Anytime you are bass fishing during a cool/cold water transition period, focusing your presentations on the right type of structure and cover will help you catch more bass…
During these transitions, bass often use the structural contours of the shoreline as roadways to assist in their movements between deep and shallow water areas…
In this video, Elite Series Pro Aaron Martens (Rest In Peace) explains his approach to fishing shoreline contours with crankbaits to connect with transitioning bass…
As Aaron suggests be sure to follow the contours and maintain your boat position to enhance your cool-cold water crankbait fishing success!
Oh and of course … “never throw a worm if the bass are biting crankbaits” ;)
Hollow-belly frogs are one of the most popular and exciting bass baits to fish any time the water temps are over 55 degrees and bass holding cover is present.
Just like most other baits, frogs come in a plethora of colors and the choices can be daunting for the beginning frog angler!
Question is… do we really need one of each frog color to be a successful frog fishermen?
Not necessarily as explained by Bassmaster Elite Series pro, Ott Defoe in this short but informative video…
One thing to keep in mind, though these pros may mention a specific frog manufacturer in the video, the tips work with any brand including your favorite!
In this article, I’m going to list some of the most effective summer bass fishing lures. I’m listing these lures in no particular order seeing as how “the best” bass lures are the ones that work best for each individual angler. Everyone has their favorite bass fishing lures; the point is that you might not have some of these effective summer bass fishing lures in your tackle box/bag. If you don’t have any of these bass lures available you probably want to add them.
When water temperatures rise above the mid eighties bass fishing can become much more difficult. Bass (especially largemouth bass) prefer water temperatures from the mid seventies to the mid eighties, and when the temperatures rise above the mid eighties bass fishing can become tough.
A great way to combat high water temperatures is to fish in the early mornings. This is when the water will be the coolest and cloudy days and rainstorms can help with the water temperatures as well. During the summertime it’s also a great idea to go fishing when there is the least amount of activity on the water. Once all the toys come out, bass fishing can become all but impossible on many lakes and reservoirs.
So what are the effective bass fishing lures that you need to know about and have access to in the summer?
Top Water Baits – These baits can perform best during the mornings and evenings during the hot days of summer. There are many different varieties of top water bass lures that are effective and some of the best are frog imitations and soft stick baits. Frog imitations such as the rebel Teeny Wee Frog can be extremely effective during the summertime.
Shad Imitations – During the summer months many lakes and reservoirs are full of Threadfin Shad. These bait fish are a staple food source for bass all year, but especially in the summertime. When it comes to bass lures one of the most effective is the KickTail Minnow. Of all bass fishing lures available today, this may be one of the most effective. Shad imitations are a must for any tickle box/bag.
Slow Falling Plastics – Plastic worms and grubs are excellent bass lures in the summertime. After your early morning fishing and the day (and water temperatures) start to heat up bass will move to deeper cover. Throwing soft plastics at these bass can be a very effective technique. At this time of the year many times strikes come as the lure is falling, so the less weight you can use the better. Slow falling plastics can be a great option in the summer.
If any of these bass baits aren’t in your fishing repertoire I would add them. These bass lures are all effective when fishing during the dog days of summer and will help you experience more bass fishing success. Just remember there is nothing that will help you bass catching ability like spending time on the water fishing, so for God’s sake get out there!
Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 25 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his five year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.
