Fishing Spinnerbaits for Summer Bass

Spinnerbaits are a versatile bait that can be effective in a variety of conditions, but they can be especially deadly during the summer months. When bass are actively feeding in the summer, a spinnerbait can be a great way to get their attention and trigger aggressive strikes from big bass.

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

Use the right size and color. The size and color of your spinnerbait will depend on the water clarity and the type of cover you're fishing. In clear water, use a smaller bait with a bright nickel or white, willow-leaf shaped blade. In dirty water, use a larger bait with a copper, gold or chartreuse colored, Colorado or Indiana style blade. Always  try to match the bait to the baitfish that the bass are feeding on when possible.

Vary your retrieve. The best way to fish a spinnerbait is to vary your retrieve. You can retrieve it slowly, quickly, or with a combination of both. You can also impart occasional twitches or pauses to imitate struggling baitfish. Experiment until you find a retrieve that's triggering strikes each time you hit the water.

Fish it around cover. Spinnerbaits are great for fishing around cover, such as rocks, weeds, docks and timber. Bass will often use the cover as hiding spots and ambush baitfish that swim by. When you're fishing around cover, make sure to work your spinnerbait close to it making contact as often as possible.

Burn it when working shallow flats. In the summer, bass will often move over shallow flats to feed, especially in low light conditions. This is a great time to burn a spinnerbait over and around cover found in the shallows to trigger staging bass waiting to ambush schools of baitfish. 

Take a few moments and watch this short video from the folks at Sportsman’s Outfitters discussing three specific patterns where spinnerbaits excel in catching summertime bass: