One of Strike King’s most recent pro staff additions, Brent Chapman, shares his insight on fishing in Zone 4 during the month of July.
With the onset of brutal summer heat throughout Zone 4 in July, Brent suggests heading out early for the best catch of the day. “We don't typically have a whole lot of offshore submergent and emergent grass for fish to find cover in Zone 4. What we do have plenty of is shoreline vegetation, docks, laydowns, and a variety of rock structures and because of that, I really try to capitalize on the morning bite,” says Chapman.
“Moving bait wise, I'm throwing KVD squarebills in the 1- to 2½-foot range and targeting shallow laydowns and shoreline grass with a buzzbait and shallow, rocky, open-water areas with a walking bait,” shares Chapman. When headed into the heat of the day, Chapman changes up his selection to target deeper water. Chapman continues, “Once it starts heating up, that's when I'm targeting deeper docks, brush piles, or standing timber with a XD or Texas-rigged Cut-R-Worm when I've located a particular piece of offshore brush or standing timber.”
Chapman throws the KVD Squarebill 1.5 when fishing near shallow rocky banks or riprap.
If the water is clear, Chapman prefers the Olive Shad. In stained water, he switches to the Black Back Chartreuse. For muddy water, Chapman stays consistent with the Black Back Chartreuse.
The KVD Sexy Dawg is Chapman’s choice when fishing around shallow rocky banks or riprap.
Chapman’s choice for clear water is the Green Gizzard Shad, while he opts for Summer Sexy Shad if the water is stained. In muddy water, he reaches for the Black.
A KVD Toad Buzz Buzzbait 3/8 oz is Chapman’s top choice when fish are in shallow cover like water willows and shoreline grass.
He opts for the Pearl or Black in all water conditions, whether clear, stained, or muddy.
Chapman Texas-Rigs his Rage Cut-R Worm 7" for targeting brush piles or standing timber.
If the water is clear, he will throw Plum, while more stained water calls for a Red Bug. When fishing in muddy water, he reaches for the Black Blue Flake.
The Pro Model 6XD Silent Crankbait is a favorite of Chapman’s when fishing at deep rocky points, drop offs, and standing timber.
He opts for Olive Shad in clear water. If the water is stained, he will throw the Citrus Shad, while he will switch to a Black Back Chartreuse if the water is muddy.
