Midsummer Deep Water Bass Fishing Tactics
- 1. Why Target Deep Bottoms in Summer
- 2. Which Crankbait for Which Spot?
- 3. From Fishing Lines to Fishing Spots
- 4. Extra: Targeting Big Bass in the Deep
- 5. Summary
1. Why Target Deep Bottoms in Summer
As water temperatures rise in the summer heat, bass prefer to stay in the cooler, more comfortable deeper ranges.
During this period, the activity level of bass is not very high, similar to how humans feel sluggish in the heat. So, rather than appealing to their feeding instincts, it can be more effective to aim for reaction strikes. The first go-to technique is the classic "cranking the bottom with a crankbait". Fast retrieve through the targeted range, and when the lure hits an obstacle, the unpredictable deflection will trigger reaction strikes.
Meanwhile, depending on the situation, you may need to slow things down and switch to a finesse approach.
Either way, the key is figuring out how to get inactive bass to bite.
2. Which Crankbait for Which Spot?
Look for areas with good current flow. Although bass may hole up deep in thick weeds, those bass tend to be particularly inactive and not suitable for this style of fishing.
Hard bottoms with good current flow are less likely to become murky. They attract crawfish, gobies, and baitfish feeding on algae. The bass there are more likely to react to the movements of surrounding bait, and are relatively more eager to feed compared to bass hidden in cover. Areas with terrain changes are even more promising. In reservoirs, look for points with good current flow. In rivers, look for the shoulders of breaks. Find spots in the field where bass are likely to be.
Once you've identified a promising spot, discern which crankbait is suitable for the situation and purpose, and make your casts.
[Type 1 ] Basic Fast Cranking
Generally, a fast retrieve is preferable. The moments when the lure is approaching while ticking the bottom, passing right in front of the bass, and when the lure action changes for the retrieve - these are the high-percentage windows when bass are likely to strike. The MEGABASS DEEP-X series, a long-standing favorite, transitions from a wobbling action during the descent to a rolling action at maximum depth, creating those windows of erratic action. And above all, the reason for its enduring popularity even after 15 years since its release is its stability - it maintains its action even with a fast retrieve. While you do feel a certain amount of resistance from a deep diving crankbait, it retrieves smoothly compared to other deep diving crankbaits, making it suitable as the first choice for speed cranking. As of 2024, there are five models in the series, allowing you to cover ranges from 3 to 21 feet by using them accordingly.
[Type 2 ] Covering Deep Water Quickly with a Crankbait
When it comes to fishing deep water, techniques like drifting or long-line trolling are often used—but if you can effectively hit those depths with standard casting and retrieving, you’ll be able to cover water much more efficiently.
That’s where the NORIES Shot Over 5 comes in. Its biggest strength is that it can reach depths around 5 meters (roughly 16 feet) with just a normal cast and retrieve. Despite diving that deep, it has surprisingly light resistance, making it easy and comfortable to crank all day.
What’s more, its unique lip design with a rear fin helps stabilize the lure in flight, allowing for long, accurate casts. This means you can cover a wide area in fewer casts—perfect for fast-paced searching in deep zones.
[Type 3 ] Crankbaits with Good Snag Resistance
Even though we say bass are targeting the deep in summer, they're seeking out the coolest spots within the deep range. There are various underwater terrain changes invisible from the surface that create shaded areas. Read the underwater terrain such as submerged timber, riprap, and sunken boats, and cast toward areas likely to provide shade.
To quickly target reaction bites in shade, i.e., cover over the bottom, while retrieving at speed, high snag resistance is essential. For example, choosing a deep diving crankbait with a one-level deeper diving depth results in a longer bill, which improves obstacle avoidance.
If we were to recommend a particularly snag-resistant deep diving crankbait, it would be the MEGABASS SUPER-Z3. Its defining characteristic is its ability to bite into the bottom without deflecting off obstacles or the bottom, maintaining direct contact while being retrieved. Its diving depth is approximately 13 feet.
[Type 4 ] For the Extra Deep
For probing the ultra-deep, consider trolling from a boat. This technique is regulated in some tournaments, but if you want to target the deep, it's definitely worth a try. As long as the boat keeps moving, the lure never comes close, so you can keep the lure in the deep indefinitely, and the deeper diving crankbait, the deeper it goes. The IMAKATSU IK-800R2 has a maximum casting depth of 18 feet and a trolling depth of over 26 feet, allowing you to approach bass lurking at depths unreachable from the shore.
3. From Fishing Lines to Fishing Spots
Up to this point, we've discussed fishing with crankbaits, but what about a more spot-focused approach? Crankbaits are mainly used for wide-ranging, speedy presentations. But if you sense that the bass aren't reacting to fast moving or can't keep up with it, try switching to a soft-plastic. You can explore an area with a crankbait first and then transition, or if you're familiar with the field, you can start by targeting specific spots.
Below, we'll introduce techniques in order from "finesse moving bait fishing" to "spot fishing with some focus" to "complete spot concentration".
3-1. Finesse moving bait Fishing
Mid-strolling, also known as an advanced technique, is said to be the weakest of moving baits. It's a Japanese-born technique where a soft-plastic is rigged with a jighead, and the rod is shaken while retrieving at a constant speed and depth, causing the soft-plastic to flutter and roll in the middle layer. By using a power mid-strolling setup with a soft-plastic over 5 inches and a heavier jighead, you can swim the bait one level deeper than a regular mid-strolling. It's a must-learn technique for approaching finicky bass that won't readily bite reaction baits, using the finesse moving approach.
