Understanding Midsummer Bass Fishing Around Shallow Cover
- 1. Bass Seek Cool Spots in Summer
- 2. What is Good Shallow Cover?
- 3. Types of Cover
- 4. Strategies for Shallow Cover
- 5.Summary
1. Bass Seek Cool Spots in Summer
The scorching summer heat is unpleasant not only for humans but also for bass. Just like us, bass try to spend time in cooler areas during summer. As a result, anglers must efficiently target the bass congregated in those limited spots using appropriate techniques. Moreover, other anglers also flock to these productive spots, making the fishing environment more challenging and the bass harder to catch. The more knowledge you have about where bass gather, the better you can distinguish yourself from other anglers.
When water temperature rises, dissolved oxygen levels decrease, making bass more susceptible to suffocation. Therefore, even in summer, bass prefer areas with relatively lower water temperatures and higher oxygen levels. For example, [1] deep ranges where sunlight doesn't reach easily, [2]dense shade in the mid-range weed areas where bass can hide, and [3]shallow cover are places where you'll likely find bass.
In this article, we will focus on the third option - shallow cover. Unlike deep-dwelling bass, shallow-water bass are often more aggressive feeders and can withstand minor water temperature changes. Plus, you might even find some big bass there. So, what constitutes "good shallow cover" that attracts these bass? Let's narrow down the points to target.
2. What is Good Shallow Cover?
The key elements are "dense cover" and "current." Dense cover creates shade by blocking out the sun, while water flow introduces fresh, oxygenated water. When these factors converge, it creates a comfortable spot for bass. Dense cover can include reed beds, laydowns, floating debris, vegetation, boat docks, and more. Water flow can be generated by dam discharge, moderate winds (strong winds are a no-go), etc. Furthermore, cover that provides ambush points for bass to prey on bait is even better.
Overhanging trees from which insects fall are a prime example.
However, simply finding cover doesn't mean you've completely narrowed down your target. Bass often stick to specific spots like subtle bottom contours, depressions, or hidden undercuts in the cover that are invisible from the surface. These depressions provide a sense of security for bass to settle in, and those created by current can attract both fresh water and other bass.
Even when there's no shade-providing cover, it's best to fish points with water flow in mind. For example, look for cover like standing timber or rocks that might be affected by the wind, even if they don't create shade. As mentioned earlier, points where fresh water flows in due to the wind can suppress water temperature increases. Gaps between rocks where wind-driven water collides are prime targets.
3. Types of Cover
Keeping in mind what constitutes good cover, let's consider three main categories - "vegetation cover," "floating cover," and "man-made cover" - and examine their characteristics.
āVegetation Cover" = Reeds, Laydowns, Bushes, Overhangs, etc.
These have complex, intertwined structures that constantly change due to water flow, growth, and decay. Yesterday's structure might be different from today's. Water flow can also erode or wash away soil and the plants themselves, creating depressions underwater that are invisible to anglers. It's best to meticulously explore from the front. Casting from a distance may cause fish in front to flee during the fight, so where you cast from is crucial.
"Floating Cover" = Vegetation Mats, Floating Debris, etc.
Floating cover can be suddenly created or carried by water flow or wind, so it may appear novel and interesting to bass, attracting them. The newer the cover, the lower the fishing pressure and the higher the potential.
"Man-Made Cover" = Bridge Pilings, Riprap, Docks, Stakes, etc.
Although the fishing approach differs depending on the shape, these covers share the common trait of being unchanging. Since the structure remains constant year-round, anglers can easily identify the points where bass reside, leading to higher fishing pressure. Therefore, the key is to use a lure with a strong ability to entice bites. From the bass's perspective, these unchanging structures might sometimes attract their interest.
Here are some strategies and recommended lures for different fishing conditions!
4. Strategies for Shallow Cover
Now that we've covered the types of shallow cover, let's consider how to actually fish them based on weather conditions, water clarity, fishing pressure, and other factors during midsummer.
[Condition 1 ] Sunny Day Tactics
Let's assume we're fishing during the hottest part of the day under the blazing sun.
Classic Bug Tactics
First, look for areas that provide ample shade. Points with overhanging cover that creates shade are prime targets. In such spots, insects like cicadas and dragonflies that bass prey on may fall from above, essentially becoming ambush points for bass. For bass, it's like a restaurant where they can feed without expending extra energy, simply waiting for the bait to drop down.
