Summer Smallmouths: Deep, clear lakes with suspended baitfish grow big summer smallmouths. Vertically jig minnow-imitating softbaits at middepth along mainlike points and humps meeting the deep basin.
Bass rise to the occasion to strike! When it comes to fishing for smallmouth bass in the summer, targeting basins with suspended baitfish is key.Here we discuss the best strategies for finding and catching these fish, as well as the importance of using a fast-moving, run-and-gun approach.
Strategies for Finding and Catching Smallmouth Bass
When fishing for smallmouth bass in the summer, it’s important to target basins that are 25 to 30 feet deep in the spring and early summer, and 40 to 60 feet deep in the late summer and fall. Finding lots of suspended bait is the bottom line, and it’s important to note that anglers shouldn’t spend a lot of time on any given spot.
One of the best strategies for catching these fish is to use a buddy tournament. When one angler hooks a fish, the other should drop another bait right down there, as this often leads to a double-up. Additionally, bubbling up is normal, as most of these fish are not alone.
When fishing for smallmouth bass, anglers should target sunken humps and points that dump into deeper basins of the lake. It’s also important to note that these fish are hunting their prey locationally.
When anglers find one of these underwater humps or points, there are two critical spots to target: the top of the spot, and the sharp ledge drop. This is because these areas are often collection points for the fish, as they can feed on the open water schools of baitfish that are wandering around.
When it comes to bait, anglers should use five-inch minnows. As one angler noted, “all I felt there was a tick and look at that. I didn’t give it to him, I didn’t feed it to him or nothing. Unbelievable.”
Conclusion
When fishing for smallmouth bass in the summer, it’s important to target basins with suspended baitfish. Anglers should use a fast-moving, run-and-gun approach, and use a buddy tournament when possible. Additionally, anglers should target sunken humps and points that dump into deeper basins of the lake, and use five-inch minnows as bait. With these strategies, anglers should have no problem finding and catching these fish.
