Strike King pro Mark Menendez uncovers the secrets to targeting bass in Zone 3 during the month of August.
Menendez shares that the water will be in the upper 80’s and current will be a huge factor. “Fishing will be determined by how much current will be pulled in most lakes,” says Menendez. If fishing in an area where there is no current, Menendez recommends another spot to find bass. “If there’s no current, head to biggest source of natural inflowing water to find resident bass,” he states.
Menendez recommends the Zeus Worm in 7.5" and 9.5".
In clear water conditions, he favors Dark Green Pumpkin. If the water is stained, Menendez will switch to Green Pumpkin. In muddy waters, he opts for Junebug.
If the water is clear, Menendez prefers Morning Dawn. In stained water, he switches to Watermelon Red Flake. For muddy water, Menendez will favor Sexy Shad.
Menendez’s choice for clear water is the KVD Sexy Dawg Sexy Shad, while he opts for Bone if the water is stained. He switches to Black Lab if the water is muddy.
Menendez opts for Ned Ocho Green Pumpkin in clear water, and switches to Crawdaddy if the water is stained.
If the water is clear, he will throw a Green Pumpkin Rage Thumper, while more stained water calls for Plum. Menendez prefers Junebug in low-vis or muddy water.
Menendez opts for the Dirt Finesse Worm in clear water. If the water is stained, he will throw Plum and will switch to Black if the water is muddy.
Strike King pro Tristan McCormick shares his keys to success in Zone 3 during August.
With high temperatures reaching the mid-80s—and even low 90s on some lakes—McCormick leans on finesse tactics to trigger more bites, especially since fish have been heavily pressured throughout the year.
"All across zone 3 there will be bite windows mainly happening in the morning while it’s still a little cooler," McCormick says. "Staying shallow in the mornings going down riprap could generate some bites as well as fishing hardwood cover. Docks, lay downs, boat ramps."
"Once the sun gets high, that’s when you slide off with the fish into a little deeper water. Brush piles are a huge pattern in August, anywhere from 10 to 25 feet. Bass live in brush; it’s a safe place for them. It’s like home."
If the water is clear, McCormick prefers Chartreuse Powder with Blue Back. In stained water, he switches to Tennessee Shad. For muddy water, he will favor Chartreuse with Black Back.
The unique curved bills of the XD series allow the bait to dive deeper and faster, changing the deep diving crankbait game forever.
McCormick’s choice for clear water is Bone, while he opts for Carolina Chrome if the water is stained. Carolina Chrome is McCormick’s first choice in muddy or low-vis conditions.
This topwater bait is known for its premium “walk-the-dog” action. The hard knock rattle chamber emits a deep knocking sound to attract attention from hungry fish.
If the water is clear, he will throw Green Pumpkin, while more stained water calls for Gator Craw. Black and Blue is a top choice for McCormick when fishing in muddy water. He pairs the 1/2oz Tour Grade Football Jig with a Green Pumpkin Rage Bug.
The ultimate jig for deep water fishing – the Tour Grade Football Jig has a football-shaped head that gives a better feel of terrain and helps the bait stand on the bottom.
