Fishing for bass in the summer can be quite challenging considering the heat of the sun and the activity of the fishes. Often, this season gives fishermen a hard time finding the right depth to catch bass. There are a lot of variables to consider to bag a substantial harvest during the summer season. Every angler has their techniques and methods, but the common denominator in catching bass during summer is knowing where to fish and at what depth.
This article takes a quick look at the depth to fish for bass during the summer, for a more complete guide to summer bass fishing check out our summer bass fishing in depth article
Factors to consider when fishing for bass in the summer
The most important factor you have to consider when fishing for bass in the summer is the water temperature. During summer, the surface temperature of most bodies of water increases, and bass prefers cooler water. You have to determine the ideal temperature range of the bass you’re targeting to find where they are likely to be found.
Another factor to consider is the location of the bass. During summer, the bass will stay in deeper waters during the day, then move to shallow areas during the night to feed. You have to know the lake or river structure and depth, the type of bottom, and other attributes that can affect the location of the fish.
How deep to fish for bass in the summer?
Fishing deep during the summer season can be quite challenging. However, you can determine the right depth to fish for bass during summer by considering the following factors:
Water clarity
Water clarity plays a crucial role in determining the depth to fish for bass. If you are fishing in a clear water lake or river, bass is likely to stay in deeper waters to avoid too much exposure to sunlight. They tend to move to shallower areas towards evening to feed. In contrast, if you are fishing in murky water, bass tends to stay in shallower areas.
Water temperature
Bass is used to staying in cool waters. Therefore, in hot summer, they’ll stay deeper in the water to escape the heat. The surface temperature of the water will undoubtedly influence the depth to fish for bass in the summer. Warmer waters will make the bass move deeper, while cooler waters will make them stay near the surface.
Structures
Bass often stays near underwater structures, weeds, boulders, fallen trees, or other structures that provide them with shelter and food. These structures can create shade and areas of darkness, so they tend to move closer to the structure, which will influence their depth.
Food sources
Bass follows their food sources; therefore, if you notice a significant amount of baitfish in a certain depth, then it’s likely that the bass are located there. For instance, shad, bluegill, or minnows tend to stay in a certain range of depth, and bass will typically follow.
Time of the day
The time of the day can influence bass behavior. Depending on the lake or river you are fishing and the local weather conditions, the depth to find bass can greatly vary throughout the day. Bass will often stay at deeper depths during the day and shallow areas during sunset and dawn. Knowing when to fish can equally be important when finding the right depth during summer.
Deep fishing Techniques
Once you’ve determined the depth to fish for bass, there are some techniques you can use to catch a good harvest.
Deep Cranking
Deep cranking is a classic technique that makes use of deep-diving crankbaits to catch bass. This technique allows you to fish at a certain depth range and cover more water to find active bass. Finding the right crankbait is very important to successfully use this technique.
Big Worms
Big worms are an efficient tool for deep fishing during summer. These worms mimic the movements of typical bass prey like worms, leeches, and other crawlers. The technique involves hooking the bait to a texas rig or carolina rig, then casting the bait to the desired depth. You can then reel the bait up slowly or bounce it on the bottom.
Jigs
The use of jigs is again an effective technique that allows you to fish at various depths. These lures imitate crawfish, baitfish, and other prey that bass usually feed on. The technique involves casting the jig to the desired depth, then bouncing it off the bottom, mimicking the movement of prey.
Dropshotting
Dropshotting involves suspending your lure a few feet off the bottom, enabling you to find bass that are feeding on suspended baitfish or other prey. The technique enables you to fish vertically, allowing you to reach various depths.
Conclusion
Finding the right depth to fish for bass in the summer season is the key to successful bass fishing. During summer, the heat of the sun forces the bass to go deeper in search of cooler water areas, making deep fishing techniques more effective. By considering water clarity, temperature, structures, food sources, and time of the day, you can determine the right depth to fish for bass during summer. The use of efficient deep fishing techniques like cranking, worm fishing, jig fishing, and dropshotting can tremendously increase your chances of catching a substantial harvest.
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