earlY to late SUmmer
a long time ago i used to see big fish in the summer under flat docks at Clear lake, it was pretty common comfort zone for them. Just a habit i think that stems from being young and protecting themselves from birds attacking from overhead or any other predators overhead. But most of the time when you see them they are on the back side of the dock where the most shade is located.
What i learned from that was to put a pattern together of finding big bass super shallow with tons of shade under the dock. it’s way cooler thus far, more oxygen during the heat of the day and even further they want to feel very secure and hidden so i looked for flat docks with walls on the back side.
So here is what you do, rig up a texas rig bait with at least a 3/8 sinker and pitch the bait very quietly over the dock between the wall and the dock. Then thumb the bait as soon as it clears the dock. You don’t want it to hit the water and make a big splash. You want to have complete control of your bait. Now slowly lower it down until your bait just touches the surface. (YoU CaN't See it Ya JUSt HaVe to KNoW it or Feel it). Then just hold it there and be very patient for a minute or so. Usually the bass sees a
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very easy target and is very relaxed and just sucks it in like a piece of spaghetti. When this happens you will feel a slight pull so just lean into it with a little slack then hammer him. By the way, i used to do this with 25 lb big game and bounce 5 to 10 pounders over the dock with the side of the boat always rubbing the dock so once on the dock you just drag him right in the boat with you partner holding the net in case he comes unbuttoned, then your partner has to get him like a butterfly in a net on the dock.
Man, that is some exciting stuff that happens so violently and quickly it's a total rush.
ok the next way i use to get ‘em is in trees .Places like rodman at Clear lake or where ever you find trees. But remember to keep in mind oxygen, the cooler the better and heavy cover for easy picken’s for the big bass. So you find some trees with weeds wrapped around the branches or moss and shade if possible, though sometime the shade from the weeds or moss is enough especially if you have a surface breeze sweeping the surface.
okay, i’m ready to make a cast right now, that is a deadly scenario. But wait, the secret - pitch to the back side over a branch and do not let the bait hit the water and keep your boat as far away as possible. Keep quiet, they are smart and did not get big by being dumb. So pitch over the limb and slowly lower the bait about an inch or so in the dense spot. Sometimes you have to adjust to a heavier weight depending on the cover you're fishing and remain still for at least a minute. i know it's painful but it pays off big. i have won many tournaments this way.
if you do not have a wall or weed or moss providing a very dense area in the zone just find the darkest spot in the tree and lower the bait just out of site and just hold it. Sometimes they want a very mild shake but not much. remember they don't want any stress, because it takes energy and oxygen which
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