Page 41 - Lady Bass Digital Magazine Stelly Special Ed 2022

mer heats up downsizing especially in shallower and or
clearer waters where it can be slowed down as needed.

You can use some of the tried-and-true favorites that most
anglers have in their arsenal. These are jigs, Texas rigged
soft plastics and shaky heads. All three can be fished along
the edges of grass beds. A heavy weight pegged Texas rig
can be used to punch through the mats. To fish the out-
er edges, in brush piles and around docks use a lighter
weight. All three can be used to target those fish in deep-
er water as well. If you are targeting the deeper fish, use
Three other shallow top water options for the summer bigger weights and bigger soft plastics depending on your
for shallow water areas include the walking style bait, the body of water. Of course, if your body of water has ledges,
whopper plopper or popping baits. There are going to be the football jig is a must!
areas where the grass is just below the surface, scattered
or non-existent. They can also be thrown along the outer
edges of the matted grass or right up against the cover.
With each of these three, an angler can adjust the speed or
cadence. Remember, as the temps continue to rise in the
summer, fish will become more lethargic, and you may
need to really slow down your presentation.

For lakes with deep fish, you are going to be looking to use
deep diving crankbait. Baits that run 16-20 foot of depth.
Look to use shad pattern. If you are a finesse angler, you will want a weightless stick
bait in your arsenal. This subtle presentation and slow
slightly wobbling fall around grass, brush, boat docks, etc.
is irresistible especially when the bite is tough, and fish are
lethargic.

Baits that can be used shallow or deep for anglers to con-
sider are swimbaits. If you are fishing areas where there
is not a lot of vegetation or cover, then you can use a 4-5
inch swimbait with an open hook. The size of the jig head
will help to determine how deep you can fish your bait. For
fishing in the grass, you can use the same length swim bait, The final summer presentation suggestion is a Carolina rig.
but rig it weedless. You might even consider something This deep somewhat weightless presentation is a great way
link the Flashy Swimmer which has a small blade on the to cover a lot of water and determine what cover may lie at
belly for fishing in shallower water and through grass. If depths. The length of the leader and the type of soft plastic
you are fishing grass clumps or stumps in open water, you can vary based upon water clarity and how spooky the fish
can use a swim jig with a weed guard that allows it to pull are at the time.
through and pop the bait loose from the grass. As the sum-
In wrapping up, summer is a great time to get out on the
water and catch plenty of quality fish. Consider this, the
top two world record bass were both caught during the
summer!

Lady Bass Anglers Association 41