Entry 312-1

How to Catch Bass in Extremely-Hot Weather with James Niggemeyer

Part 1: Fish Zones, Structure and Crankbaits

Question: James, why is Lake Fork so hot in July and August?

Niggemeyer: Our location in the Deep South combined with high humidity and very-little wind contributes to the extreme temperatures there in the summer months. So, when we fish in Lake Fork during July and August, we’ll have to fish in really-hot, still weather.

Question: How do you find and catch bass under these conditions?

Niggemeyer: My favorite way to fish at this time of year is offshore on deep structure.

Question: How do you find bass offshore?

Niggemeyer: As I motor across the lake, I look for water depths where bass, crappie, catfish and baitfish are concentrating. Using my depth finder, I search for that band in about 18 to 20 feet of water where most of the fish activity on the lake is taking place. Once I know the water depth at which the most bass are holding, then I look for some type of bottom structure, such as a hump, a ledge or a tree top, that intersects with that depth and hits that band of water the fish are favoring that day.

Question: Is the band you’re referring to a thermocline?

Niggemeyer: Yes, sometimes it can be a thermocline. That zone where the bass are all holding may depend on light penetration, water color or wind. It’s the zone not only where the bass are most comfortable, but where they easily can ambush bait.

Question: What are some of the things you look for once you locate those two factors?

Niggemeyer: I’ll search for a point that may have a drop-off that intersects that zone where the fish are holding. Or, I’ll look out in the lake for a hump with a top that tops out where I find that fish zone.

Question: Okay, James, when you pinpoint the structure that intersects the fish zone, how will you fish it?

Niggemeyer: There are several ways and a number of lures you can use to fish the zone that intersects the structure, but I’ve found that the best way to catch some of the biggest bass in hot weather is to use the Strike King Series 6 or Series 5 crankbaits. These two crankbaits not only can produce bass for me, but they usually produce the biggest bass at this time of the year. In 8 to 10 feet of water, I’ll use the Series 5 crankbait, but if the zone is deeper than 10 feet, I’ll choose the Series 6.

Question: What color Series 5 or Series 6 do you prefer, and what pound-test line do you use?

Niggemeyer: I like 10-pound-test Sunline fluorocarbon line, so I can make a long cast. This size line has less drag than bigger line when you’re reeling-in the bait. The smaller line puts less drag on the bait, which means I’ll get better crankbait action than if I use heavier line. A number of bass feed on shad at this time of year, so you can’t go wrong using the Strike King Series 5 or Series 6 crankbait in the Sexy Shad color. I also like the chartreuse with a blue back and the chartreuse Sexy Shad colors. If the water’s dirty, I’ll be fishing the chartreuse colors, and if the water’s clear, I prefer the Sexy Shad color.

Next: Bet on the Big Worm

Contents:

• Part 1: Fish Zones, Structure and Crankbaits
• Part 2: Bet on the Big Worm
• Part 3: Put Some Sexy Spoon in Your Fishing
• Part 4: Fishing the Grass
• Part 5: Bring 'Em to the Top