| After spawn, bass often suspend around docks, submerged grass, and shoreline cover while recovering. During this period, they can be scattered and somewhat finicky, requiring a more finesse-oriented approach. Smaller soft plastics like worms, insect larva, beetles, and lizards work well to imitate the appearance of natural forage. Slow retrieves, subtle presentations, and staying on the move to locate active fish are often the keys to success. While using spinnerbaits and topwaters can still help locate fish quickly, it’s really soft plastics that seal the deal once bass are found. As water temperatures slowly rise, bass may begin to feed more aggressively in short windows throughout the day. Early mornings and overcast conditions often provide some of the best opportunities to intercept feeding fish. Targeting isolated pieces of cover like single dock posts, grass patches, or laydowns can increase the chances of finding bass that are ready to strike. It’s also important to pay attention to baitfish activity, as post-spawn bass often position near schools of shad or bluegill. Staying versatile and adjusting to daily changes will maximize success during this transitional period.Our Fresh HellaMite is designed to imitate a major aquatic food source, delivering a realistic profile of an insect larva that fish can’t resist. Each is scented for complete and total attraction underwater along with being made in the USA by real fishermen just like you. We’ve recently dropped a new HellaMite Pro Pack that is loaded with 60 total baits in all six proven colors, plus three Owner Block Head Ned Jigs and a handy storage bag. This kit has everything you need to stay rigged and ready year-round. Grab our newest Lil Bass, Hot Sauce, MidNight, Glow, 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink HellaMite colors. We’ve also recently restocked our popular Ghost, Red Bug, Purple Rain, Brown Bug, Electric Chicken, and Goby Wan colors. The HellaMite’s solid body and hyperactive ribbed tail design produce a life-like quivering action with every twitch of the rod. 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 year-round. When the water is clear, the fish can see the bait and look like real food, causing strikes. Each cast becomes an opportunity for an exhilarating catch, thanks to its superior performance and versatility. |
| Bass follow predictable routes as they leave spawning areas and transition into deeper summer holding spots. Key areas along these routes include points, creek channel edges, submerged humps, and small ditches leading out of spawning coves. These stop-off locations serve as feeding and resting areas during the transition period. Anglers who understand these migration paths can more efficiently track bass movements throughout late spring and early summer. Studying maps, observing underwater terrain, and using depth finders can help identify these critical holding zones. Wind direction can also influence where bass stage along these routes, as wind-blown points often concentrate baitfish and active bass. Subtle contour changes, isolated cover, or small depth variations along a route can hold multiple quality fish. Fishing parallel to these travel routes allows for more consistent contact with fish moving in and out. Bass rarely travel in straight lines, so focusing on natural pathways that offer both cover and depth changes increases success. By following these patterns consistently, anglers can stay one step ahead as fish progress through seasonal transitions.We use our Fresh Scorpion because it closely imitates a crawfish. Our newest 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink Scorpion colors work wonders. The Scorpion is a revolutionary new look to soft plastics. Its intricate detailing and texture mimic the nuances of a real crawfish, making it hard for bass to resist. Of course, water clarity always plays a role in color selection but in any season, you can’t miss using colors such as Green Pumpkin Seed, Brown Bark, and the Magneto. 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 upright in a defensive stance. The subtle color variations across the bait further enhance its appeal, mimicking the natural color shifts found in live prey. Each Fresh Scorpion has a unique and exclusive 3-axis tail design that is engineered like no other soft plastic bait. Our Scorpions are made by anglers from high-grade non-salt plastic to provide superior life-like action that triggers strikes! |
| As water temperatures rise above 70 degrees, many bass begin moving from shallow post-spawn areas into deeper summer patterns. The exact timing can vary slightly each year depending on weather, water temperature, and lake conditions. Some fish remain shallow, while others transition to mid-depths or deeper offshore structures. Paying close attention to recent conditions and observing fish movement can help anglers adjust accordingly. Keeping notes or logs of past patterns can be extremely valuable in predicting these annual shifts. Cloud cover, rain, and cold fronts can temporarily slow or pause the movement, keeping fish shallow longer than expected. However, extended periods of calm, sunny weather often accelerate the transition to deeper water. Mid-depth areas such as secondary points or submerged brush often serve as temporary holding spots before fish fully commit to deeper summer structure. Anglers who recognize these staging areas can intercept bass during this active movement phase. Continually scanning different depth zones throughout the day allows for quick adjustments.The new FreshBaitz Lizards deliver a realistic profile that excels in both power and finesse techniques. Act fast, we’ve recently just released new Hot Sauce, MidNight, Ghost, and 10w30 Synthetic Lizard designs! 