. The rising temperatures can cause fish to become more lethargic and seek shelter in deeper, cooler waters.

However, with the right strategies and a few adjustments, you can still enjoy a successful bass fishing expedition even during the hottest heat waves. Here are several tried-and-tested techniques that will help you reel in those elusive bass during the summer heat.

Seek Out Cooler Water Pockets: During heat waves, shallow bass tend to retreat to cooler, protected areas of the water to beat the summer heat. Look for shady spots, such as docks, overhanging trees, bridges, or vegetation-rich areas that provide cover and respite from the summertime sun. These spots act as natural sanctuaries where bass can find relief from the oppressive heat. Additionally, consider fishing early in the morning or late in the evening when air and water temperatures are relatively cooler.

Fish Deep: As the sun beats down, many bass are more likely to be found in deeper water where the temperature remains cooler. Adjust your fishing technique accordingly by targeting drop-offs, ledges, submerged structures, or deeper channels. Use your sonar to locate these deep water cover and structure. Use bottom-oriented presentations such as deep diving crankbaits, Carolina rigs, or jigs that can effectively reach the desired depths and entice bass to strike.

Slow Down Your Presentation: In hot weather, bass can be lethargic and more reluctant to chase fast-moving baits. Opt for a slower presentation to tempt sluggish bass. Techniques like Texas rigs, wacky rigs, football/structure jigs, Carolina rigs, or slow-rolling spinnerbaits can be effective. Experiment with different retrieves and bait sizes to find what works best on a given day. Patience is key, as bass may take their time before striking during these conditions.

Target Shaded Areas: Bass seek shade to escape the direct sunlight, so it's crucial to focus on shaded areas for a higher chance of success. Overhanging trees, docks, weed beds, or any structure that provides shade can be productive. Pitch your bait into these areas and allow it to fall naturally, imitating prey seeking shelter. Keep in mind that bass are often lurking in the shadows, waiting for an easy meal to pass by.

Fish at Night: One of the most effective ways to beat the heat and catch bass during summer heat waves is to fish during the cooler/quieter hours of the night. Bass tend to become more active in low-light conditions and are more likely to roam shallower waters in search of food. Utilize topwater lures, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, or soft plastics to entice strikes. Ensure you have proper lighting and take necessary safety precautions when fishing in the dark.

Stay Hydrated and Protect Yourself: Fishing during a summer heat wave can take a toll on your body. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and taking breaks in the shade. Wear appropriate sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Consider lightweight and breathable clothing that provides adequate coverage while keeping you cool.

Catching bass during summer heat waves requires adaptability and a strategic approach. By targeting cooler waters, fishing deeper, employing slower presentations, targeting shaded areas, and fishing at night, you increase your chances of success. Remember to prioritize your safety and well-being by staying hydrated and protecting yourself from the sun's harmful rays.

The Summer Night Bite

While daytime fishing is the common choice for most bass anglers, night fishing offers a unique and exciting experience. The cover of darkness adds an extra layer of challenge and mystery, requiring a different set of strategies and techniques.

Summertime night bass fishing also presents an opportunity to connect with more active bass and nature in a special way that many new night anglers find exciting. The  following guide explores a number of valuable tips to help you become a better nighttime bass angler.

Understand Bass Behavior at Night: Bass are known to be more active and less cautious under the cover of darkness, making them more likely to venture out into open waters and feed. With increased activity at night means bass move closer to the shoreline or shallow flats searching out forage such as crayfish and minnows. Prioritize areas with shallow water near deep water, since deeper bass tend to move closer to the shore under the cover of darkness. Look for shallow cover such as docks, vegetation patches, fallen trees, or rocky areas that provide hiding spots for forage and a calling card for hungry bass. Additionally, look for areas with ample lighting, such as bridges, marinas, or docks, as the lights draw insects therefore attracting forage and subsequently bass.

Master the Art of Stealth: During the night, bass rely heavily on their sense of hearing and lateral line system. Minimize noise and disturbances to avoid spooking them. Move quietly in your boat or along the bank, avoid unnecessary splashes, and refrain from using overly bright lights. Switch to a headlamp or low-intensity LED light for visibility without compromising the natural lighting of the surroundings.

