Summer-time Shallow Bass

I know that there are always Summer-time Shallow Bass. “Top pros prefer to stay shallow where they have more water to themselves”. The way I look at it, I’m better off being one of five fishing the bank. This is preferable as opposed to being one of a hundred competing for water offshore, especially knowing that a decent number of bass stay shallow year-round and thrive in summer-time conditions.

There are many different ways to catch summer-time shallow Bass. However, there are some overarching themes throughout. One is the weather. Undoubtedly, the shallow bite is typically better as a whole when there’s a little wind or cloud cover. Now, this is not an absolute when you’re targeting bass in shallow waters during summer-time. High and bright sun often positions fish really well in tight patches of shade, making them easier to catch.

But by and large, when simply covering water shallow, some wind, rain, and/or cloud cover is a good thing. It makes the fish more active and less wary of your line. They also become less wary of the subtle little giveaways of an artificial lure. You can pick up a Baby Buzzbait or spinnerbait, for instance, and put the trolling motor on high. Just go down a bank when there’s a little ripple on the water. This is another big key to success when fishing shallow in the summer, covering water, especially when targeting shallow bass.

Chase Summer-time Shallow Bass

In the summer, a bass’ metabolism is the highest it will get. These fish need to eat and eat often. When I’m really struggling to get a bite with a frog or flipping in the middle of the day, I’ll pick up a Baby Buzzbait and just cover water in areas known for summer-time shallow bass. I throw near cover like docks and weed edges, but I won’t worry too much about getting it as close as I can. There are fish that are active and may be 10 or 20 feet away from obvious cover.

These fish are shallow and can be found towards the back of pockets. For whatever reason, the hotter and calmer it is, the better this bite is. Think 98 degrees, flat calm, and humid. I can’t really explain it, but it always puts an extra fish in the boat when I’m struggling. These fish run better than average—think three to five pounds. So, try a Baby Buzzbait in the middle of the day and see what happens.

It works for me!!!

Excerpts taken from Lee’s new book “Strategies for Bass“.