Summer bass fishing in South Africa can feel like a different sport to winter. The water warms up, the days get long, and the bass change how and when they feed. If you want the best baits for summer bass fishing, you first need to understand what the bass are doing, then match your bait to it.
This guide shows you when to fish, where to look and which three soft plastics belong in your box this season.
How Summer Changes Bass Behaviour
First, remember that bass are cold-blooded. Warm water speeds up their bodies, so they feed hard but they also tire quickly in the midday heat. As a result, many bass leave open water and sit in shade and cover once the sun climbs high.
Moreover, warm water holds less oxygen than cool water. Bass often move toward spots with more moving water or deeper, cooler water. If you want to understand this better, read our guide on understanding bass behaviour.
The Best Times to Fish in Summer
Therefore, the best fishing usually happens at the edges of the day. Get on the water at first light and fish until the sun gets high. Then come back in the late afternoon and fish into the evening.
During those low-light hours, bass move shallow to feed. They are also less wary, because the dim light hides your line and your boat or shadow. Midday can still produce, but you must slow down and fish the shade.
Where to Find Bass on a Hot Day
When the sun is high, look for shade and cover. Bass use anything that blocks the light and gives them an ambush spot.
- Overhanging trees and bushes along the bank
- Reeds, lily pads and other weed edges
- Rocks, boulders and fallen timber
- Docks, jetties and other structure that casts a shadow
Next, pay attention to wind and current. A breeze pushes food against the bank and cools the surface. For more help with finding fish, see our guide on how to find bass on a dam.
The Best Baits for Summer Bass Fishing
You do not need a huge tackle box. Three soft plastics cover most summer situations: one for the surface, one for cover and one for slower fishing.
1. The Shack Atomic Frog for early and late topwater
A surface bait is the most exciting way to fish in summer. Bass come up and hit the bait right in front of you. Fish it in the first hour of light and again in the evening, along weed edges and shaded banks.
The Shack Atomic Frog is made for topwater fishing. It comes in a packet of 4 for R65, and the recommended hook size is 4/0 or 5/0. For more on fishing the surface, read our topwater bass fishing guide.
2. The Shack Craw for fishing cover
Once the sun is up and the surface bite fades, move to cover and fish it carefully. Rig a craw on a Texas rig and flip it into the shade, then let it fall and pause.
The Shack Craw suits the Texas rig and flipping. A packet of 8 costs R65, and the recommended hook size is 3/0. In addition, it also works as a jig trailer, on a drop shot and on a Ned rig.
3. The Shack Mojo Worm for slow, steady fishing
Some summer days the bass simply will not chase. On those days, slow down and put a worm in front of them. Furthermore, a long worm on a shaky head or a Texas rig keeps your bait in the strike zone for longer.
The Shack Mojo Worm 6.25 inch comes in a packet of 8 for R85. The listed rigs are the shaky head, the football head and the Texas rig. For a Texas rig use a 2/0 or 3/0 hook, and for a wacky rig use a size 1 or 1/0 hook.
Simple Tips to Catch More Bass This Summer
Finally, a few habits will help you every time you go out.
- Fish early and late, and rest the water in the middle of the day.
- Look for shade first, then structure.
- Slow your retrieve down when the water is very warm.
- Keep your fish in the water as much as you can, and release them gently, because warm water stresses bass.
- Drink water and wear a hat and sunscreen. Summer days on the dam are hot.
Moreover, change one thing at a time. If a bait gets no bites in the shade, first move to a new spot with more cover. Only then change your bait or your speed. This simple habit helps you work out what the bass want on the day.
Finally, keep a short note of what worked, including the time, the weather and the bait. After a few trips, you will see a pattern that fits your own dam.
Also, check the season rules for your water before you go. For more on how the year changes the fishing, read our guide to the best seasons for bass fishing in South Africa.
Get Out There This Summer
Summer bass fishing in South Africa rewards anglers who start early, fish the shade and match the bait to the day. Pack a topwater frog, a craw and a worm, and you are ready for most conditions. Tight lines, and we will see you on the water.