Consider the Influence of Moonlight: The moon can play a significant role in night fishing. A full or nearly full moon can illuminate the water, both enhancing visibility and increasing the presence of shadows from treelines, docks, bridges, etc. Conversely, during a new moon or on cloudy nights, darkness prevails, necessitating the use of alternative techniques such as slower presentations or lures with rattles to attract bass. Understanding the moon phases and planning your outings accordingly can greatly impact your success rate.

Use Baits That Generate Noise and Vibration: Since visibility is reduced at night, bass rely more on their hearing and lateral line sense to locate prey. Utilize lures that generate noise and vibration, such as noisy topwaters, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, or crankbaits with rattles. Slow, steady retrieves help bass locate/track your lure and trigger their predatory instincts to entice strikes. If steady retrieves are not working, experiment with different retrieval speeds and cadence patterns until you find what works best on a given night.

Remember Bug Repellent: Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects that are more active during the night. Apply bug repellent and sunscreen before heading out to ensure a comfortable and safe fishing experience.

Stay Safe: Night fishing presents potential hazards and safety should be a top priority. Always inform someone of your plans and expected return time. Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) and ensure all necessary safety equipment is on board. Familiarize yourself with the waterway and potential hazards during daylight hours to avoid accidents at night. Also be mindful of weather conditions and keep an eye out for approaching storms or heavy fog.

Night bass fishing offers a unique and exciting angling experience. By understanding bass behavior, harnessing the power of moonlight, considering baits utilizing noise and vibration, and prioritizing safety, you can increase your chances of landing a true trophy bass in the dark.

Tips for Targeting Summer Bass in Small Ponds

Bass fishing in small ponds during the summer presents an exciting challenge for anglers of all skill levels. The bass in small ponds are often more aggressive than bass in larger bodies of water and can be caught using a variety of baits and techniques; an important consideration depending on the types of cover present.

Small ponds can be summer bass havens, providing great opportunities to hone your skills and catch some impressive bass i the process. However, summer bass in small ponds can be finicky at time, so it's important to understand their behavior and how to target them effectively.

Study the Pond's Structure and Cover: The first step in targeting bass effectively is to understand the pond's structure as well as the types of cover present. Look for areas with submerged vegetation, fallen trees, rocky outcrops, docks, subtle points, ditches and shallow flats. These are potential hotspots where bass are likely to hide and ambush their prey. Take some time to explore the pond's topography, especially in relation to cover and mark key spots on a map or in your mind for future reference.

Plan Your Fishing Times: During the summer, bass in small ponds tend to be most active during low light conditions during the early morning, late evening or cloudy days when the water temperature tends to be cooler. Plan your fishing trips accordingly, arriving at the pond well before sunrise, a few hours before sunset or when it very cloudy. Fishing during these times will increase your chances of encountering feeding summer bass and maximize your overall catch rate.

Adapt Your Bait Selection to Conditions: In small ponds, summer bass are often accustomed to feeding on natural forage, including small fish, insects like dragonflies, frogs, and crustaceans. Choose lures and baits that mimic their natural forage to increase your chances of catching more and bigger bass. Topwater lures, such as buzzbaits, frogs or poppers, can be effective during the early morning, on cloudy days, and late evening when bass are focused on active forage near the surface. When fishing during sunny days, change your bait selection to shallow crankbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, soft plastic baits, or jigs to fish the mid part of the water column and bottom structure/cover where bass seek shelter under those conditions.

Watch the Weather: Keep an eye on weather patterns as they greatly influence bass activity. Summer storms, for instance, can create feeding opportunities for bass. Rainfall often washes terrestrial insects into the water, triggering a feeding frenzy. Similarly, a slight drop in barometric pressure before a storm can make summer bass more active and willing to strike a variety of artificial baits.

Utilize Stealth When Bank Fishing: In small ponds bass are sensitive to disturbances and can be easily spooked. Approach the water with caution and be as stealthy as possible to minimize noise and casting unnatural shadows. To avoid making unnecessary noise, keep your movements slow and deliberate. Try using long casts to cover a larger area without getting too close to the bass holding in the shallows. Patience is key in these situations, so take your time and thoroughly but quietly work each potential hiding spot before moving on.

Target High-Percentage Areas: Focus on areas with structure and cover, such as points, ditches, lily pads, weed beds, fallen trees, and docks. Be sure and work your lure effectively around these features to provoke strikes from lurking bass.

