Fishing tip of the week

Fishing Tip of the Week

Tuesday, 01 August 2023 09:32

Big Worms for Summer
by Mike Gerry

Over my many years of guiding, I have found that most fishermen believe that using a big worm in the heat of the summer is not the smartest of decisions. Well, I believe it’s all in technique, and if you choose it correctly big worms are very effective. There are so many little things to consider when using a big worm in the heat of the summer , but when you make the correct decision, based on the conditions, you can have a great day in the heat.

First of all, the best summer technique for a big worm is dragging it on the bottom, also known as bottom hugging. Bottom hugging a big worm instead of moving it in an up and down is the key to success, as most bass in the heat are located on the bottom especially past 9 a.m. or so in the morning as the sun comes up. However, this technique requires some thought especially if the deep water has developed a thermocline on the bottom, which with the correct sensitivity of your electronics you can actually see. Thermocline destroys the oxygen on the bottom and fishing it with any bait is a waste of time. You have to move shallower waters when this occurs for the fish to bite as they will move to better levels of oxygen.

Another key is current. Big worms in the summer are very effective when there is current. As the bait moves, creating current, the bass will strike.
I like any big worm from 8 inches to 10 inches in the summer. The more tail action you get from it the better the bait works for you. I also believe that the better the worm floats up from the bottom the better the worm works in the heat of the summer. So, dragging a floating worm with lots of tail movement really makes for a great bait in the warm water as it projects off the bottom making for a tantalizing bait.

Color can also be key don’t be stuck on one color. If you’re not successful try a different color to see if it changes the bite for you. Big worms, big fish in the summer – try it you will like it.

Captain Mike