Trending
As we enter July, bass will become the focus for many anglers.
Both largemouths and smallmouths offer countless fishing opportunities this time of year, but during the summer, bigger bass tend to be easier to catch during the low-light periods of dusk or dawn or after dark. That doesn't mean, however, that you can't catch bass during the day in the summer; you just have to make some adjustments in strategy and tactics. Just because they aren't eating what we might be throwing at them doesn't mean they aren't eating.
Here in the northern latitudes, the metabolism of bass peaks in the warm water of summer. During those few months, bass will consume more food and pack on more weight than the rest of the year combined. And practically every form of prey a bass will feed on is also most abundant and available right now as well.
Because nature provides bass with a veritable bounty of food sources in the summer, these highly effective predators don't have to work too hard to make living right now. That is why finesse fishing can be the most successful approach. To catch bass during the day, think: subtle, slower and smaller. The fish now seem to know instinctively that it is not necessary to chase their food all over the lake, but rather to wait and ambush prey. Choose lures that can be fished slowly and precisely around the cover or structure where bass are likely to be hanging out. Soft-plastic baits such as worms, lizards and tubes are all excellent choices for such work.
It might seem more logical that the bass would prefer a bigger meal at this time of year when they are chowing down the heaviest. Being the effective predators that they are, bass can and will successfully attack and eat almost anything it can swallow. There are several reasons, however, why summer bass can be easy to tempt with smaller offerings.
The water in many lakes tends to be clear in the summer, giving bass a better look than usual at any lure they see. A bigger lure will be even easier to see, and possibly easier to detect as a fake and something to be avoided, especially on those waters that see a lot of fishing pressure. The young of the year minnows, frogs and other aquatic critters that bass eat are often still not full grown by midsummer, so the bass are seeing a lot of smaller prey. Therefore, using smaller lures matches the size of many natural foods this time of year.
Using smaller lures can also increase fishing success in the summer. Go with four-inch worms or lizards instead of six- or seven-inch versions. Try the so-called teaser tubes that measure about 23/4-inch long and are slightly smaller than the conventional 31/2-inch tubes. The same strategy goes for crankbaits and other hard baits. Any manufacturers make lures in 1/8-ounce or smaller that are ideal for summertime bass fishing. One of my favorites is a diminutive crankbait from Bass Pro Shops called the Micro Light. It is just 1 3/8 inches long and weighs just 1/6 ounce, but this tiny lure can be magic at times, especially for river smallmouths in low, clear, water.
Of course, during dawn or dusk when the bigger bass are likely to be on the prowl, it's time to break out the larger lures. Big bass, especially largemouths, have earned the nickname "the mouth that swims." And when it's time for a mature bass to chow down, it will readily attack bigger prey to fill its stomach. The low-light periods of the day are also primetime for catching lunker bass on topwater lures. Few events in freshwater fishing are as thrilling as seeing a big bass explode on a surface lure. My favorites are popping lures, buzzbaits and lures like a Zara Spook that are fished "walk the dog" style.
Fish for free
This Tuesday is the second Fish-For-Free day in Pennsylvania for 2017, so no fishing license is required to fish anywhere in the state. If your Fourth of July plans include spending some time on the water, consider packing an extra rod and reel and inviting someone to go with you.
Or if you haven't bought a license to fish this year, dust off your tackle and get on the water. For those anglers taking advantage of the free fishing day, remember that only the license requirement is waived. All other fishing laws and regulations are still in effect and must be complied with.
If you intend to keep your catch, make sure you know the size and creel limits that apply to the water you are fishing. A summary of the fishing laws and regulations can be picked up at no charge at any fishing license issuing agent.