Experiment with Retrieves: Vary your retrieves to find the right one and trigger a bass's predatory instinct. Work through a mix of slow, steady retrieves and quicker retrieves with more erratic movements to simulate struggling of fleeing prey. Bass are known to strike when they perceive an easy opportunity, so play around with different speeds, pauses, and jerks to entice them into biting.

Master the Art of Skipping: Skipping lures under overhanging trees or docks is a skill worth developing, especially when fishing small pond. This technique can be highly effective for reaching areas where summer bass hide and ambush their prey. Practice your skipping technique to deliver lures accurately and quietly into tight spaces, increasing your chances of triggering a strike from normally hard to reach bass.

Remember that small ponds can present unique challenges due to limited water depths, limited cover and potential increased fishing pressure. Be adaptable in your approach, try different techniques, and be patient. If a particular spot or lure isn't producing, don't be afraid to move around and experiment until you find what works.

Can You Fish a Ned Rig Over Submerged Grass Flats?

When it comes to fishing a Ned rig, there's one bottom compostion situation where I only fish a Ned with a weedless, EWG-style Ned jig head; where the bottom is blanketed with submerged grass and a standard Ned jig head will get fouled with grass.

It just so happens however, there is a specific presentation called feathering that you can use with a standard Ned jig works great when fishing a Ned rig over extensive submerged grass beds. Take a few minutes and watch the demo desribed in this video from the folks at Lurenet and see what I mean...

Next time I fishing tough conditions and over submerged grass flats, I'll be breaking out my lightweight Ned heads from Jade's Jigs, pairing it with some Floating Bum Neds from the Crazy Hick Baits and give feathering the Ned a try!

Fishing Shallow Grass Beds from the Shore

Summer is a great time to fish for bass in shallow grass beds. The fish are shallow and active, not to mention that there are a variety of baits and techniques that you can use to catch them even when fishing from the bank.

Here are several tips on how to fish shallow grass beds for summer bass from the shore:

• Look for beds that are at least a couple of feet deep and have additional cover, such as stumps, logs, or docks in or around the grass.
• Bass will often be found on the edges of grass beds where they can ambush prey that is moving in and out of the cover as well as retreat into the beds for shade.
• Wear polarized sunglasses since they often help you see the fish in and around the grass beds.
• Fish early in the morning, late in the evening or other low light conditions since this is when the bass are usually most active.

There are a variety of baits that you can use to fish shallow grass beds for summer bass. Some popular bait choices include:

• Hollow-body frogs
• Spinnerbaits
• Buzzbaits
• Soft plastic worms/stick baits

Take a couple of minutes and watch as the folks from Lurenet provide a little more insight into why bank anglers should target grass beds for summer bass…

Getting Started with Glide Baits

Fishing glide baits for bass opens up a whole new world of angling opportunities. Glide baits and their presentations have gained increased popularity among bass anglers in recent years. These realistic and enticing lures mimic the natural movements of larger baitfish, triggering predatory instincts in all bass. 

By understanding the intricacies of glide baits, choosing the right gear, and mastering the retrieve, you can entice bass especially big bass into attacking these big forage imitators. 

It's not just your average bass angler that has recently developed an interest in chunking big glide baits but a growing number of professional anglers as well. 

One of the recent pro converts is Bassmaster Elite series angler Matt Herren who explains his developing system for fishing glide baits around shallow water cover as he discusses in the following video:

Remember to be patient, adapt to the conditions, and experiment with different baits and techniques until you find what works best for you. 

So gear up, hit the water, and prepare for thrilling big bass fishing adventures with glide baits!

Thoughts on Frog Color Selection

When it comes to topwater bass fishing, hollow belly frogs have proven to be highly effective lures. Their realistic appearance and tantalizing action make them irresistible to bass lurking beneath the surface. 

However, one crucial factor that can greatly impact your success is selecting the right frog color.

Pro angler and SPRO frog consultant Dean Rojas has a never ending affinity for fishing hollow belly frogs and very successful record fishing them on the professional bass trails. Though Rojas could carry the whole suite of frog colors SPRO produces, it turns out he is pretty selective when it comes to picking the frog color for the different conditions he encounters on the water.

Take a few moments and watch as he describes his criteria for picking frog colors during each day he's out fishing:

Tips for Bass Fishing on Tidal Waters

Fishing for largemouth bass in tidal rivers presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The constant ebb and flow of tides create dynamic conditions that require anglers to adapt their techniques accordingly.

