As the temperatures start to cool off and the leaves begin to change color in the late summer, bass begins to change their patterns and feeding habits. They become more active, and their diet shifts to include more forage fish. Crustaceans, baitfish, and smaller gamefish are all on the menu in late summer. Fishing for bass during this time of year can be very rewarding, as they are actively feeding and relatively easy to catch. However, in order to be successful, it is important to understand what bass eat in late summer and where to find them.
Bass eat: Late summer lures
Crankbait
Crankbaits are versatile lures that can be used for bass fishing all year round. In late summer, when the water temperature starts to drop, bass eat more actively in preparation for the winter. Crankbaits can be an effective way to target these fish.
The heat of summer can make bass sluggish, so you’ll need to fish your crankbait slower than usual. But because the water is usually clearer in summer, bass are more likely to strike at a well-presented crankbait.
To target summer bass, look for areas of deep, cool water where they will congregate. Places like submerged brush piles, ledges, and drop-offs are all good spots to try fishing bass with a crankbait in late summer.
Wacky worm
Wacky worms can be used in a variety of situations during the late summer months to target bass. One of the most effective ways to fish a wacky worm is by Texas rigging it and fishing it around submerged vegetation. The wacky worm’s slender profile and small body size allow it to easily slip through vegetation, making it a perfect choice for fishing in thick cover.
Another great way to fish a wacky worm is by Carolina rigging it and fishing it over deep grass beds or along deep drop-offs. The Carolina rig is particularly effective in catching bass that are suspended in the mid-water column.
Football Jig
Football jigs are designed to mimic the look and movement of a small fish, making it an enticing target for bass. When fishing with a football jig, it is important to use a slow and steady retrieval rate. This will help the jig to sink down into the strike zone, where bass are likely to be feeding.
To use a football jig for bass in late summer, start by casting your jig out into open water. Then, use a slow retrieve with occasional pauses to attract and make the bass eat. If you’re fishing in deep water, try using a heavier jig to reach the bottom.
Texas rigged worms
Texas rigged worms are commonly used by bass anglers in a variety of situations, but they can be especially effective in late summer. As the water temperatures begin to decline in late summer, bass eat and will start to move into shallower areas in search of food. This makes Texas rigged worms a great choice for anglers looking to target bass in these areas.
Texas rigged worms can also be used in a variety of other situations, such as around submerged vegetation or in deep, open water. You may also use it when the fish are feeding on bottom-dwelling insects. Texas rigged worms are excellent for fishing around submerged grass beds, logs, or other structures where fish may be feeding on bottom-dwelling foods.
Swim Jig
Swim jigs are versatile lures and they are ideal for summer fishing. Swim jigs can be fished around cover, making them ideal for fishing in late summer when bass are often hiding in thick vegetation. They can also be used to fish open water, making them a good option for catching bass that is actively feeding. Swim jigs can be fished slow or fast. Therefore, they can be adjusted to match the conditions.
The key with swim jigs is to use a slow, steady retrieve, making sure the jig wobbles and swims erratically. This will trigger the bass’s instinct to strike, even in hot weather. Anglers also like to use swim jigs in conjunction with trailer bait, such as a grub or plastic worm. This adds extra action and attractiveness to the lure.
Plastic lizards
Plastic lizards can be effective to make bait for bass fishing in a variety of situations during late summer. For example, they can be used when the bass eat on smaller prey items such as insects and amphibians. Additionally, plastic lizards can be used to target bass that are hiding in cover or near structures.
One of the key factors for success when using plastic lizards for bass fishing is choosing the right color. In general, darker colors are better in low-light conditions or murky water, while lighter colors are better in clear water or in direct sunlight. You should also consider the size of the lizard and the type of action you want it to have.
Jerk Bait
As the temperatures start to rise in late summer, many anglers turn to jerk baits for bass. Jerk baits mimic the movements of small fish or baitfish, making them an attractive option for bass that are actively feeding. When fishing with a jerk bait, it is important to use a light line and a reel with a good drag system to avoid losing your lure to big bass.
When using a jerk bait, it is important to consider the depth of the water, the speed of the retrieve, and the type of fish you are targeting. In general, jerk baits are most effective in water with a depth of around 10 ft. The speed of the retrieve should be fast enough to create a good action, but not so fast that the bait loses its effectiveness.
When targeting fish with a jerk bait, it is important to pay attention to the fish’s mood and behavior. If the fish are aggressive, a jerk bait can be a good option. If the fish are not biting, however, it is best to try a different bait.
Ned Rig
Ned rigs can be used in a number of different situations during the late summer months to target bass. One of the most effective ways to use a ned rig is to fish it around deep weed beds, as the bait will often catch the attention of bass that are lurking below.
Another effective tactic is to fish the ned rig over submerged grass flats, as the bait can make bass eat smaller prey items. Lastly, ned rigs can also be used to target bass that are holding near drop-offs or other types of structure.