First, let's consider a situation where you can cast near the cover. The JACKALL WAMWAM FLARE is a soft-plastic we'd like to use when carefully approaching pressured bass around summer cover. By alternating between Head-first rigging and Tail-first rigging, you can achieve two different actions - horizontal fall and backsliding. Head-first rigging no weight, it falls straight down slowly, allowing you to thoroughly present it to the bass. Tail-first rigging, it gently slides into the bass's view with a backward sliding action, triggering bites even from wary bass.
If the field is full of cicadas, we'd reach for the MEGABASS SIGLETT series. Not only does it look like a cicada, but it even sounds like one. The two internal rattles produce the distinct "jee-jee-koh" song of a real cicada. It comes in three sizes, so you can match the cicada species in the field.
The Siglett sits on the surface like insects. For more surface commotion, let's make the insects struggle. The MEGABASS POP-X is perfect for this, dog-walking it with a languorous side-to-side motion. The cupped mouth splashes water as it zigzags left and right, enticing bass to bite. Before dedicated insect lures appeared, the POP-X was the main lure for insect pattern fishing, and it remains a reliable choice.
The basic approach is to cast tight to cover and draw out bass clinging to the edges. However, in spots with expansive shade, bass may lose their wariness and venture out from cover. In such cases, try popper-dog-walking from the reed edges to the outside of the cover.
Baitfish Tactics
We've considered the insect-dropping technique from overhangs. Now, what if bass are targeting baitfish? Let's think about various scenarios. When bass are keyed in on the surface around cover, swim-bait dog-walking is the standard for drawing them in.
The JACKALL Maekon is a big bait designed for tight, pinpoint presentations. Its jointed body creates a slight delay between the head and tail movement, allowing it to perform a wide dog-walk with minimal forward travel. This makes it perfect for drawing attention while staying in the strike zone.
Try swimming it just outside of heavy cover to pull bass out from their hiding spots.
When probing dense, snag-prone cover, the JACKALL BOUNTY FISH comes to the rescue. Compared to MAEKON, the offset hook version has a lower risk of snagging and is known for its ease of skipping. This allows you to cast deep into cover, precisely targeting the desired spots. It's ideal for fishing in complex, densely vegetated areas like the edges of reeds, bushes, and laydowns, where you want to get your lure just a bit deeper and tighter to the structure.
These two swim baits generally suffice for targeting cover. The key is discerning the attracting power based on material and the ability to navigate dense cover, using the right lure for the situation.
Texas/Free Rig for Surface-Matted Cover
How do you approach completely surface-matted cover like vegetation? Consider fishing vertically with streamlined Texas or free rigs. Texas rigs have the weight and soft-plastics integrated, making it easier to impart action and actively attract bass. Free rigs are better for pressured bass or when you want a slower presentation.
Crustaceans, which provide efficient nutrition, are the ultimate bass bait. When using a Texas rig, drop a craw-type soft-plastics that mimics crayfish or shrimp and entice bites with its combination of snag resistance and attracting action. Examples include the MEGABASS BOTTLE SHRIMP whose claws powerfully displace water with a slight delay to rod work, and the NORIES ESCAPE TWIN, whose two thick paddles steadily move water without being affected by current.
With free-rig, bites often come right as the bait transitions from a vertical to a horizontal postureājust after the weight hits bottom. Thatās why itās important to choose a bait that can catch water and slow the fall naturally.
The GEECRACK Bellows Gill is a great fit. Its fully ribbed body grabs water on the drop, while the pin tail gives off subtle vibrations throughout the fall. When it drops in front of a bass, the lifelike action can trigger instinctive strikes.
Despite its bulky appearance, it's surprisingly easy for bass to inhaleāmaking it both attention-grabbing and bite-friendly.
[Condition 2 ] Low-Light Tactics
On cloudy days with low light, the sun's impact on water temperature is reduced, so bass may be less particular about shade. They might even move to vertically-oriented cover like standing timber and stakes, or to open areas, in addition to surface-matted cover. However, aimlessly fishing is inefficient. To keep the fishing pace brisk, focus on shallow cover first. If bass aren't there, consider that they may have relocated to other spots and plan your next move. Start by quickly searching shallow cover with moving baits like buzz-baits.
When you're trying to call in scattered bass under low-light conditions, a buzzbait with strong presence is the way to goāand the new DEPS new Mad Waver fits the bill perfectly.
It features a large blade that kicks up serious water, creating a strong mix of flash, sound, and an unpredictable, wobbling action that gets attention from every angle.
[Condition 3 ] Post-Rain Tactics
After rainfall, rivers often rise and become murky. Normally exposed vegetation, stakes, and structures can become submerged, turning into bass hideouts. Even in murky water, if you can visualize the usual scenery, you can imagine the underwater terrain. In familiar waters, you can meticulously target points.