• Understand the tidal patterns: Tidal rivers have distinct water height and current patterns that are influenced by the moon's gravitational pull. Research and familiarize yourself with the tidal charts for the water way you'll be fishing. Note the times of high and low tides, as well as the strength of the currents during the transition from one tide to the next. This information will assist you highlighting areas to fish at different times therefore helping you plan your fishing trips effectively.
• Identify key fishing locations: Largemouth bass in tidal rivers seek out areas that provide cover and ambush points. Look for submerged cover such as fallen trees, stumps, rocks, and vegetation along the riverbanks. Additionally, focus on areas where current meets cover and other physical structures (docks, wing dams, pilings, etc.), creating eddies and current breaks. These spots serve as prime holding areas and feeding zones for bass.
• Adapt to tidal movements: Largemouth bass movement and feeding activity in tidal rivers are highly influenced by the changing tides. During high tide, bass often move deeper into cover and become more difficult to locate unless pods of active baitfish or feeding birds indicate their presence. It's often easier to focus your efforts on targeting shallow areas and edges of structures and cover during low tide when bass are more concentrated, usually active and feeding. Adjust your fishing techniques accordingly to match the stage of the tide and how bass may be positioned around cover and structure.

Bass pro Shaw Grigsby has been fishing tidal water systems across the country for more years than many of us have been fishing. 

Take a few minutes and watch as Shaw and aquatic videographer Kim Stricker give their insight on fishing tidal systems while catching a few nice bass on the Potomac River, MD/VA...

So remember, as the tide changes, bass behavior will change as well. 

During the incoming tide, concentrate your efforts around shallow flats and submerged vegetationalways watching for bait and bird activity. As the tide recedes, focus on deeper holes, channels, and cover/structures adjacent to deeper water. Adapt your fishing techniques and lure selection according to the tidal conditions you're facing at that particular time of the tide cycle.

Fishing Chatterbaits for Pressured Bass

The chatterbait is a versatile lure that can be used to catch bass in a variety of situations, and it can even be effective when fishing for pressured bass so long as you select the right chatterbait model. 

Here are a few tips on how to fish a chatterbait for pressured fish:

• Use a finesse approach. When bass are pressured, they tend to become more cautious and less likely to bite anything that looks too big or flashy. Using a finesse style chatterbait like the Zman Stealth Blade or Mini-Max is a great way to target these fish.
• Use lighter line. Pressured bass are often wary of anything that looks unnatural, so using a light line will help your bait look more natural and less threatening. Personally, I typically use 12 to 15 pound fluorocarbon-coated line when fishing a chatterbait for pressured bass.
• Fish slowly. Pressured bass are often less active, so you'll need to fish your chatterbait slowly to get their attention. I like to fish my chatterbait with a slow, steady retrieve with occasional pauses.
• Target cover. Pressured bass will often retreat to cover when they feel pressured, so target areas with cover when fishing a chatterbait. I like to target docks, laydowns, and other areas with cover when fishing a chatterbait for pressured bass.

Bass pro Brett Hite is a renowned chatterbait specialist who has worked with the folks at Zman to develop not only the JackHammer model but also a finesse version, the Stealth Blade. 

Take a few moments as watch as Hite explains his approach to using the Stealth Blade when fishing highly pressured waters…

Fishing a Dragonfly Hatch for Bass

Witnessing a bass feeding frenzy is an angler's dream, and one of the most exhilarating spectacles is when bass aggressively target dragonflies. These agile insects provide an irresistible feast for bass, making it the perfect opportunity to test your skills as a bass angler.

Understanding the Dragonfly Hatch:

Before venturing out, it's essential to grasp the dragonfly hatch and its impact on bass behavior. Dragonflies lay their eggs in water bodies, and once hatched, the nymphs reside underwater, feeding on small aquatic organisms. When the nymphs reach maturity, they crawl out of the water onto nearby vegetation or structures to shed their skin and emerge as adult dragonflies. This emergence process triggers a significant feeding response from bass, as they prey upon these defenseless insects.

Timing and Location:

Timing is crucial when planning to fish a dragonfly hatch. The emergence of dragonflies typically occurs during warmer months, often in late spring or early summer, when water temperatures rise and continue throughout the summer. Locating the areas where bass congregate during this hatch is essential also. Dragonflies tend to hatch in vegetation-rich areas near the water's edge, such as reeds, lily pads, or overhanging branches.

