adminCatching Bass in Grass
In warmer months, lakes and rivers start seeing an abundance of underwater grass. This grass grows in long, straight stalks. Bass are naturally attracted to this because it provides cover for ambushing prey and attracts food sources like baitfish and smaller panfish. A bass could spend the entire summer in grass and have everything they need to survive. Let us talk more about how you can benefit from grass fishing and what techniques you can use to land that next big bass.
The weather can be warm in the summertime, and that means water temperatures will be on the rise. Bass are going to key in on places where they can stay in the shade, because these spots will offer cooler water. Underwater grass offer pockets that bass can hide in, which ultimately create dynamite fishing conditions for us. On a clear and sunny day, try rigging up a flipping rod with a heavy 1/2oz-1oz jig or Texas rig, and put on a short trailer like a craw. Take this and flip it right into those pockets of grass. Let it drop down, but watch your line, because most of the time that bass will strike your bait as its falling. If you do not get a bite, let it sit for a few seconds and give it a pop or two. If that does not work, reel it in and try a different pocket. This is definitely a numbers game, but play the game long enough and you are sure to find some willing participants.
Another technique that can work great is targeting the edge of the grass. Bass will hide in these locations before ambushing prey. Try fishing these spots with a dropshot rig, set up so the hook is about 8-16 inches above the weight, with a 5”-7” finesse worm or a 5” fluke, and fish it along that edge. Use short hops, and do not forget to pause and jiggle it a little. The bass will see this and dart out of the grass for a nice and easy meal.
A third tactic that works well, especially on unfamiliar water, is to fish a weedless topwater bait right over the top of these grass beds. The bass will hear the disturbance and attack the bait with ferocity. This can be a very productive and exciting way to catch bass and can be a great trick to pull out of your bag when the fishing gets tough. I hope that these tricks will help you put some extra fish in the boat this summer. Good luck and tight lines!