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 to use in any condition. Water clarity always plays a super big role in color selection but in any season year-round, you can’t miss when using colors such as Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, or Green Pumpkin. Its flexible tail design ensures added movement, tempting even the most cautious fish. The superior 5.5-inch profile stretches to a whole 7 inches which is perfect for predatory fish including bass year round. Made from long-lasting durable high-grade non-salted plastic for total and maximum attention-grabbing action underwater. |
| The thermocline is a layer of water where the temperature drops quickly, and it often forms during early summer as surface temperatures rise. Bass tend to hold at or slightly above this layer, which can develop anywhere from 8 to 30 feet deep depending on lake clarity, depth, and weather patterns. Identifying the thermocline helps anglers target the right depth zones and avoid fishing unproductive water. Depth finders can often reveal this layer as a distinct line or cluster of suspended marks. Understanding and targeting the thermocline is a major factor in consistent summertime success. The oxygen levels typically decrease below the thermocline, making areas beneath it less suitable for bass. Because of this, much of the active summer feeding takes place right at or just above the thermocline depth. Water clarity plays a role as well, with clearer lakes often having a deeper thermocline than stained or murky waters. Monitoring thermocline depth throughout the season helps anglers stay in tune with where bass are holding as conditions evolve. This knowledge allows for more efficient fishing and greater confidence when targeting deep summer bass.Our Fresh Beetle delivers ultimate versatility in a soft plastic bait. Its slim yet wide body design and four claws are engineered to naturally glide and wobble as it moves through the water. This design ensures they remain enticingly active longer than conventional baits. Its unique texture also provides a realistic feel, making bass hold on longer once they bite. Water clarity plays a big role in color selection but year-round you can’t miss when using go-to colors such as Chocolate Mint, Ox Blood, or 10w30 Synthetic beetles. The hyper-active swimming claws are designed thin with long-lasting durable non-salt plastic to make them come alive with the slightest movement. The Fresh Beetle offers an enticing 4-inch profile and is scented for complete and total attraction! You can rig these Beetles as a Jig/ Chatter Trailer, Flippin/ Punching, Texas Rig, Swing Jig, and Carolina Rig. Making the beetle beyond perfect in any weather condition year-round! |
| By mid-summer, many bass concentrate around offshore structures such as roadbeds, long points, ledges, humps, and submerged ridges. These areas offer both cover and access to cooler, oxygen-rich water near the thermocline. Soft plastics like worms, cray-styled baits, and lizards rigged on Carolina rigs or heavier jig heads excel for probing these deeper spots. Precise casting and methodical retrieves help trigger strikes from bass that may be less aggressive during hotter periods. Once located, these offshore groups can provide some of the most reliable and consistent summer action. Boat positioning becomes crucial, allowing anglers to present baits at the correct angle and maintain contact with the structure. Subtle changes in bottom composition, such as a transition from rock to clay or small brush piles, often concentrate larger groups of fish. Electronics play a major role in locating schools and identifying the most productive sections of structure. While these offshore areas may require more effort to locate, they often hold better quality fish with less fishing pressure. Mastering deep structure fishing opens up some of the most rewarding opportunities in summer.Using a stick-styled worm is the most tried and true ways to catch fish. We have a variety of 5-inch Worms to choose from but we just added MidNight, Glow, and Ghost Worms! Our popular Watermelon Red Worms have been restocked as well. You can also experience our new wacky rigging kit while it’s ON SALE! The WACKY Pack offers our most popular colors and essential tools for wacky rigging. If you’re fast enough you might be able to grab the limited-release Pumpkin Spice Worm before it’s completely sold out along with some of our newest colors including the Brown Worm, Electric Chicken Worm, and Goby Wan Worm colors. The high-grade non-salt plastic they’re made from provides positive buoyancy and it even floats underwater! We also released new 6-inch Worms including Charmeleon, Rainbow TRT, Bone, Chocolate Mint, and Fire TGR — all available in 5 and 6-inch. 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. Scented for total attraction underwater. |
