| Many anglers assume all bass retreat to deep, cool water during the heat of summer, but that’s not always the case. A significant number of bass remain shallow, particularly in areas that offer heavy cover and abundant baitfish. These fish use shallow structure and vegetation as ambush points while avoiding the bright sun and higher temperatures. Targeting shallow zones such as weed lines, brush piles, downed trees, and docks can produce consistent bites throughout the day. By focusing on these areas, anglers can often find fish that are less pressured because many others overlook them. Shallow summer bass may require a slower, more deliberate presentation, but they can still produce trophy catches. During the low-light periods such as early morning and late evening are often prime times to find these shallow fish feeding aggressively. Wind can also play a role by pushing baitfish into shallow coves or pockets, making them ideal ambush areas. Even during the midday heat, bass will often tuck tightly into shady cover or thick vegetation rather than retreating far into deep water. This behavior allows anglers to target them throughout the day using the right techniques. Understanding these water patterns can give anglers an edge when others head straight for deeper spots.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 Smoke Purple HellaMite. 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. |
| In hot summer conditions, bass often relate strongly to shade and thick cover. Shade provides cooler water and a sense of security, making it a natural holding area for fish. Whether it’s the shady side of a dock, overhanging trees, or a dense weed mat, these spots concentrate both baitfish and predator fish. Anglers should approach these areas methodically, focusing casts on shaded zones rather than open sunlit water. It’s also helpful to fish during low-light periods or on windy days when shade lines shift and expand. Understanding how bass position themselves relative to shade can dramatically improve catch rates in midsummer. When targeting shade, accuracy is critical, casting directly into tight pockets or along shade edges often produces the best results. Heavier cover may require weedless presentations to reach fish hiding deep inside without constant snags. Pay close attention to subtle shade differences, as even a small shadow line can hold multiple bass. On particularly bright days, fish are more likely to push farther under the docks or into thick vegetation, so precise presentations become even more important. Recognizing how shade changes throughout the day can help anglers time their spots effectively and maximize success.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! |
| The Texas rig is a highly versatile setup, especially useful in summer when bass hold tight to cover. It allows anglers to present soft plastics in a weedless manner, reducing hang-ups in vegetation or brush. Adjusting weight size and rigging style lets you target everything from open shallow flats to dense submerged bushes. A pegged weight can punch through thick vegetation, while an unpegged weight allows a slower, more natural fall in sparse cover. Carrying multiple soft plastics in different shapes and sizes ensures you’re ready for whatever conditions you encounter. Adaptability is what makes the Texas rig effective year-round, but it shines particularly bright during the dog days of summer. It can be fished effectively at nearly any depth, making it perfect for transitioning between shallow and mid-depth targets without changing rigs. Anglers can also adjust hook sizes to match different soft plastic profiles, further improving presentation and hook-up efficiency. It’s forgiving for beginners yet advanced enough for experienced anglers to fine-tune for specific situations. Because the Texas rig excels in heavy cover, it allows you to target fish that are often overlooked by those using open-hook presentations. Mastering this rig can dramatically increase your confidence in summer vegetation.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. |
| Fishing heavy cover successfully requires gear designed to handle tough situations. A strong braided line provides the power needed to pull fish out of thick weeds, brush, or timber without risking a break-off. A high-speed reel helps quickly pick up slack and move fish away from cover before they can tangle the line. Pairing this with a medium-heavy to heavy power rod gives you the strength and sensitivity to detect subtle bites while still providing backbone for hard hooksets. Having a drag system that can withstand heavy pressure is also crucial, ensuring you don’t lose fish buried deep in cover. With the right setup, anglers can confidently target big fish in places where others might hesitate to cast. Choosing the right rod length can also make a difference, as longer rods help improve leverage and casting accuracy into tight spots. Non-slip grips are valuable when setting hooks with force or fighting fish out of dense vegetation. Many anglers prefer reels with strong braking systems to help control heavy lures and precise casts around cover. Keeping your gear well-maintained, especially your line and the drag components, reduces the risk of failure during critical moments. Investing in quality equipment built for heavy cover ensures you can land more of the big bass that summer spots often hold.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! |
| Bass in summer often become less aggressive, requiring slower, more calculated presentations. Instead of dragging or hopping a bait quickly, try crawling it along the bottom, letting it pause frequently in prime strike zones. When your lure bumps into cover, let it sit briefly and then gently shake or jig it to trigger a reaction. This method works especially well when bass are buried in thick weeds or holding tight to submerged brush piles. Patience is key and sometimes it takes repeated subtle movements right in front of the fish to get a strike. Slowing down and refining your approach often leads to much more bites when summer heat makes fish less active. In many cases, leaving the soft plastic bait still for several seconds can be the difference between a missed opportunity and a solid hookset. Using lighter rod tip movements instead of strong jerks keeps the presentation natural and less intimidating to wary bass. Keeping a good eye on your line for small ticks or sudden movement becomes critical since bites are often small. Repeated casts to the same target area can also pay off because th inactive fish sometimes need multiple looks before fully committing. Developing confidence in a slower approach can dramatically improve success during the toughest summer conditions.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. |
| During summer, bass frequently feed on bluegill and other shallow forage species. Matching the size, shape, and color of your soft plastics to resemble these prey items can make your presentation more effective. Many anglers find success by using soft plastics with slight tail accents or color modifications to mimic the flash and movement of bluegill fins. When bass are focused on this type of forage, small changes in presentation, such as tail dipping or color enhancement, can trigger strikes from otherwise uninterested fish. Paying attention to what the bass are feeding on in your waters helps you choose the right lure profile. By matching the hatch, you increase your chances of catching fish that are keyed in on a specific meal. Observing the water for signs of active baitfish, such as surface flickers or movement near cover, can help confirm forage presence. Adjusting retrieve speed and action to mimic injured or fleeing baitfish can also provoke reaction strikes. Seasonal forage shifts should be monitored because bass may change feeding patterns as new food sources become more abundant. Using scent attractants or natural color blends can further convince pressured fish to commit to a bite. Understanding and duplicating what bass naturally hunt builds confidence and consistency in summer.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 fishing conditions are highly variable, with changing water temperatures, baitfish movements, and weather patterns all influencing fish behavior. Anglers need to remain flexible and experiment with different lure styles, sizes, and presentations. Sometimes a worm might be the best option, while at other times a cray-styled bait or lizard could produce better results. It’s also smart to switch weight sizes and rigging methods to see how fish respond. By constantly testing and adapting, anglers can identify what works best for that specific day and location. This willingness to experiment often separates consistent anglers from those who struggle in summer conditions. Keeping multiple rod and reel setups ready with different rigs can speed up the process of testing various approaches. Pay attention to how weather fronts, wind, or water clarity shifts influence fish behavior throughout the day. Recording successful patterns in a fishing log helps build knowledge for future trips under similar conditions. Don’t hesitate to try unconventional techniques or target overlooked spots when traditional tactics aren’t producing. Staying open-minded and willing to adjust can turn a tough day on the water into one filled with success.We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose from, but we’ve 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. Owner Mosquito Hooks work for dropshotting and perfectly accommodates a wide range of soft plastics. 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. The popular All Purpose Hooks are built with an extra-wide gap and are made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. 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! 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. |