Summer Fishing Tips from the Pros

Fishing, it’s a game of figuring it out. Much like predator stalking prey, it’s the chase and honing of skills that makes fishing an interesting sport. Here are some tips from the pros to help you step up your production on the water this summer.

Bernie Schultz Shares Secrets For The Grass

When it comes to bass fishing, all the greats know location is everything. In fact, it’s often the difference between a successful day on the water and going home empty handed.

Bernie Schultz, an eight-time Bassmaster Classic participant, honed his skills fishing the grass-heavy lakes in his home state of Florida. However, he’s a firm believer that the Sunshine State isn’t the only place where anglers can find monster fish lurking in the green stuff.

“If you’re looking for the perfect spot, it doesn’t get much better than finding a thick grass bed,” said Schultz. “You can typically find fish gathered in shallow pockets with easy access to sunlight where they’ll stage in or above the vegetation.”

Schultz recommends casting lipless crankbaits like the Rapala Rippin’ Rap or Clackin’ Rap into the grass and ripping them out to trigger reactive bites.

“The key with these lures is to make irregular contact with strands of grass and then rip the bait free,” Schultz explained. “When you snag a strand for just a moment, that slight pause, combined with the lure’s loud rattle are sure to grab fish’s attention.”

How Ike Finds Finicky Fish

Mike “Ike” Iaconelli, 2006 Bass Angler of the Year and 2003 Bassmaster Classic Champion, said this time of year can produce some trophy bass. But as anglers look to spend more time outdoors, the season can also bring the year’s most crowded waters.

According to Ike, anglers can set themselves apart from the crowd by targeting fish located on cover and structure that is not visible to the naked eye. It’s a pattern the man has made a living off of.

Using a depthfinder, Ike locates hard-to-find cover and subtle depth changes. He then ties on baits he can use to feel along the bottom, like quick-diving cranks from the Rapala DT Series.

“I also like to use more finesse presentations,” Ike said. “Sometimes baits with an in-your-face action don’t do the trick. If the fish just don’t seem to be interested, it’s time for a change. That’s when I switch to a silent, tight-crankin’ lure like the Rapala Shad Rap to offer up what looks like an easier meal for finicky fish.”

Ott DeFoe’s Go-to Shallow Pattern

For Ott DeFoe, 2011 Bassmaster Rookie of the Year, a favorite pattern this time of year is running the shallows and throwing Terminator T-1 spinnerbaits. It’s the bait that helped him catch his biggest five-bass tournament limit to date–30 pounds, 15 ounces–on Texas’ Lake Falcon in 2013.

“This time of year fish are more than likely going to be moving into the shallows near some type of cover off of points, and there’s no better tool for targeting these areas than spinnerbaits,” said DeFoe. “I almost always have a T-1 tied on. The key is to make sure you fish them at the right pace.”

Coming out of the colder months, a fish’s metabolism will still be slow, which means a moderate pace is best for triggering strikes, explained DeFoe.

“If you’re working spinners, take your time and don’t burn them,” advised DeFoe. “Try slowly rolling the bait around trees and rocks, making light contact. Keep it moving steady and don’t linger in one area too long. I usually make one or two casts to a piece of cover then go on to the next one to cover more water.”

He recommends a 1/2-ounce Terminator T-1 Spinnerbait with a small silver Colorado blade to add a little extra thump to the bait. Choose a skirt in a color pattern that matches the local hatch and the hawgs won’t know what hit ’em.