Target Active Feeding Zones:

During a dragonfly hatch, bass will position themselves in active feeding zones, where they can efficiently prey upon these insects. Focus your efforts around areas with thick vegetation or overhanging trees, as they serve as prime dragonfly habitats. Look for signs of bass activity, such as splashing or jumping, and cast your lure near the action. Bass tend to ambush dragonflies near the surface, so accurate and well-placed casts are key.

Equip Yourself Adequately:

To effectively fish a dragonfly hatch, make sure to equip yourself with the right gear. A medium-light to medium spinning rod paired with a matching reel filled with 6 to 10-lb test line you choose will provide the necessary strength and control depending on the cover being fished and baits being presented. Opt for monofilament or fluorocarbon line, which provides adequate sensitivity, castability, and durability when working baits in and around cover. As for lures, choose ones that mimic dragonflies, such as topwater poppers, 3 to 5-in soft stickbaits/jerkbaits, small profile popping or walking baits, or 2.5 to 3.5-in floating minnows. If bass are being finicky, note the color of the dragon flies and select colors that are similar.

Consider Using an Erratic Retrieve:

When it comes to fishing a dragonfly hatch, the "pop and pause" technique is highly effective. Using a topwater lure, such as a popper or minnow, cast it near vegetation or structures and impart a series of quick pops to mimic the struggling movements of a dragonfly. After each pop, allow the lure to pause for a moment, simulating a momentarily stunned or injured insect. This action often triggers aggressive strikes from hungry bass.

Adapt to Changing Conditions:

While planning to fish a dragonfly hatch, keep in mind that conditions can change rapidly. Be prepared to adapt your approach accordingly. If the bass show no interest in your topwater lures, consider switching to a subsurface presentation by using a soft stickbait or a soft jerkbait imitating the movement of a dragonfly nymph in the water column. Remember to match the hatch with the size, color, and movement of the dragonflies in your area to achieve the most convincing presentation.

But do bass really eat dragonflies? 

Absolutely, take a couple minutes to watch the following video and see what I mean!

I really love being on the water as much as possible when dragonfly hatches are underway. Not only are the bass highly active and feeding during the hatch; the bass have a bad habit of showing their locations and usually a lot easier to catch with a good presentation.

Fishing Compact Jigs for Smallmouth Bass

Anglers use compact jigs to catch smallmouth bass in a variety of situations but most commonly in areas with heavy cover, such as laydowns, rock piles, vegetation, and docks. Compact flipping and football jigs tend to be more versatile than larger jigs, since they can be used to fish both shallow and deep water as well as through many different types of cover.

Here are some of the reasons anglers use compact flipping jigs to catch smallmouth bass:

Great in heavy cover: Compact jigs are easier to fish in heavy cover than larger jigs, since they are less likely to get hung up. This makes these jigs a great choice for anglers who are fishing in areas with dense cover with lots of potential snags.

Smaller profile: A compact jig has a smaller profile than a traditional jig, which makes it more appealing to smallmouth bass. This is especially important when fishing in clear water since smallmouths tend to be sight feeders.

Use a soft plastic trailer: A soft plastic trailer will help to add more action to your jig and make it more appealing to smallmouth bass. Good choices include creature baits or crawfish imitations.

Canadien bass pro Cory Johnston is highly skilled at catching big smallmouth bass across the U.S. and Canada. When fishing areas of dense, interspersed cover such as rocks and vegetation, Johnston often relies on compact jigs to trigger hungry smallmouths into biting. 

Take a couple minutes and watch the following video where he discusses his jig fishing system:

Buzzbait Tips to Catch More Summertime Bass

As summer rolls along and water temperatures rise, most bass anglers hit the water in search of always-thrilling topwater strikes. One great topwater bait used to target aggressive summer bass is the buzzbait. 

Buzzbaits are topwater lures that create a buzzing sound and surface disturbance, mimicking a distressed prey as they are retrieved around shallow cover and along breaklines. 

To help optimize your time on the water, we've compiled several tips that will increase your success throwing buzzbaits for hungry summertime bass.

