Finding Cooler Waters: How Bass Seek Refuge in Summer
As the summer sun heats up our favorite fishing spots, bass face a challenge to find the cooler, oxygen-rich waters they need to thrive. Understanding their behavior during these hotter months can greatly enhance your fishing success. Here’s a closer look at how bass seek refuge under boat docks, in deeper waters, and among grass beds during summer.
The Need for Cooler, Oxygen-Rich Water
In summer, water temperatures rise significantly, and the warmer surface water holds less dissolved oxygen, making it less hospitable for bass. To stay comfortable and healthy, bass seek out cooler water temperatures and areas with higher oxygen levels.
Boat Docks: The Perfect Summer Shade
Boat docks provide an excellent refuge for bass during the summer. They offer shade, which helps lower water temperatures and creates a more comfortable environment. Additionally, docks often attract baitfish, making them prime hunting grounds for bass.
Fishing Tips:
- Skip and Pitch: Use skipping and pitching techniques to get your lure under the dock and into the shaded areas where bass are likely to be hiding.
- Jigs and Plastics: Soft plastics, jigs, and creature baits are effective for fishing around docks. Match your lure size and color to the local forage.
Deeper Water: A Cool, Oxygen-Rich Refuge
As surface temperatures rise, bass move to deeper water where the temperatures are cooler and oxygen levels are higher. During the summer, you’ll often find bass suspended at various depths, depending on the thermocline—a distinct layer where the temperature drops significantly.
Fishing Tips:
- Use Electronics: Utilize fishfinders to locate the thermocline and identify the depth at which bass are suspended.
- Vertical Presentations: Drop shots, deep-diving crankbaits, and vertical jigging are effective techniques for targeting bass in deeper water.
Grass Beds: Natural Coolers and Oxygenators
Aquatic vegetation such as grass beds not only provides cover but also helps oxygenate the water through photosynthesis. During the summer, bass will often seek out these grassy areas for both shelter and better oxygen levels.
Fishing Tips:
- Topwater Lures: Early morning or late evening, use topwater lures like frogs and buzzbaits to entice bass out of the grass.
- Punching and Flipping: Use heavy weights and stout gear to punch through thick vegetation and present your lure where bass are hiding.
- Swim Jigs and Texas Rigs: Swim jigs and Texas-rigged soft plastics are also effective for fishing around grass beds.
Combining Techniques for Success
Successful summer bass fishing often involves combining these techniques. For instance, start your day fishing topwater lures around grass beds, then transition to deeper water as the sun rises and temperatures increase. Later, move to shaded areas like boat docks for the afternoon bite.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how bass seek cooler, oxygen-rich waters in summer is key to improving your fishing success. By targeting boat docks, deeper water, and grass beds, you can effectively locate and catch bass even during the hottest months. So, adjust your tactics, use the right gear, and get ready to reel in some big summer bass! Find the best spots for your lake at https://fishingmapcards.com/
Written by Hugh in partnership with Hughfishing.com and fishfindercoach.com
