Lew’s and Strike King Pro Greg Hackney shares his secret to fishing Zone 1 in July.
“Zone 1 will have fish in a typical summertime pattern,” shares Hackney. He suggests looking for thick vegetation during July, as fish are looking for cover and cooler water. “Flipping and pitching to submergent and emergent vegetation will be key as 80 to 90 degree water temps can be expected,” Hackney advises Zone 1 anglers.
Hackney uses this set up when in shallow, submergent grass, shoreline vegetation, or laydowns.
If the water is clear, Hackney prefers Green Pumpkin. In stained water, he switches to White. In muddy water, Hackney opts for a Black. He will often add a Pearl Gurgle Toad trailer.
Hackney throws the Filler Worm, known for the vibrant action of the simplistic, yet enticing tail of the worm, causing it to quiver and move at the slightest flicker of the rod tip.
In stained water, he will opt for Red Bug, and switch to Junebug in muddy water. In all water conditions, he pairs this bait with a Drop Shot Trailer.
Hackney throws the Hack Attack® Pad Perch when in thick, emergent vegetation.
Hackney’s choice for clear water is Leopard Perch, while he opts for White Shadow if the water is stained. In muddy water, Hackney goes for Black.
This jig is Hackney’s top choice when flipping shoreline or offshore wood and vegetation. He will often tie on a Green Pumpkin Rage Craw trailer too.
He opts for the Bama Craw in clear water, and switches to a Sexy Craw if the water is stained. In muddy water, the Black Blue Flake is Hackney’s go-to.
The KVD 2.5 Wake Bait is Hackney’s choice when fishing grass lines, submergent vegetation, and wood.
If the water is clear, he will throw Sexy Shad, while more stained water calls for Chartreuse Shad. In muddy water, Hackney switches to Cataquatche Special.