Choose the Right Buzzbait:

Selecting the appropriate buzzbait for the water body you'll be fishing is key. Opt for buzzbaits with larger blades and heavier bodies when fishing windy or choppy water to enhance their visibility and create more noise. In calmer conditions, opt for smaller blades and lighter baits creating a more subtle presentation and draw out finicky bass.

Time it Right:

Timing is everything when it comes to fishing, especially with buzzbaits. During early mornings, late evenings, nights and overcast days, the water is often cooler, thereby triggering prime feeding times for bass. Bass tend to be more active near the surface during low light periods, making the buzzbait an ideal lure to grab their attention and trigger aggressive strikes.

Focus on Vegetation and Other Shallow Cover:

Bass often seek refuge in dense vegetation, docks, and laydowns during the hot summer months. Target areas with lily pads, submerged grass, wood, and other forms of shallow cover that provide shade and ambush points for bass to hide. Cast your buzzbait along the edges of cover or retrieve it over the top to entice explosive strikes.

Vary Your Retrieve Speed & Action:

Experimenting with the retrieve speed is essential to trigger bass into striking. Start with a slow, steady retrieve, allowing the buzzbait to create a consistent buzzing sound. If that doesn't yield results, try speeding up your retrieve to create more commotion on the surface. Sometimes, pausing the retrieve momentarily or imparting a twitch can simulate wounded prey, enticing nearby bass to strike.

Customize Your Buzzbait:

To increase your chances of enticing bass strikes, consider modifying your buzzbait. One popular customization is replacing the standard skirt with a soft plastic trailer, such as a paddle tail swimbait, curly tail grub or toad-style frog. This alteration adds extra action and increases the bait's profile, often making it a more enticing target for bass.

Pay Attention to Color:

The color of your buzzbait can make a difference in attracting bass. Opt for natural colors such as black, white, green pumpkin, or a combination of these, as they imitate common prey species like shad or bluegill in clear water. If the water is stained, consider using brighter colors like chartreuse or Texas red to improve visibility.

The folks from Sportsman's Oufitters created a great video describing several more tips to enhance your buzzbait fishing game. Take a few minutes to watch and hear what the say...

More Tips for Modifying Hollow Belly Frogs

Hollow belly frogs are a great topwater bait for bass fishing. They can be fished in a variety of ways, including walking the dog, popping, and chugging. 

However, there are a few things you can do to modify your hollow belly frogs to make them even more effective.

1. Add weight

If you're fishing in heavy cover, you may want to add some weight to your hollow belly frog. This will help it to punch through the vegetation and stay in the strike zone longer. You can add weight by adding small bb’s or split shot weights or by simply adding a weight to the hook.

2. Bend the hooks away from the body

Many frog manufacturers place the hook points close to the body to increase snag resistance when working through heavy cover. One of the side effects of the hook points being close to the body; it often leads to poor hook-ups and lost fish. One remedy is to bend the hook points out slightly which helps increase the hook-up ratio while maintaining a high degree of snag resistance.

3. Change the legs

The legs on your hollow belly frog can also be modified to improve its effectiveness. If you're fishing in heavy cover, you may want to trim the legs shorter. This will help the frog to move more easily through the vegetation. If you're fishing in open water, you may want to leave the legs longer. This will help the frog to create more noise and vibration. 

You can also completely change the frog legs to a different material or color to give it a unique appearance in highly pressured waters. The following video from the folks at Tackle Warehouse provides a clear demo of the steps for replacing the legs on your favorite frog…

By following these tips, you can modify your hollow belly frogs to make them unique and even more effective for bass fishing. With a little practice and patience, you'll be catching bass like crazy with your newly modified frog.

Fishing Frogs for Early Summer Bass

Early summer is a great time to fish hollow belly frogs for bass. The water is warm, the bass are active, and the vegetation is still thick, meaning frogs are a great bait to target bass holding on shallow cover.

Here are several tips on how to fish frogs for early summer bass:

• Use the right frog. There are a lot of different hollow belly frogs on the market, so it's important to choose one that is right for the conditions you're fishing in. If you're fishing in thick vegetation, you'll need a larger frog to make more of a disturbance as it works through the weeds. If you're fishing in open water, you can use a smaller frog with a more natural color pattern to match the local forage.

• Fish in the right areas. Look for areas where there is a variety of vegetation, such as lily pads, cattails, and reeds. Take note of the type of vegetation bass are using each time you’re on the water. Bass will often hide in these areas and ambush prey in similar areas across the lake.

