6 Tips for Bass Fishing in the Summer Heat

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(Newswire.net — July 14, 2018) — There’s nothing quite like bass fishing. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started, the thrill of reeling in a largemouth bass can’t be topped. But when it comes to fishing in the heat of the summer, there are some things you need to know in order to increase your chances of being comfortable and successful.

Try These 6 Tips

Bass fishing is all about having fun. For most people, fun is comprised of two main factors: catching fish and staying comfortable. The following tips will help you achieve both:

1. Stay Hydrated

When you’re outside playing a sport or doing work around the house, you know that you need to drink lots of water. Fishing, on the other hand, tends to be a rather calm outdoor activity (at least for the majority of the time). As such, it’s easy to forget about the importance of hydration. Make it a point to drink plenty of water and consume lots of electrolytes – especially on hot days where you’re exposed to direct sunlight for hours at a time.

2. Fish High, Low, Early, or Late

Being out on the open water in the middle of the day can really do a number on you. The heat will zap your energy – not to mention dissuade bass from feeding.

“For more comfortable fishing, try high-mountain lakes and streams, where the elevation keeps temperatures in check. Or, give float tube fishing a try. Sitting nice and low in the water keeps your core temperature comfy and cool,” outdoorsman Jordan Rodriguez suggests. “Time of day is another consideration. Building your trips around dawn or dusk will keep you out of the harshest conditions.”

3. Choose the Right Boat Seat

Bass fishing can be a very sedentary sport. When fishing from a boat, the right seat can make all the difference in the world.

“Need a fishing chair that works with you, not against you?” Wholesale Marine advises, “Consider the Garelick Ultimate Sport Fishing Seat with Quad Base. It offers the right degree of flexibility, range of movement and stability so you can fully concentrate on your game.”

It’s also important to make sure you stand up and move around. Too much sitting can become unhealthy.

4. Fish in the Shadows

“Structure fishing is paramount to success in summer, as bass hang tight to docks, branch overhangs, bridge abutments and lily pads—anywhere they can cool off in the shadows and hide from the sun,” Huk Performance Fishing explains. “Work shadow lines by dropshotting worms rigged wacky style or casting chatterbaits to convince bass to come out of the shadow and hit.”

Once you get roughly 10 feet out of the shadow line, you should reel up and make a quick cast again. This will allow you to hook the bass that were interested the first time around but didn’t commit.

5. Stay Cool

Just as the bass are looking for ways to stay cool, you should also make sure you keep your body temperature down to a reasonable level. Sometimes the simple act of dipping your legs into the water can provide relief. It’s also helpful to occasionally soak your hat in the water and let it cool you down.

6. Protect Your Skin

While it feels good to take off your shirt and get a nice tan on the water, be wary of too much sun exposure. It’s easy to get burned without even realizing it.

Performance fishing shirts and moisture wicking materials are great for keeping you cool and protecting you from the sun. They also prevent the need for constantly reapplying sunscreen to your arms, chest, and back – which can be difficult if you’re fishing on your own.

Make Fishing an Enjoyable Experience

Go bass fishing on a hot summer day without any plan or strategy, and you’re not going to have great results. Not only will the heat beat you into submission, but you’ll also find it hard to reel in a fish of any decent size. However, implementing a few of the tips and techniques highlighted in this article could turn your day around. Give them a try and see what you think!