We recommend KEITECH SHAD IMPACT. Compared to other soft plastics used for mid-strolling, this one uses a slightly softer material, which can make it a bit trickier to handle—but the trade-off is a much more lifelike action.
The lively tail kicks with a realistic baitfish movement that’s especially effective at tempting sluggish summer bass.
The EVERGREEN Last Ace 128S has a sled-shaped tail that facilitates rolling during the mid-strolling. The flat sides of the body create strong water displacement, resulting in an ultra-natural action while still producing a convincing feeding motion - a highly capable bait.
3-2. Focused Spot Fishing
Deep diving crankbaits and mid-strolling are moving bait fishing techniques that cover water horizontally, but once you've narrowed down the likely bass holding areas, switching to a Heavy Texas rig for bottom dragging or bottom hopping - spot fishing techniques - is an option. Meticulously comb the bottom with a drag, enticing bass hunkered down deep. In areas with drastic undulations, hop the rig off the bottom and let it settle back down, repeating the motion and waiting for the bass to be fooled by the soft-plastic's movement and bite.
For example, bass may feed on crustaceans like crawfish inhabiting gaps in bottom wood cover, so try using a hog-style soft-plastic. The MEGABASS Bottle Shrimp features two large power arms. When dragged, it mimics a crawfish scurrying back to its burrow. When hopped, the arms collapse with a slight delay upon hitting bottom, and the weighty, lingering action creates a window for the bite - effective for targeting big bass that are selective about prey due to the summer heat sapping their energy.
3-3. Concentrated Spot Fishing
If the bass are completely stationary due to extremely low activity, the approach becomes visualizing the bait staying put in one spot. A heavy drop shot rig with a one-spot shake can be effective. A bass with low activity may see an easy meal in bait that's not moving from one place and decide to eat it. The key are to use this in areas with some current and to keep the soft-plastic doesn’t lay flat even when kept in one spot. Furthermore, target spots shaded by cover or with submerged weeds - comfortable, cool areas for the bass.
The Geecrack Bellows Stick is a straight soft-plastic with a ribbed body for good water displacement. It sways in the current, and when rod shakes are applied, it writhes with a tight wiggling action, alluringly teasing the bass.
Also, the MEGABASS Hazedong Shad, which imitates a small fish, has a stronger appeal than same-size Japanese-made paddle tail soft-plastic. When the rod is moved, the tail kicks vibrantly, potentially drawing interest from bass that wouldn't give other lures a second look.
However, a heavy drop shot rig isn't well-suited for long casts, as the line lays down and the soft-plastic can't be kept off the bottom. Basically, drop it straight down. If you need to make a long cast, use a Heavy Carolina rig.
With the weight and soft-plastic separated, the soft-plastic falls naturally in a weightless state after the weight hits bottom, allowing for a stealthy approach. The basic action is to hop the soft-plastic off the bottom by jerking the rod after the weight touches down, then letting the soft-plastic free-fall, repeating the process. The time it takes for the soft-plastic to reach bottom after the weight varies depending on leader length and soft-plastic weight, so test the soft-plastic’s fall by dropping it next to you before casting.
Straight or craw-style soft-plastics allow for a thoroughly natural presentation. For even more appeal, try the NORIES Front Flapper Curly. When you think Nories hogs, the Escape Twin comes to mind, but the Front Flapper Curly has even stronger water displacement and presence. In addition to the two power arms, it has two shad tail-type arms on the body, which flap wildly on the fall to attract bass. If the Front Flapper Curly is too much, switch to the Escape Twin - use them according to the situation.
4. Extra: Targeting Big Bass in the Deep
For an even more twisted approach, try swimming a swimbait on the bottom to call in big bass. The IMAKATSU Bacurato Swimmer is designed to run even deeper than heavy spinnerbaits. It can be slow-rolled in the deep, and of course, deflecting it off rocks can trigger reaction bites. When swimming, the tail emits strong vibrations reminiscent of a spinnerbait, attracting bass from afar.
5. Summary
We've been exploring how to catch bass that have moved deep to escape the intense midsummer heat.
- [1] Reaction Strikes with Crankbaits
- Focus on fast retrieves to trigger reaction strikes.
- Use deep-diving crankbaits that get down quickly to cover water efficiently.
- Target structure in deep water with crankbaits designed for tight, bottom-hugging action.
- Explore ultra-deep zones with extra-deep crankbaits. - [2] Precision Finesse Fishing
- Use power-mid-strolling to present a subtle, horizontal action.
- Drag a heavy Texas rig slowly to work a specific area thoroughly.
- Rely on heavy drop shots or heavy Carolina rigs to hold the bait in one place and tempt inactive bass. - [3] Targeting Big Bass in Deep Water
- Throw deep-running swimbaits to entice quality bites from bigger bass holding deep.
So far, we’ve focused on how to target bass that have pushed deep to escape the midsummer heat.
The basic approach is to start with crankbaits to trigger reaction bites from sluggish fish. If they’re not responding to faster-moving baits, be ready to slow down and switch to finesse techniques. Keep this in mind as you build your midsummer game plan.
For a full breakdown of midsummer bass fishing strategies, check out this blog.
And if you’re looking to target bass holding tight to cover during the summer, we’ve got you covered here.