• Use a variety of retrieves. You can fish a frog a variety of ways, and the best retrieve to use will depend on the conditions and the mood of the bass. A good starting point is to use a popping retrieve. This involves popping the frog on the surface of the water to create ripples. Bass will often strike at the frog when it is rippling the water. You can also use a walking retrieve, which involves slowly dragging the frog across the surface of the water. This is a good way to cover a lot of water and find active bass. 

• Set the hook quickly. Bass will often strike at a frog very quickly, so be prepared to set the hook as soon as you feel a bite.

• Be patient. Fishing with a frog can be a slow process, but it can be very rewarding. Be patient and keep working the areas where you think bass are holding, and you'll eventually get bit.

There’s no doubt, Bassmaster Classic champ Jason Christie relies on frogs as one of his “go-to” baits for catching big bass in shallow cover throughout the year. Take a few minutes and watch as he explains his system for using frogs when chasing early summer bass…

Quick Tips for Summer Bass Fishing

Summer offers exciting opportunities for bass fishing, with the promise of trophy catches and thrilling moments while on the water.

Following are several quick tips that will help you increase your chances of success during the summer period:

• Fish shallow water. Bass will often move shallow in early summer to feed on shad and other baitfish. Look for areas with cover, such as rocks, docks, and vegetation, where the fish can ambush their prey.
• Use topwater baits. Topwater baits are a great way to trigger strikes in early summer. Fish them slowly and erratically to imitate a wounded baitfish.
• Work the edges of vegetation. With the arrival of summer, aquatic vegetation flourishes in lakes and ponds, offering ideal cover and abundant food sources for bass. Focus your efforts on fishing around submerged vegetation such as lily pads, hydrilla, or milfoil. Use weedless lures like Texas-rigged soft plastics, swim jigs, or chatterbaits to navigate through the vegetation without getting snagged.
• Work the shallow to deep transitions. The edges of shallow to deep water are a great place to find bass in early summer. Look for points, drop-offs, and other areas where shallow water meets deeper water. Bass will often be found cruising along these edges, looking for food as they prepare to migrate to their deep water haunts.
• Pitch and flip baits. Pitching and flipping baits, such as jigs and Texas rigs, is a great way to target bass that are holding in shallow cover. Present your baits around rocks, docks, and vegetation to find bass that are hiding and waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey.
• Use crankbaits. Crankbaits are another great option for early summer bass fishing. Vary retrieve speed and action, and change baits to cover different depths and structure.
• Use a variety of baits. In early summer, bass can be aggressive or passive so it often takes cycling through a variety of baits to trigger strikes. Try alternating between topwaters, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, soft plastics, swimbaits, and jigs to determine what baits work best during your day on the water.

Do Jerkbaits Catch Bass in the Summer?

Interesting question but jerkbaits can be a great way to catch bass in the summer, especially when fish are often spread out chasing forage  and hard to target.

Here are a few tips on how to fish jerkbaits for bass in the summer:

• Choose the right jerkbait. There are many different jerkbaits on the market, so it's important to choose one that is the right size and color for the conditions. In general, a 4-6 inch jerkbait with an appropriate diving lip is a good choice for summer fishing. As for color, you can't go wrong with a natural baitfish color, such as a shad, perch or shiner.

• Fish in the right spots. Jerkbaits are most effective in areas where bass are likely to be feeding, such as around points, drop-offs, as well as shallow cover. In the summer, bass will often be found in shallow and deep water, so you may need to fish your jerkbaits over 3 to 15+ feet of water.

• Use the right retrieve. The key to fishing jerkbaits is to use a series of jerks and pauses. This will cause the bait to swim erratically, which will mimic the movements of a wounded baitfish. Start by making a long cast and working the bait to the desired depth. Then, jerk the rod tip up and down, pausing for a second or two between each jerk. The speed of your retrieve will depend on the water temperature and the mood of the fish. In general, fish jerkbaits faster in warmer water and slower in cooler water.

• Be prepared to make multiple casts to the same spot. Bass often won't hit a jerkbait on the first cast. Be patient and keep casting, and you'll eventually get a bite.

The bass fishing G.O.A.T, Kevin VanDam is no stranger to fishing jerkbaits successfully throughout all four seasons. Take a few minutes and watch as KVD explains his approach to fishing jerkbaits when chasing summertime bass…