| The quest for catching bass during hot summer months hinges on a proper understanding of water temperatures. Bass are cold-blooded creatures, meaning their body temps and metabolism are directly tied to the temperature of the water they inhabit. This factor affects their feeding habits, movements, and overall behavior, which is essential for fishermen to understand. In warmer temperatures, the metabolism of bass speeds up, making them more active and often hungry. Recognizing this helps anglers focus on where the bass might be hunting for food. However, extremely hot water might lead to a decrease in dissolved oxygen levels, making the bass more lethargic. Recognizing these nuances requires a keen understanding of water temperature fluctuations. During hot summer months, the water temperature may vary throughout the day, leading bass to change locations in a body of water. Knowing where the bass might be at different times and temperatures is a critical skill that can result in more successful fishing trips.In the summertime, lakes often develop a thermocline, a layer of water where temperature changes more rapidly with depth than it does in the layers above or below. Bass are more likely to be found either above or below this layer, depending on the overall temperature of the water. Recognizing and fishing around the thermocline can be key to success. Not only does understanding water temperature affect success in fishing, but it’s also a matter of safety. Extreme water temperatures might influence the behavior of not only bass but other marine life, potentially creating hazardous situations for anglers if not approached with caution. Spawning is a critical aspect of bass behavior that is deeply influenced by water temperature. Understanding how water temperature affects the spawning period, usually when the water is warm but not too hot, can significantly enhance the chances of locating and catching bass. During the summer, water temperatures will fluctuate through the day. |
| Recognizing how these temperature changes drive bass behavior will help in planning fishing trips at the most opportune times, such as early morning or late evening when it’s cooler. As summer progresses, water temperatures will go through a transition that will influence bass behavior. Being attuned to these transitions and knowing how to adapt to them can provide a significant advantage in catching bass. Utilizing an Owner 4x Jungle Flipping Hook paired with a soft plastic Lizard for flipping and pitching can be an incredibly effective strategy to catch bass in the summer, especially around dense cover and vegetation. Start by rigging the lizard with the Jungle Flipping Hook using a Texas rig, ensuring that the bait is weedless and that the hook’s point is just concealed to maximize its flipping potential. When flipping or pitching, aim for precise casts into pockets, gaps, or edges of heavy cover where bass are likely to be hiding from the summer heat. The strength and sharpness of the Jungle Flipping Hook will allow you to penetrate thick cover without getting caught or compromising the hooking power. Work the bait slowly, and focus on the bottom contours, where bass might be lurking. Utilize a sensitive rod to feel the bite, and don’t be afraid to set the hook firmly, as the 4x Jungle Flipping Hook is designed to handle it. Experiment with different retrieve speeds and subtle jigging motions to make the soft plastic lizard appear lifelike and to entice bites from opportunistic bass. By mastering these techniques, you can turn the hot summer months into a prime opportunity for targeting bass in heavy cover. The Fresh Lizard delivers a realistic profile that excels in both power and finesse techniques. The unique forward-facing leg design creates drag that holds it in the strike zone longer or produces wild flapping action with every pull of the rod. Additionally, its slightly ribbed solid body and large head hold your hook in place and provide much better weedless performance making it the ideal bait in any condition. The superior 5.5-inch profile stretches to a whole 7 inches which is perfect for predatory fish including bass year round. Made from durable high-grade Non-Salted plastic for maximum attention-grabbing action. |
| Fishing in various water temperatures requires the use of suitable equipment. Lines, reels, and rods might behave differently in varying temperatures. Selecting the right gear for hot summer months, considering the water temperature, ensures a smoother fishing experience. Using an Owner Stand-Up Jig paired with a soft plastic Scorpion can be a game-changer for targeting big bass in the summer. This combination works wonders in presenting an appealing and lifelike prey image, especially on the bottom where big bass often lurk during the hot months. Begin by carefully rigging the Scorpion onto the Stand-Up Jig, ensuring that the lure stands up off the bottom, resembling a defensive posture that many natural prey adopt. Fish this combo around rocky structures, ledges, or submerged objects where bass tend to congregate. The stand-up design of the jig will present the Scorpion in an upright position, creating an irresistible target for predatory bass. Use a slow and methodical retrieve, allowing the Scorpion to flutter and mimic a real creature.Be patient and allow the lure to rest on the bottom at times; the stand-up jig will keep the Scorpion in an attractive pose even when still. Remember to use a rod with enough sensitivity to detect subtle bites, as big bass might approach this lure cautiously before striking. By employing these tactics with the Owner Stand-Up Jig and soft plastic Scorpion, you can unlock a productive method for tempting big bass in summer, especially in those challenging deeper and structure-rich areas. We like to use bait that bass simply can’t resist. We use our Fresh Scorpion because it closely imitates a crawfish. The Scorpion is a revolutionary new look to soft plastics. This bait not only appears natural to fish but gives them something to become curious about. The Scorpion paired with a stand-up jig is deadly because the jig actually sits the bait up-right in a defensive stance that urges big predatorial bass to take a bite. Each Fresh Scorpion has a unique and exclusive 3-axis tail design that is engineered like no other soft plastic bait. Made from high-grade non-salt plastic to provide superior life-like action triggering strikes! |
