Top 5 Bass Fishing Lures For Summertime

Bass fishing is the most popular form of freshwater angling in America, and is quickly growing in popularity in other parts of the world as well. Bass are extremely hearty fish, and can be targeted all year long.

It is very important to note however, that whether changes will mean that you have to make changes to your tactics and your tackle. What works in the spring time won't necessarily work in the summer.

That's what this page is all about: 5 baits that will put fish in the boat during the Dog Days Of Summer!

JIgging is a very popular and traditional way to catch bass, but for the heat of the summer, I like a swim jig. Swim jigs offer a versatility that you need in the summer time.

In the morning and evening, when temperatures are cooler, you can swim the jig around vegetation and other structure. In the middle of the day, when the bass go deeper to get some reprieve from the heat, you can switch to a traditional jigging motion.

The best swim jig on the market right now is unquestionable the Dirty Jigs Finesse Swim Jig. It's built like a tank and still swims like a dream.

Large soft plastic baits are often very productive in warm weather for two reasons.

First, you can slow them down and present them to lethargic fish. Secondly, they look like a big meal. When the weather is warm, bass don't want to expend a large amount of energy for a small meal when the same energy can be spent on a big meal.

It's simple conservation for the bass. The Strike King Ocho, while very simple looking, is a great bait that fits this bill. Start out with at least the 7 inch version of the bait.

If you thought the Strike King Ocho was a big bait, this one blows it away.

We are acting on the same principles mentioned above when using a Curly Tail worm, but adding one more.

See, not only do bass want to get the biggest meal possible in exchange for the effort of chasing it, they also want the meal with the least likelihood of getting away. That's what the Curly Tail does. As it falls through the water, it appears to be injured.

This action drives bass crazy, and they have to bite it!

Not only is the BK a fantastic bait for summer, but it's killer in a lot of conditions.

There really isn't a lot to say about this one, you just need to try it...it is THAT good.

Here's a tip though: When you do get the BK, use a swim bait hook and rig the bait on it's side. This makes a huge difference.

This is one of those deceptively simple baits that just produces fish over and over.

When the weather starts getting really hot, this is a great bait to tie onto a drop shot rig and really slow down your retrieve.

The drop shot has the added benefit of suspending the bait off of the bottom of the lake. Often in this hot weather, the bass will sit on the thermocline as a way to cool off and conserve energy. This rig helps you get right in there with them, and put a few in the boat.

In order to catch fish all year round, you need to be willing to change your approach as necessary.

I always say there is a technique for every situation, and a bait for every season. All you have to do is experiment until you find the right one!