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Summer Bass Fishing — Complete Beginner’s Guide

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Bass are very predictable during summer when the weather is warm. They are practically one of the easiest fish to catch since they are not picky with anything. However, if you are a beginner, you should know how to properly fish for summer bass to catch one.

There are many things that you should know when going summer bass fishing.

It is also important to know what tools and gear you need, what you can do when the only time for you to fish is during the midday heat, and other beginner tips that you can use.

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The Basics

Before we dive into the specifics of bass angling, you have to know the basics. These basic requirements apply to beginner angling in general.

Fishing Season 

As a beginner, one thing you should know is the schedule of fishing season in your state. The fishing season for bass is not always open for the entire year. Spawning areas are protected so that the angling season may close during this time.

Before you plan your first ever bass angling trip, do not forget to check out the freshwater fishing regulations, depending on your state. 

Size Limits 

Size limit is also something that you should know as a beginner in bass fishing. Most states have size limits in bass fishing and the maximum amount of bass you can catch in a day.

The size limit and the maximum amount also depend on the type of bass you will be catching. As a beginner, you have to know this to avoid violating any rule and then get suspended. 

Fishing License 

Do not forget to get a proper fishing license before you head on to your angling trip as well. In some states, even recreational fishing requires having a professional fishing license.

You can check with your state’s Wildlife Department or any local retail stores to know how to get this. Fishing licenses are now easy to obtain, even with just using your phone, tablet, or laptop. 

If you’re wondering, here’s what you should know about fishing without a license.

The Best Type of Lures

Using lures is one of the best fishing methods to successfully catch big fish, particularly the largemouth bass. With this, you should know the best types of lures for you.

The best bait can help you catch your very first summer bass successfully.

Plastic Worms 

When the weather is hot, shallow bass will tend to move to cooler and darker parts of the water during summer. Sometimes, they also migrate to the bottom of the water.

The warm weather is the perfect time to use plastic worms. This bait is soft and either Carolina or Texas rig

If you are fishing in deep water, the Carolina rig is better as a search lure. However, a Texas rig is preferred in shallow water covered with floating vegetation.

More bass are very hungry during the hot weather; they will see the worms as an easy meal. They will certainly lunge at the plastic bait, making it easier for you to catch them.

When a plastic bait like a worm is the lure, a finesse approach is used rather than a drop shot at the strike zone. For a piece of insider advice, you can add a scent to your worms before you start to find bass.

There are plastic baits with built-in scents, such as those of the Berkley Power worm. However, if your baits do not have scents, you can try adding one. 

Jigs 

Another favorite bait for bass fish is a jig. There are different types of jigs depending on where you are fishing. A punch jig is preferred in water areas with thick vegetation because they are more heavy-duty.

A casting jig is preferred in areas with a lot of grass because it can penetrate the grass. Another versatile jig is skirted. 

Skirted jigs are very useful to catch big bass; many anglers prefer them. You can use this in almost all types of water areas, even in areas with thick and muddy vegetation.

You can also cast skirted jigs out near the structure and even drag them toward the bottom of the water. Since skirted jigs are heavier and more durable, they are preferred to fish largemouth water basses. 

Spinnerbaits 

If you are looking to fish in muddy and murkier waters, then the spinnerbait is the bait of choice for you. Spinnerbaits are big baits designed to be easily seen even in murky water because they can give off flash and vibration. They can cover water for a shorter period.

Spinnerbaits are ideal for use around shaded areas, especially when the big bass is hiding under deeper water because of the hot weather. These shades may come in the form of logs, vegetation, or twigs and branches. 

A piece of Insider advice: For a more successful luring, cast the spinnerbait along the grass or near the drop-off, and then retrieve the lure towards the boat in a slow-rolling motion to catch fish more successfully

Crankbaits 

Crankbait, specifically the lipless kind, is also good early summer fishing bait, especially for big bass.

It is the perfect bait to use during the early spring and summer because this is usually post-spawn season, and many summertime basses are located at different depths in the water.

Lipless crankbaits are best when you have to lure big largemouths at varying depths because anglers can use them in shallow and deep parts of the water.

If you want to change course, all you have to do is switch up or slow down the speed of your retrieval. For a more practical method, make sure to include lipless crankbaits in your tackle box.

It would also be better if these crankbaits resemble the common baitfish you use in the best location or fishing spots. 

Topwater 

Topwater lures are also versatile lures that you can use. If your spot has a lot of lily pads, topwater frogs are the go-to lures for you.

Since lily pads can serve as shades for the bass in the summer months, a leaping topwater frog is a perfect lure to entice summer bass to bite. 

Summer Bass Fishing Tips for Beginners

Be Versatile During Summertime

During summertime, almost everything you find in your tackle box is even. You can try to experiment on which works best for you.

Step out of your comfort zone and mix-match different products with different characteristics to find the best for you. 

The only downside of summertime fishing is you might sweat a lot because of the weather. You can switch things up every time you go out to fish.

It is alright to fail to know what works well and is the best for you. 

The Best Time of the Day is at Night

During warmer months, there is more aggressive bass looking for food at night. More fish are active, so it will be easier for you to catch one. There are also usually few anglers at night, so you have few to compete when summer fishing.

Since summer daytime is hot, the bass will take advantage of the cold water and darker surroundings at night to scatter around the cooler water and find food. 

Invest in a Swivel

If you are an angler doing this for fun, you should certainly try using a swivel.

The main advantage of owning one is that it allows you to change baits faster while reducing line twisting to catch bass more efficiently. Anglers usually have this as a go-to tool when fishing.

Go Ahead and Fish for Summer Bass!

Summer bass is just one of the easiest fishes to catch mainly because they are versatile and will eat anything most of the time.

As a beginner, you should know all the ins and outs of summer bass angling before trying to fish for one. 

A successful summertime bass fishing relies on your skills, the tools and bass fishing equipment you use, and how you will use all the other items left in your tackle box.

Do not be afraid to experiment, and you will certainly discover the best summer bass fishing technique for you.

Diana Nadim
Fishing Expert
Diana began fishing at the age of seven, as it has been a long-time family tradition. From catching small bullheads to catching strippers on the backwaters of Bighorn, she loves to get out in the wild and have a marvelous day on the water. Her dad was an expert angler, and he taught her fishing along with her two siblings. They used to go to the Bighorn River in Montana and Henry’s fork, Idaho. As a pragmatic person, she is obsessed with creating well-researched and practical guides and reviews of the best fishing methods and gear.
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