In cooler water temperatures, a ned rig can be used to target fish that are holding tight to the bottom. Additionally, ned rigs can be used to target fish in heavy covers, such as around docks or in thick vegetation.
Stick Bait
Stick baits are another great choice for late summer bass fishing. One of the most effective ways to fish a stick bait is to cast it out and let it sink to the bottom, then retrieved it in a slow, steady motion. This technique is often effective in areas with heavy vegetation, as the bait will imitate a wounded baitfish struggling to swim.
Another effective way to fish a stick bait is to swim it through open water, imitating the motion of a baitfish. This can be especially effective in late summer when bass eat on baitfish.
Hollow body frog
Hollow body frogs can be used in a variety of situations, but they are particularly effective in late summer when bass eat and are congregating in shallow, weed-choked areas. The frog’s design allows it to be easily pulled through grass and weeds, making it an ideal lure for fishing in thick vegetation.
Another situation when the hollow body frog can be effective is during a morning or evening topwater bite. The frog’s action and sound as it moves across the surface can provoke a reaction strike from bass eat on the surface. Whether fishing in thick vegetation or during a topwater bite, the hollow body frog can be a versatile presentation for bass in late summer.
Bass eat: Late summer fishing tips
Here are some tips for beginners for fishing on a kayak or any other boat:
Look for shaded areas
As the days start to get shorter and the sun begins to set lower in the sky, the bass will start to seek out shaded areas to avoid the heat. This can make them more difficult to find, but casting your line into shady areas is often worth the effort. The fish will be less active in the heat, so you’ll need to be patient and give them time to bite. Therefore, if you’re hoping to catch a bass in late summer, looking for shaded areas is a good place to start.
Use lighter and smaller tackle
In the heat of the summer, bass are often lethargic and won’t put up much of a fight. Using lighter tackle will help you avoid unnecessarily tiring out the fish. In addition, smaller lures tend to be more effective in attracting bass in late summer, when bass eat smaller baitfish.
Look for areas of deep water
As the water temperatures rise in summer, bass will seek out areas of deep water in order to stay cool. By targeting these areas, you can increase your chances of success when fishing for bass during this time of year.
Use lures that imitate baitfish
Bass are particularly attracted to lures that resemble shad or other small fish, making them an ideal choice for this time of year. There are a variety of different lures on the market that can imitate baitfish, so be sure to experiment with a few different types to find the one that works best for you.
Use heavier line
The heat and warm water temperatures mean that the fish are actively feeding and looking for food. This can lead to some big bass being hooked, and the last thing you want is for your line to snap when you have a big fish on the line. Heavier line will help to ensure that you can land that big bass, and enjoy a successful fishing trip.
Pay attention to the weather
Weather can have a big impact on fish activity. If a cold front is moving in, bass will typically head for deeper, warmer waters. On the other hand, if the weather is stable, you may have better luck finding bass in shallower areas. Keep an eye on the forecast and use it to your advantage when planning your bass fishing trip
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What is the best time of day to fish for bass in late summer?
Early in the morning or late in the evening is the best time for bass fishing. The cooler temperatures during these times of day make the fish more active, and the lack of sunlight means there are fewer distractions for the fish. Bass are also more likely to be near the surface of the water during these times, making them easier to catch.
How deep do bass go in summer?
Bass typically travel to depths of 20-30 feet during the summer months in order to find cooler waters. They will also congregate around submerged structures, such as logs or rocks, which provide them with shelter from the heat. Because of this, it is important to fish in deep areas with plenty of cover. Like bass, some fish can go without food for quite some time.
What are some of the challenges for bass fishing in late summer?
Some of the challenges for bass fishing in late summer include the hot weather, which can affect the activity of the fish. The potential for storms can make fishing difficult and dangerous. In addition, the water level in many lakes and rivers is often lower in summer, which can make it difficult to find fish. However, there are also many opportunities for bass fishing in summer, as the fish are often more plentiful and can be caught in a variety of ways.
What are some of the common mistakes that anglers make when fishing for bass in late summer?
One of the most common mistakes anglers make when fishing for bass in late summer is not paying attention to the water temperature. The metabolism of the fish increases due to higher water temperature than usual, which means they need to eat more often.
Another mistake anglers make is fishing in the wrong areas. A lot of vegetation in an area doesn’t always mean there will be bass. Bass prefer areas with a lot of covers so that they can ambush their prey. Another mistake anglers make is not using the right lure. In late summer, bass are more likely to be feeding on baitfish, so lures that mimic baitfish are more likely to be successful.
Conclusion
Bass are omnivores, meaning that they eat pretty much anything. They like to eat insects, snails, worms, and other small creatures. Some bass will also eat fish, frogs, or birds. However, in the late summer months, bass change their eating habits. Therefore, when fishing bass in late summer, you need to know what they eat during this particular time of the year. Pick the right lure based on the water temperature, location, and weather conditions to be successful in bass fishing in late summer.