Top 5 Bass Lures for July

We are rapidly getting into the dog days of summer, at least here in Texas. If you aren’t there yet, be thankful. We have officially reached 100+ degrees on the regular here and it has made for difficult fishing. Fortunately the bass are still eating, but I’ve definitely had to change things up to get a bite. The most important thing to remember in the summer is that bass look for shade, so locate cover that will provide relief from the heat, and you should find bass lurking there. Here are my top 5 lures I’m using to catch them in this heat. 

Weightless Wacky Rig

Consisting of a stick bait with a hook through the center of the bait, this has been one of my most productive warm-weather lures since I started fishing. I find it especially effective when the bass are eating up but won’t hit topwater. I fish it on a spinning rod with a 12 lb fluorocarbon leader. I love the Berkley General 5″ stick bait and the Yamamoto Senko. 

Texas-Rigged Creature Bait

It’s hard to beat a Texas rig in the summer. I like to use a creature bait with a bullet weight and hop it along the bottom. My favorites are the Berkley Creature Hawg, Strike King Rage Craw, and the Keitech Krazy Flapper. 

Curly-Tail Worm

A big curly tail worm can help you find a big bite in the summer. Drag it along the bottom and work in sweeps and hops to see what they’re in the mood for. I recommend the Berkley Power Worm.

Frog

Late summer is prime time for frog fishing, and there is not a more fun way to catch them in my opinion. Target areas of surface vegetation, especially around the edges. My favorite frogs are the Booyah Pad Crasher and the Spro Bronzeye 65. Use 30-65lb braid depending on the cover you’re fishing, on a heavy or medium-heavy casting rod. 

Chatterbait 

When bass are feeding and in the mood to chase baitfish, there is nothing more fun and effective than catching them on a Chatterbait, or bladed jig. You can fish with a straight retrieve, work in changes of speed to trigger bites, and rip it through grass. I love the Z-Man Jackhammer fished on a medium-heavy casting rod with 15-17lb fluorocarbon.

What’s your favorite way to catch them in the summer? Let us know in the comments!