Summer 2023
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Berkley also has some great deep-diving crankbaits in the Berkley Dredger series. They have some that dive as shallow as 9- to 11-feet and bigger models that will go much deeper. They have a size for every need and depth you are targeting, cast exceptionally well, and have an excellent balance and action right out of the package.
GOING FINESSE
Sometimes, the only way to get a bite is to break out the drop-shot and slow it down. It works all year, but summertime is one of the best. With bass feeding heavily on baitfish, a good baitfish imitating plastic is a great choice. It also gives you more options than just fishing a standard straight-tailed worm.
One of the best is the Yamamoto Shad Shape worm, which, as it sounds, has a great baitfish-imitating shape. Initially, there was just one size, but they’ve expanded the offering to include a bigger 5-inch bait and a downsized 3-inch version. The 5-inch version floats, giving the bait more action on your rig.
Another solid shad-imitator is the Strike King Baby Z-Too. It also floats since it is made of ElaZtech and will give your rig a new look. In addition to the 3-inch size, the original is 5-inches long and great for when bass are eating bigger baitfish.
Fishing for bass in the summer can be a little challenging at times, but the bass are generally in a feeding mood and willing to eat a variety of baits. A good selection of topwater, deep crankbaits, and finesse rigs will cover your bases and allow you to fish several parts of the water column.
You can find these summer lures, the gear to fish them and much more at your local Fisherman’s Warehouse or at FishermansWarehouse.com. •
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