| Though often associated with winter fishing, vertical jigging spoons can be highly effective for deep summer bass. Once bass are located on deep structure, jigging spoons allow quick vertical presentations that mimic fleeing baitfish. Quick lifts followed by controlled slack let the spoon flutter naturally, triggering reaction strikes as it falls. While many anglers default to soft plastics adding jigging into the mix can increase catches, especially when fish are tightly grouped. Fishing vertically also reduces hang-ups and allows for precise depth control when targeting fish near or above the thermocline. Adjusting the height of each jigging motion can help dial in what triggers the most strikes on any given day. Some fish may respond to short, subtle hops, while others prefer a more aggressive lift that covers several feet. Heavier line and a strong rod are important for controlling the bait and handling larger fish near heavy cover or deep brush. Jigging spoons can also be cast and retrieved like a crankbait to cover more water when searching for active fish. By using this technique into the summer rotation, anglers add another versatile tool for targeting deep bass efficiently.Our newest FreshBaitz Mandingo Trick Worm is the ultimate game-changer for anglers with a passion! Engineered for the angler who knows SIZE does matter, this lure is designed to attract only the BIGGEST bass with a penchant for the larger bait. The Mandingo Trick Worm boasts a solid 7-inch body enhanced with a hyperactive ribbed design, ensuring irresistible mouth-watering action for those trophy bass. Officially available in a vibrant array of 8 colors. Each worm is made from durable, high-grade Non-Salted plastic for lifelike action and unparalleled durability. Perfectly balanced for a variety of rigging options and scented for total and maximum attraction, the Mandingo Trick Worm promises year-round effectiveness in lakes, rivers, and streams. Whether you’re rigging it on a Shakey Head, Drop Shot, Texas Rig, or Carolina Rig, these worms are your ticket to landing the big ones. Proudly made in the USA by real anglers to help elevate your fishing experience and catch more bass year-round! |
| Summer bass fishing requires an open-minded and adaptive approach, as conditions can change daily. Retrieve speeds, depth zones, and lure choices often need to be adjusted based on fish behavior and environmental factors. Anglers who continually experiment with different techniques, locations, and presentations tend to unlock patterns that others overlook. Viewing each trip as an opportunity to learn keeps fishing enjoyable and productive throughout the summer season. Staying curious and observant allows anglers to develop confidence and consistently locate and catch bass. Subtle changes like wind shifts, water clarity, or boat traffic can all influence fish positioning from one day to the next. Paying attention to small clues, such as baitfish activity, bird behavior, or temperature breaks can reveal where bass are feeding. Reviewing past successes and failures helps refine future strategies and shorten the learning curve. Even well-known lakes often reveal new productive spots when anglers remain willing to explore and experiment. Over time, this adaptive mindset builds a stronger skill set that consistently leads to more successful days on the water.We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose from, but we’ve recently released new Nako Tungsten Tear Drop Shot Weights, crafted from 97% eco-friendly tungsten for stealth, durability, and vibration, with easy-to-read size stamps and a crimped swivel for quick changes. The new Haymaker EWG Worm Hooks are also now available, featuring an extra-wide gap for various soft plastics, a Z-lock shoulder bend for secure bait placement, and an angled-up super needle point for fast, powerful hooksets. For creature-styled baits, a more popular choice to use is the Stand-Up Jig because it sits the bait up-right in a defensive stance! Mosquito Hooks work for dropshotting and perfectly accommodates a wide range of soft plastics. The popular All Purpose Hooks are built with an extra-wide gap and are made 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. The Offset Block Head Jig, offers the same mushroom-style head with a unique offset hook, making it a go-to for weedless Ned Rig applications. 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 precious time when fishing cover. The 4x Jungle Flippin Hook is designed for big fish and the toughest conditions. The Range Roller Jig Head is crafted for precision with its high center axis design, perfect for hover-strolling and mid to bottom strolling with forward facing sonar, ensuring an enticing rolling action that triggers bites. We also just released Keep’em Fresh Bait Bags! These bags are the ultimate solution for anglers who need their gear to perform. Built like a tank, this bag is 20x stronger than regular zip bags and offers 100% waterproof protection with a rock-solid double zipper seal. Whether it’s for soft plastics, snacks, or your smartphone, this reusable and versatile bag keeps everything safe from water, mud, and grime. It’s lightweight yet spacious, it fits snugly in your tackle box or backpack, making it perfect for your next adventure. |