Well now, if you’re lookin’ to catch yourself some big ol’ bass in the summertime, I gotta tell ya, you can’t go wrong with them soft plastics. They work wonders, I reckon. I’ve seen folks out there all day long, tossin’ their lures in the water, but the ones who know what they’re doin’ always got them soft plastics on the line. Now, I ain’t no expert, but I’ve seen it work, and I reckon it’s about time I tell ya what I know. So, let’s get to it!
First thing I gotta say is, bass, especially in summer, they’re picky little creatures. They like the water warm, but they sure ain’t gonna go for just anything. You need to pick yourself the right soft plastics, ones that’ll make them bass wanna bite. Let me tell ya about a few of the best ones, and I’ll even throw in a couple of tips along the way.
1. Yamamoto Senko
Now, this here Yamamoto Senko is one of the best ones for catchin’ bass, no doubt about it. I’ve seen folks use ’em all over, and they ain’t never left empty-handed. The Senko’s got this great wiggle to it when you throw it in the water. It just drifts and dances real nice, just like a little fish in distress. And let me tell ya, them bass love that. I’d say it’s one of the best ones for the summer heat. If you’re fishin’ in clear water, go with the natural colors like green pumpkin or watermelon. If the water’s a little murky, then Junebug or black with blue flake is your best bet.
2. Zoom Super Fluke
This one’s a real favorite. The Zoom Super Fluke is a good one to use when the bass are out near the surface, hungry and ready to strike. I know a lot of folks swear by this one when the water’s hot. It’s got a slender body and a smooth, erratic action when you twitch it. You can use it weightless or with a light jighead. I reckon the best colors for summer are white or pearl, as they imitate the baitfish that bass love to snack on. You throw this one out there, give it a twitch, and before you know it, you’ll have yourself a bass on the line.
3. Berkeley PowerBait Chigger Craw
Another good one is the Berkeley PowerBait Chigger Craw. Now, when them bass are hangin’ out on the bottom, looking for somethin’ to munch on, this here crawfish imitator is just the ticket. It’s a bit bulkier, with them little pinchers wavin’ around like crazy. You just bounce it off the bottom, and them bass can’t resist. Summer is the time when bass love crawfish, so you can’t go wrong with this one. If you’re fishin’ around rocks or brush piles, this is a good choice. I like the green pumpkin or black and blue color for them summer days.
4. Strike King Rage Tail Menace
If you’re lookin’ for somethin’ a bit different, then the Strike King Rage Tail Menace is a good one to try. It’s got a little bit of a different shape than most, with two little appendages that move real erratic-like in the water. Bass just can’t stand it. I’ve used this one many a time when the bass are sittin’ around the weeds or near drop-offs. You can Texas rig it, or even throw it on a jig. When it comes to color, the watermelon red or June bug is what I’d recommend for the summer months.
5. Keitech Easy Shiner
Now, the Keitech Easy Shiner is a simple one, but don’t let that fool ya. It’s a real solid choice when you’re fishin’ for bass. This little fella is known for its lifelike swimming action. Throw it in the water, give it a little twitch, and it’s like it’s a real baitfish swimmin’ around. It works especially well in clear water, where the bass can get a good look at it. For colors, I’d stick to the shad patterns—something like a silver or bluegill pattern, works wonders in the summertime.
Some Tips for Summer Bass Fishing
- Water temperature matters: Bass are cold-blooded critters, so when the water gets real warm, they tend to move deeper or find cooler spots. Look for them around submerged structures, like rocks or fallen trees.
- Fishing early or late: The heat of the day can make bass a bit sluggish, so your best chances are early in the morning or late in the evening, when it’s a little cooler.
- Vary your retrieve: Don’t just throw out the lure and hope for the best. Change up how you reel it in—sometimes slow and steady, other times quick and erratic. You gotta find what the bass are in the mood for.
So, there you have it! If you want to catch yourself some bass this summer, you can’t go wrong with any of these soft plastics. Just make sure you got the right colors for the water you’re fishin’ in, and don’t forget to change up how you’re reel’in it in. Good luck, and happy fishin’!
Tags：[best soft plastics for bass, summer bass fishing, Yamamoto Senko, Zoom Super Fluke, Berkeley PowerBait Chigger Craw, Strike King Rage Tail Menace, Keitech Easy Shiner, bass fishing tips]
