Choosing the right black bass lure in summer is not necessarily an easy task for a lure angler. You'll need a variety of lure options to successfully target black bass in summer, as the habitats they frequent at this time of year are so varied. To help you make the right choice, here are 5 black bass lures to go for during the summer.
It's summer and black bass fishing is in full swing. The water has warmed up and the sun is increasingly intense. As a result, black bass prefer deeper or shaded areas that are cooler and richer in oxygen.
During this period, they can be found at different depths. From the surface in the morning and evening, to deeper water columns in the middle of the day. They can also hide in all kinds of structures. Under a boat, in seagrass beds, water lilies or between submerged rocks and channels, to name but a few.
So it's essential that you're prepared to try out different depths and presentations during this period. That said, here's a list of 5 black bass lures to use as a priority during the summer.
Topwater: the perfect summer black bass lure
For us, the first lure to have in the box, especially in the low light of the morning or evening, is a surface lure. Few things in black bass fishing are more exciting than using a surface lure early or late in the day. This fishing technique can provide an unforgettable moment for an angler when the black bass explodes from the surface of the water to violently attack the lure.
Bear in mind that there are several types of surface lure. These include for example :
- A stickbait, a cigar-shaped lure that can be picked up in a back-and-forth motion.
- A popperThis surface lure has a concave head. When the lure is fired dry it creates a spray of water on the surface.
- A buzzbait
- A frog made of hollow-body plastic.
All these surface lures can trigger an attack from this wonderful predator. Take advantage of them in cool, shady places without being afraid to linger. Think of rocky points, boat quays, riprap along the edge of a dam or causeway, along vegetation or near a piece of submerged wood. These spots often hold surprises.
The Jig: The lure to flush out the black-bass in crowded places
To target black bass that shun warm water and seek refuge in deeper water, near an obstacle, a break, a submerged wood or under vegetation, the Jig is an excellent choice of summer lure.
The Jig will go where other lures cannot. Depending on the size of the medium, use jigs from 3/8 oz to 1/2 oz to 1 oz.
Don't hesitate to add a trailer such as a crayfish or kreature with various appendages that float when the jig falls into the water column.
We personally prefer dark shades such as black, blue, brown/orange and green. White can also be a strong colour and can help you stand out from the crowd.
To fish for balck bass with a jig in summer, simply cast the lure right into the structure or obstacle. Then let your jig drop straight down into the cover and methodically bring the lure back with slow movements.
When you feel a fish in your rod, don't strike immediately. Wait a while and quickly reel in your line to eliminate the slack and make a strong strike. Remember that you are fighting your fish in a crowded area. The aim is to get it out as quickly as possible and always keep the line taut.
The Crankbait: The lure for deep waters
Another type of lure to use for black bass in the summer is a deep crankbait.
Crankbaits can work at any time of year. But they can be particularly beneficial in summer when metabolism is high and fish are aggressive. Crankbaits allow anglers to cover a wide area and quickly seek out active fish.
In summer, opt for a crankbait that goes to great depths, from 2m to 5m. Crankbaits are an excellent way of targeting black bass in the middle of the water column. Don't hesitate to try out different speeds.
To achieve this, you first need to know the limit of the lure. The second thing to do is to consider the conditions. If the fish seem too aggressive, they may bite at high speeds. On difficult days, slow down your animation or switch to something more subtle. Crankbaits are therefore an easy way to prospect large areas, try out different depths and different strategies.
The use of a fiberglass will be optimal for fishing whole days with cranckbait without hurting the wrist.
Finding a black bass in open water can be a difficult challenge. However, it can pay off once you find the right speed and depth.
The Worm: the safe bet
When black bass become lethargic in the summer heat and stop biting on most lures in summer. One of the most famous lures in black bass fishing is the soft plastic worm or worm.
There are countless variations of worms. From small finesse worms to medium sized Senko style lures to large twisted tail giants that measure up to 30cm. In many cases, black bass anglers will use them with a Texas rig, carefully setting a Texas hook with the point of the hook sunk into the plastic.
When accompanied by ballast, worm fishing allows you to target any type of crowded spot. From the shady nooks and crannies around a thick stand of vegetation to the shade of a boat dock in the late afternoon, or working the bait along the bottom on an offshore hump, there aren't many places where a black bass will be able to resist you. Even when the heat is on on a hot summer's day!
The Spinnerbait: the all-terrain lure
The spinnerbait is a multi-species lure perfectly suited to summer black bass fishing. It imitates a fish swimming in the water while using vibrations and a flash to attract the attention of fish from a distance. Available in a variety of sizes, paddle shapes and skirt colours, the spinnerbait can be used in all types of depths and environments.
During the summer, you can make the most of them by fishing through the vegetation in water of varying depths. Their noisy and brilliant presentation will very often trigger the attack of an opportunist black bass hidden in this vegetation.
If the fish are not biters, we can add a trailer as for a jig. You can also use a thief hook to secure the catch.
With such versatility, it's hardly surprising that the spinnerbait is one of the most popular black bass lures on the market.
Useful links to properly use black bass lures in summer:
How to fish black bass in summer?
The 10 best types of black bass lures
Fishing knot: 5 essential fishing knots to master
