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BASS SUL M A MK EE RS
Story & Photos
BY DAN RICE
vs
S
ummer offers a challenging, yet exciting time
for anglers, regardless of location. Low light
conditions bring explosive topwater hits,
while fishing underneath the blazing sun can cater to those who prefer flipping, pitching and throw-
ing swimbaits along docks.
One of the biggest keys to finding quality fish in
summer is knowing what the fish are keying on when
it comes to food and habitat.
On reservoirs, current may draw fish tighter
to ambush points. Off-shore boulders may be
used as “rest stops” for summer
patterns and a weedline in deep,
cool water might be the perfect
home for those fish seeking
calmer environments.
NATURAL LAKES
Natural lakes tend to warm up quickly and can often offer
SK Ocho
the earliest topwater action.
Largemouth bass will quickly awake
and be drawn to the sounds of walk-
the-dog lures or poppers.
When it comes to locating fish quickly, starting
shallow will allow you to eliminate areas of the lake
without having to use electronics to search for fish in
deeper water.
Rocky shorelines are often littered with crayfish
claws, so jigs, crankbaits and topwater lures are all
excellent choices. Transitioning from shallow water in
the morning to depths of 6- to 10-feet by midday will help target fish that are varying in their movements.
Remember to target the shade lines. Shade tends to be a priority for larger fish, but docks and manmade cover aren’t the only shady areas to locate.
Vegetation provides its own shade and seeking out the edges of weedlines can host numerous big fish. As water quality deteriorates, these locations become a safe haven for smaller fish such as bluegill
and perch. Add in
crayfish and you can
quickly identify high
target areas that
are likely to reward
you for your
efforts.
Some type
of dragging
technique is a
must-have.
Whether it is
a Carolina-rig
or a pegged
½-oz tungsten
weight and 6-inch Ocho combination, big fish often fall for slow-moving soft plastics. Slowly pulling this weedless setup through vegetation or over rocks and timber gives any fish a good look at your bait.
My largest catches have come from areas around 12- to 15-feet with a combination of rock and weeds. They often swallow the Ocho whole, nearly ripping the rod right from my hands.
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