It’s time to get into a hot weather frame of mind.

Story and photography by Matt Williams

It’s July in Texas. That means it’s time for all you bass busters out there to get into a hot weather frame of mind.

Texas summers almost always turn out as sultry scorchers that typically last through much of September. Outside it’s fairly common to have temperatures in the 90s that occasionally crack the triple digits under big sun and high humidity. In a normal year, the water will have a bath-like feel to it.

While dog days bass fishing certainly isn’t for everyone, those who take the proper steps and follow the right patterns can experience some pretty darned good fishing.

Here’s an angler’s guide to turn up the heat with summertime bass:

Be A Shadow Captain

During the wee hours of darkness, thick-shouldered denizens to shock imagination go on the prowl on lakes across Texas.

Year-in and year-out, some the biggest bass caught during the summer months are reeled in at night. Some shadow captains believe summertime bass get active at night because water temperatures grow progressively cooler after the sun goes down, possibly much as 10 degrees. It’s a feel good thing.

Others think it has more to do with boat traffic. Or a lack of it.

Lakes are almost always more crowded during the daylight hours during summer, particularly on weekends when recreational boaters and jet skiers are out in force. More traffic means more noise. All the traffic can make fish spooky. Especially the big ones.

There are a couple of good approaches for night fishing. Some anglers like to stay mobile. They rely on the trolling motor to move quietly along while throwing moving baits over grass flats, points, humps or shallow ridges.

The best stuff is often found in close proximity to deeper water, such as a creek channel, river or drop off that provides a quick escape route. Buzz baits, Whopper Ploppers, spinnerbaits and bladed jigs are good bait choices.

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