Kids are off school, the weather is finally warming up, it’s time to hit the lake! As you likely know, bass are temperamental when it comes to weather changes. This is especially true for summer. The same bass fishing techniques you used during fall may not work the same during summer. Check out our summer bass fishing techniques and start reeling in the big ones!

Going Under Cover

No, not like James Bond or the CIA. We’re talking about fishing under covered areas. Bass in the summer will be trying to keep cool under docks, heavy vegetation, and other cover. Try throwing a topwater lure like a buzzbait into these areas.

Use the Wacky Rig

There are so many baits, lures, and rigs for bass fishing. One of the great bass fishing techniques for summer is to use the wacky rig. This involves taking a soft plastic worm and hooking it through the center. This will create a wacky looking movement that drives bass crazy.

Topwater Action

Topwater baits are best for cool and warm waters. Try a few different types like buzzbaits, jerkbaits, and poppers. Reel them along and pause occasionally to draw the bass. If they bite but don’t get hooked, have another rod set up with a worm or other soft bait to grab the missed bass.

Go Deep

Large bass seem to prefer water that is 10-20 feet deep. Some will stay suspended above deep areas of the lake at around 10-20 feet, so don’t just stick to the 20 foot deep spots. They also tend to follow breaklines up to ridges to feed, then return to the deep. There’s no one perfect color, it all depends on your area and the water color. If you’re not getting bites, you may want to test out other colors. Go for a deep diving crankbait or plastic worms.

Do you have a favorite summer bass fishing technique? Let us know! If you’re planning to head out onto one of our country’s large lakes for some bass fishing, be sure to get a Waterproof Chart. We have fishing charts for Lake Champlain, Lake Pontchartrain, and St. Johns River, just to name a few.