Beating the Heat:
And catching Monster Bass
Bruce Callis Jr.
Summer is getting really hot. The humidity is actually the killer. Makes it so it is difficult to breathe. But, it is difficult to not go fishing. And especially if you have a tournament. What’s a body to do but suck it up, drink plenty of fluids, and be careful.
And with ICAST over, and those new lures we will look forward to finally getting them in our hands. But for the most part, it will be months before we get them. So what do we do until then? Go back to what we know will work!
And right now, bass are scattered and can be very difficult to catch. Well, mostly anyway. Where are they and what do we use? The water is hot, and it is going to get even hotter with the heat wave moving through. The bass will be split into two groups. Those who will move deeper in search of cooler water and those who will stay up shallow and find those cool spots.
And if you happen to be fishing in a place without that deep water, it gets very difficult. But shallow is still the answer. Early morning and late evening are really the prime times for bass, and to stay a little cooler. For me, I have a variety of baits that I depend on for catching those shallow bass.
My first choice is the Missile Baits DStroyer Texas rigged. I love to pitch this around any cover, especially lay downs. It gives off enough action to draw in the finicky bass and those looking for a big meal. I like to use a Gamakatsu Heavy Cover straight shank hook and a 1/8 ounce Woo Tungeston weight on 20 pound Seaguar AbrazX fluorocarbon. Depending on the bass, I will switch this up with a Missile Baits DBomb at times, especially when the cover is thick.
My second choice is a Missile Baits Ike’s Mini Flip paired with a Mini Chunk on Seaguar AbrazX 20 pound fluorocarbon. I prefer 3/8 ounce for this, as I use it just as I do the soft plastic. Just make sure to work it slow and hop it. For beginners, it’s all about learning the feel of what you are hitting. That stick that bends and pulls back always feels so good. Yes, I’m guilty of setting the hook on a few as I learned to work a jig.
A topwater bait is always a good choice. A buzzbait, a walking bait, a popper, and a frog are all great choices. For around the lily pads, I really love to use a SPRO Bronzeye Frog. Keep it simple with colors. I like to use black and a natural bluegill color. I do like to use 65-pound Seaguar Smackdown braid for the pads. I want to make sure I have a line heavy enough to get them out if they get down in the pads.
For open water, I have a difficult time sticking to just one bait. A buzzbait can really be a great way to draw them in and up, but you really have to keep it moving constantly. For those times I want to work around or over something, a walking bait or a popper is my choice. I will switch between them until the bass let me know what they want.
And you have to have a wacky-rigged worm. For beginners or the pro, this bait just flat out catches bass. They may not always be those big monsters, but they can be. I like to use a 10 pound Seaguar InvizX fluorocarbon leader to a braid main line. My main choices are a Missile Baits 48 and a Magic Worm. Both work great and offer two different fall rates. Just pay attention to your line as you let it fall on a slack line.
For deeper water, I like a variety of baits. One of my favorites is the SPRO Aruku Shad. A lipless crankbait can be worked at a variety of depths, from shallow out to the deepest depths. It works especially well over grass. I like to use 10 pound Seaguar InvizX as it allows it to drop faster and less lift.
Summer is getting hotter, but it doesn’t mean you can’t catch monster bass. Pay attention to what the bass are doing and what they are telling you. Sometimes you may have to really work an area carefully and sometimes you just need to keep moving. Let the bass tell you. If you get a hit, pay attention. And drink plenty of fluids.
