In the heat of summer most of us move as little as possible, most bass are just the opposite.  Warm weather fishing is extremely prosperous because a fish’s metabolism speeds up as the temperature climbs.  This is one of the best fishing techniques as the bass are more active and must feed regularly. 

When and where you fish for bass is key because the fish will develop particular habits which make warm weather fishing tricky.  However, there are some tips on how to set your schedule when you fish for bass: 

Hydro in the Morning

If the water is still within reservoirs that contain a power-generating dam, many summertime bass can be found suspend in the vicinity of ledges, river-channel junctions, and other big lake structures.  When the dam pulls water to generate electricity, the current rouses the fish like a dinner bell making mornings at the dam an excellent time to fish for bass.  One of the best fishing techniques is to fish this area as the bass will swarm tight to those structures and nab shad disoriented by the sudden flow.  This event most often happens in the morning when air conditioners in homes and businesses turn on and use up electricity, but it can also happen throughout the day when the temperature suddenly spikes.

The bass will face the current in this situation.  The best fishing techniques require you to cast upstream and retrieve your baits with the flow.  Deep-diving crankbaits, Carolina rigs, and heavy spinnerbaits that weigh at least 3/4 of an ounce almost always draw hard strikes.  Time it right and you can fish for bass and catch your limit in minutes.

On Top At Noon

Many anglers wisely take advantage of the short-lived top water bait fishing techniques and the bites that often occur during the first hour of daylight.  Sputtering Booyah buzzbaits and Storm Chug Bug spark strikes when you fish for bass.  You can also bring up bass with these fishing techniques at high noon when everyone else fishes deep.  My personal favorite midday fishing techniques include walking the dog with Bandit Series 100 Lures.  There is something about that side-to-side action that attracts bass, especially on flat water when the lake appears lifeless.

In clear lakes with good visibility, the fish will charge up from depths of 15 feet or more when you fish for bass.  One summer I snagged a 4 pound 12 ounce spotted bass with a Spark Chug Bug on Georgia's Lake Lanier.  The fish leaped out of the water and arced over the bait before pouncing on it, a testament to how active bass can be and the effectiveness of these warm weather fishing techniques.

Grass Beds at Night

In clear lakes spoiled by heavy boat traffic, bass feed mainly after the sun goes down.  The best fishing techniques on days like this can be utilized around midnight, after the water has settled down from the day's turmoil.

Bass that sit deep in the greenery under the sun move to the outside edges of the grass beds at night.  The best fishing techniques require you to concentrate on aquatic vegetation such as milfoil, hydrilla, and pond weeds.  Targeting them with a Berkley Powerbait Power Worm Black 10 inch rigged on a 4/0 worm hook with a 3/8 ounce bullet sinker (you'll want to use 14 to 17 pound monofilament fishing line and a medium-heavy-weight fishing rod).  The dark, bulky worm creates an obvious silhouette beneath the surface.  Don't be delicate about it when you fish for bass, jostle the worm and heavy sinker through grass edges to rile them up.  You may sweat a little, but it'll be worth it at the end when you fish for bass.

For nighttime fishing, I spool up with no-stretch super lines such as Berkley FireLine and SpiderWire braid.  Their great sensitivity allows me to feel when my worm is on the bottom or ticking over cover.  Even though I can't see the line, I know instantly when a fish has grabbed the bait.  This is the only line I use at night when I fish for bass.

Spinnerbait Fishing Techniques

Bass will often go on the hunt for food right after dark in summer and will react vigorously to the heavy vibration of a spinnerbait much like the one you would use to fish for bass.  Such specialty spinnerbaits feature a ½ to 1 ounce head and a large Colorado or Indiana blade.  The proper fishing techniques require you to cast the spinnerbait along the edges of grass beds and over rocky points, humps, and ledges with a medium-heavy rod and 14 pound mono.  Let the bait helicopter to the bottom on a tight line with the rod tip held high.  When the spinnerbait touches down, drop the rod tip, take up the slack, yank the bait up 3 to 6 feet, and let it helicopter back to the bottom.  Continue the rip-drop retrieve until the spinnerbait works out of the strike zone.

Do you have any fishing tips and techniques that you would like to share with other anglers? Please leave a comment below on the outdoor news section and find all your fishing sporting goods at PoorFish Outdoors.