The key to summer fishing is getting in the weeds - Ames Tribune

fish.indah.link

Bob Jensen  |  Ames Tribune

Show Caption

We’re nearing the summer, and a wide variety of species of fish can be caught in the next few weeks and months. We’ve all heard of the summer doldrums and the dog days of summer, and those phrases often create thoughts of slow fishing. While it is true that we need to adapt our fishing techniques to be successful in the summer, it’s also true that fish are eating machines in the warmer months of the year. Food for the fish is plentiful, but the warmer water means that the fish will be eating more often.

Following are some ideas for catching fish during the warmest time of the year.

In the summer months, the fish will be in a variety of places, and there are a good number of ways to catch them. The fish can be deep or they can be shallow. They can be suspended or they can be relating to structure. But there will almost always be some in the vegetation, also referred to as weeds, that grow in deeper water. Here’s how to go about catching them when they’re around that vegetation.

First, we need to be sure we’re talking about the most productive weeds. There will be bass and panfish in the shallower reeds this time of year, but that’s not what we’re talking about for now. This time of year, across the Midwest and other regions, the vegetation that is so productive is stuff like cabbage and coontail. You can see these weeds if you’re right over them, and sometimes they’ll break the surface. They’ll show up clearly on a depth-finder. Most predator fish that live in lakes that have cabbage or coontail will visit that area of vegetation regularly.

At times, like early and late in the day or on cloudy days, largemouth bass will spread out over the tops of the weeds.

When the sun is bright at midday, largemouth will dig into the weeds or hold on the deep edge of the weeds.

Walleyes, northern pike, muskies and panfish will all gather on the edge of the weeds during the day, and sometimes the panfish will suspend out away from the weeds.

This is fun fishing. You never know what’s going to eat your bait, but when you hit it right, and you can hit it right frequently on the weedline, you’ll be getting bit regularly. You might catch a few bass, then a walleye comes along, then a pike or crappie, then a few more bass.

Crankbaits and plastic baits are the way to go on the weedline this time of year. There is generally no need for live bait. If you’re looking specifically for largemouth bass, tie on one of Strike King’s Pro Model crankbaits. Use a shallow diver early in the day over the tops of the weeds and one that runs deeper along the deep weed edge as the sun gets higher in the sky.

If you’re looking specifically for walleyes, go with a Lucky Shad. This time of year, many anglers select a color that is different than the baitfish that live in the body of water being fished.

After working an area with the crankbait, grab a jig rod and throw a jig/plastic presentation. Some very successful anglers like a small 4-inch worm, other very successful anglers prefer something bigger and bulkier. One size does not fit all in this situation. Experiment and let the fish show you what they want.

Summer is a time of plenty in the water world. There is a lot of food, but there are also lots of fish that can be caught. If you’re looking for a variety in your fishing and catching for the next few weeks and months, the weedline is the place to be.

To see new and old episodes of “Fishing the Midwest” television, fishing articles and fishing videos, go to https://ift.tt/2xtsQ6M.

The Link Lonk


May 20, 2021 at 02:41AM
https://ift.tt/3f3XPco

The key to summer fishing is getting in the weeds - Ames Tribune

https://ift.tt/35JkYuc
Fish