In murky conditions, bass often hug cover tightly, so it's crucial to fish tight to cover and use lures with highly appealing. We use lures that can quickly explore the underwater environment, even in murky conditions where anglers can't see clearly, by covering water with search baits to quickly locate bass by casting and retrieving over a wide area. Spinnerbaits are effective, but for even more attraction in murky water, try aggressively cranking crankbaits. The MEGABASS SUPER-Z can be retrieved in a straight line without erratic movements when it hits obstacles, making it ideal for exploring tight to cover.
Once we have a good idea of where the bass are located and it's time to switch to targeted casting or precision fishing at specific points or structures known or suspected to hold bass, we switch to soft-plastics. Even then, fish tight to cover with actively moving soft-plastics. Also, consider using conspicuous colors like chartreuse for enhanced visibility. Designed by pro angler Takumi Ito, who wanted an even more potent soft-plastic than the Escape Twin, the NORIES FRONT FLAPPER CURLY has become a staple in US tournaments. Its flat body, not too thin, resembles both a craw and a bluegill, paired with a curly-tail that kicks up a lot of water. Its power shines through even in post-rain murkiness.
We've discussed fishing around cover in post-rain murkiness. However, be aware that extreme murkiness after events like typhoons creates poor fishing conditions that require a different approach.
[Condition 4 ] Windy Day Tactics
After the storm, there's a chance that new floating debris has emerged. Fresh cover often holds less wary bass compared to permanent man-made structures, making it a prime target.
Target the area directly beneath debris and gradually lower the depth to find where the bass are hiding. A small rubber jig, commonly known as a "Sumoraba," is perfect for this technique.
The "Sumoraba" is a unique Japanese technique referring to small-sized rubber jigs. Combining the reactive bite-inducing speed and bulk of rubber jigs with the natural "pause for a bite" of finesse fishing, the IMAKATSU MC HANGER JIG is a famous example. Designed for use with braided line to withstand rough conditions like dangling, it aims for aggressive attraction among āSumorabaā. Its uniquely shaped head is reputed for its snag resistance and maintains a horizontal posture during shakes, making it very user-friendly.
If dangling is difficult, try sliding a bait beneath the debris. Texas-rig a WAMWAM FLARE and let it glide under.
[Condition 5 ] Tough Condition Tactics
There are two approaches to fishing pressured spots where other anglers have already been: a natural, finesse presentation for bass to scrutinize, or a speedy reaction-strike approach.
For the former, use finesse tactics to thoroughly target bass hiding deep in cover, focusing on pause for a bite. The snag-resistant Neko-Rig is ideal for this, combining the hooking performance of Neko-rigs with the ability to skip into cover without snagging. The simple shape of the Yammy500 in 4.5 inches is versatile across various rigs. When hit by current, its body undulates irregularly, creating the perfect feeding action.
For the latter, quickly swim a cover-jig through to elicit reaction-strikes. Trailer a bluegill-type soft-plastics like the DEPS BULL FLAT for a spiraling fall action that mimics a panicked bluegill. While categorized as a bluegill-type soft-plastic, its versatility extends to mimicking other flat baitfish as well.
5.Summary
Summer fishing may seem daunting at first glance, but by examining each shallow cover spot in relation to the conditions, you'll start to uncover strategies that provide hints for efficiently fishing under the scorching summer sun.
As mentioned in the beginning, consider the combination of cover, water flow, and what bass are using as bait. The more options you have at your disposal, the quicker you can gain an edge over other anglers. Mastering shallow cover is the key to mastering mid-summer fishing!
- [1] Sunny Conditions
- Try insect-imitating baits under overhangs to mimic falling bugs.
- When baitfish are cruising along the edges of cover, use a swimbait with a dog-walking action.
- For mats or surface-heavy cover, go with a Texas-rig or free-rig. - [2] Low Light
- On days when bass are scattered from cover, draw them in with a buzzbait that creates strong surface commotion. - [3] Post-Rain
- When the water gets muddy, throw a spinnerbait around cover to make a bold appeal through vibration and flash. - [4] Windy Days
- If floating debris collects in the wind, try suspending a small rubber jig (finesse jig) in those spots. - [5] Tough Conditions
- In high-pressure situations with lots of angler traffic, go finesse with a neko-rig, or trigger reaction bites with a compact cover jig.
If you want more about mid-summer fishing, refer to the blog below.
Also, you are interested in the strategy for deep water in mid-summer, the blog below will help.