| Understanding how water temperatures affect bass populations during the summer is also crucial for sustainable fishing practices. Overfishing in sensitive temperature zones might harm the bass population, leading to a less successful future fishing season. The perfect Ned Rig for catching big bass in summer can be crafted using an Owner Block Head Jig Head paired with a soft plastic HellaMite. The compact design of the Block Head Jig Head complements the subtle, natural movement of the HellaMite, creating a tempting bottom-oriented presentation. Begin by threading the HellaMite onto the jig head, ensuring that it’s straight for the most natural appearance. Fish this rig around areas with a hard bottom, like gravel beds, rocky points, or submerged roadbeds where bass are likely to be feeding. The key to success with this Ned Rig is to employ a slow and deliberate retrieve, often referred to as “dead sticking.” Allow the bait to settle on the bottom, then twitch it gently with minimal rod movement. The Owner Block Head Jig Head’s design will cause the HellaMite to stand up off the bottom, offering an appealing target that opportunistic bass can’t resist. Use a light or medium-light rod with a sensitive tip to detect those subtle bites that big bass are known for, especially during summer when their metabolism might be affected by water temperatures. The combination of the Owner Block Head Jig Head and HellaMite provides a finesse approach perfect for summer bass fishing, offering a realistic and subtle presentation that can fool even the wariest of big bass. Each Fresh HellaMite is scented for complete and total attraction underwater along with being made in the USA by real fishermen just like you. The HellaMite’s solid body and hyperactive ribbed tail design produce a life-like quivering action with every twitch of the rod. Additionally, its unique flat underbelly detail enables this bait to be fished as a drop shot, Ned rig, neko rig, and even a small Carolina-rig, making it the ideal bait in any condition. Our newest Invisible HellaMite is transparent, which makes it look like a natural prey item in the water. When the water is clear, the fish can see the bait more clearly and is more likely to look like real food, which increases the likelihood of getting a strike. |
| Bass prey also reacts to temperature changes. Knowing where these prey are likely to be found during hot weather can give a clue about bass locations. By understanding this, anglers can more strategically plan their fishing approach. Texas Rigging with an Owner Bullet-Type Rig paired with a soft plastic worm is a time-tested and versatile method for catching big bass in summer, particularly in weedy or structure-laden environments. Start by sliding the bullet weight onto your line, with the pointed end facing towards the end of the line, followed by your chosen hook. Then, rig the soft plastic worm onto the hook, ensuring that the hook’s point is buried just below the surface of the worm to create a weedless presentation. This rig is ideal for probing dense cover, like lily pads, submerged timber, or brush piles, where big bass often hide during hot summer days. Cast to these areas and let the bait sink slowly, allowing the bullet weight to guide the worm through the cover. A slow, dragging retrieve works best, interspersed with occasional pauses and gentle twitches to make the worm dance enticingly. Be alert to subtle changes in pressure or line movement, as big bass might inhale the worm softly. A firm but controlled hook set will ensure the hook penetrates the fish’s mouth without tearing the worm. The Owner Bullet-Type Rig and soft plastic worm offer a tantalizing combination that can outwit big bass in summer, even in the most challenging fishing environments. The simplicity and effectiveness of this rig make it a go-to option for anglers targeting elusive summer bass. Using a stick-styled worm is the most tried and true ways to catch fish. We have a wide variety of 5-inch Worms to choose from and we just re-stocked our 10w30 Synthetic Worm, so you better grab some now. We also just recently released new 6-inch Worms that catch some trophy bass. Charmeleon, Rainbow TRT, Bone, Chocolate Mint, and Fire TGR are all available in 5 and 6-inch. The high-grade non-salt plastic they’re made from provides positive buoyancy and it even floats underwater! We’ve also recently released new 8-count packs of worms available in Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, and Green Pumpkin. We also offer worms that have the unique ability to shift from one color to another. Each Worm is scented for complete and total attraction underwater. |
| Sudden weather changes can influence water temperatures drastically. Being aware of how these quick changes in weather can affect the water temperature, and subsequently the bass behavior, provides an edge in adapting strategies on the fly. Water temperatures often influence water clarity, especially during the hot summer months. Understanding how this interaction works helps in selecting the most effective fishing spots where the bass are likely to be lurking. Modern technology, like fish finders, can help in determining water temperature at various depths. Familiarity with water temperature patterns and how they relate to bass behavior ensures that this technology can be used most effectively. Understanding of water temperatures isn’t just a singular aspect of summer bass fishing; it’s part of a holistic approach that integrates knowledge of biology, weather patterns, equipment, and environmental stewardship. By paying close attention to water temperatures and how they influence bass behavior, anglers can enjoy a more successful, responsible, and rewarding fishing experience during the hot summer.We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose from. For Scorpions we love to use the Stand-Up Jig because it sits your bait up-right in a defensive stance! The Owner All Purpose Hook is built with an extra-wide gap and is made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. Mosquito Hooks work for drop-shotting and are designed to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. The Block Head Jig is perfect for ned rigging the HellaMite with its mushroom-style head that seamlessly matches a wide variety of soft plastics such as lizards and worms. The Shakey Ultrahead can permanently secure baits by inserting the pin in the center and screwing the twist lock coil spring for perfect rigging every time! The Ultrahead Wacky Jig features precise weight positioning and hook orientation for the ultimate wacky presentations. For fast Texas rigging, we use the Bullet-Type Rig which has an attached weight saving you pressure time when fishing cover. The 4x Jungle Flippin Hook is designed for big fish and the toughest conditions. Covering a wide range of soft plastics including worms and other types of creatures. |
