Fishing tip of the week

Fishing Tip of the Week

Wednesday, 12 July 2023 10:42

Summer big baits
by Mike Gerry

As we slowly move on with summer, it can be a time of year where size matters. At no time during the fishing year is the size of your bait more important than now. The difference is that most people go with small baits in the summer; however, if you’re wanting to catch big quality bass, fish with big baits like 7-inch swim baits, 3/4 oz. jigs with large trailers that give the jig a bulky look, 3/4 to 1 oz. spinner baits with large willow leaf blades. Defy the norm and work with size to achieve size in your catch.

The thing many anglers don’t realize is that slow, lethargic, large bass pick their prey, and the bigger the better as their feeding is very selective, and large presentations entice that big fish. I know you’ve all heard that saying that this time of year (summer) you’re fishing for a few bites. I believe this is true, so if the bites are limited, then the presentation of large bait becomes even more important. Size does matter. Bass are selective. They want slow-moving baits, easy prey and that large presentation as they can lead you to that big sack we all hunt in summer fishing.

Some of the baits I like with large profiles are Duckett 3/4 to 1 oz spinner baits as they have big willow leaf blades that get to the bottom easily and become a great large-profile bait to slow-roll on the bottom in deep water this time of year. I also like Tight-Line 3/4 oz. football jig. You combine that big jig with a Missile Bait D-bomb trailer or Drop Craw or big Missile Craw, and you’ll produce big bites with as it really entices those big females. Don’t underestimate the power of a big swim bait. Some of those very expensive, large swim baits worked slowly along the bottom can become your best friend. These baits can be very expensive, but summertime proves their worth, especially when fishing over grass under the water line this time of year.
Big baits produce big fish, and you’ll have a big time on the water. You just have to get on the water to prove it!

Captain Mike