By Reed Montgomery

Covering Alabama’s Lakes on the Tennessee River System, the Coosa River System, the Tallapoosa River System, the Warrior River System and the Chattahoochee River System (Lake Eufaula on the Al./ Ga. state line).

Targeting Alabama’s reservoirs in search of Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Spotted bass and some huge, Striped bass.

Featured Lakes:
Tennessee River - Guntersville Lake, Wheeler Lake, Wilson Lake and Pickwick Lake.

Coosa River - Weiss Lake, Neely Henry Lake, Logan Martin Lake, Lay Lake, Mitchell Lake and Jordan Lake.

Tallapoosa River - Lake Harris (also called; Lake Wedowee) and Lake Martin.

Warrior River - Bankhead Lake and Demopolis Lake.

Chattahoochee River - Lake Walter F. George (Lake Eufaula)

Intro:
Summer - Hot!
How many times will you say or hear just that one word, during this summer's dreaded heat wave? Many, many times I'm sure.

After some rather muggy and very unseasonable 90 degree days during the late Spring season, we all knew it was going to be a hot one this summer in Alabama.

Air temperatures are constantly in the low 90’s and often they suddenly rise close to the 100 degree mark, on some days with little relief in sight.

Water temperatures have soared into the intolerable highs of the upper-80's. On some lakes, water temperatures are as high as the low-90's.

Gone are the rituals of spawning and the reckless temperamental ways of the bedding bass. But these are still very catch able fish. After they gotta eat!

Its hot. Regardless, all bass species have one thing in common after the spring spawn. Throughout the traditional "dog days of summer" these bass have got to eat to survive. Bass of all species will constantly follow the baitfish schools, or scrounge around rocks for crayfish.

They eat and fatten up on a variety of other hapless prey. There are Alabama's largemouth bass usually holding on aquatic weeds, wood cover or along deeper main lake drop-offs.

Smallmouth bass and spotted bass, that have been known to prefer current and deeper water in the hot, summer months.

Striped bass are usually found below dams and along deep main lake drops during the hot days of summer.

Bass of all kinds are very susceptible to a variety of offerings, during both day and night fishing trips this summer. Big bass can be caught during the summer months.

That is, if an angler does his homework and prepares for a entire summer of bass fishing. Maybe even resorting the night fishing.

Hot, shallow water conditions, slow the feeding habits of bass. These are bass, that through many years of survival, have learned to conserve needed energy, especially when the shallows appear to reach a near boiling point.

They do not go after every potential meal that comes their way. However, like said, they must eat.

Enticing a strike with fake offerings, calls for a little coaxing on the part of the dedicated summertime angler. That is, if he/she can stand the heat.

Daytime highs can soar to the unbearable 100 degree mark by mid-summer. Like said, even when its hot, these big bass must still eat.

So just being there, fishing with the right lure, at the right time, is just the beginning of solving this summertime fishing puzzle.

A puzzle that often boggles the minds of even the most dedicated, summertime bass angler. Remember, practice makes perfect.

Starting to get the picture? You have got to be there to catch them. Not laying back on that couch, sitting in front of a television in the comfort of your air condition. (That’s for when you get home from fishing)

Most bass of summer are forced to feed on what ever comes their way or they simply go out and find it. Big, largemouth bass live out their lives in the shallows of our lakes feeding on many different species of baitfish.

They also consume crayfish, frogs, rodents, small snakes, lizards, worms and a variety of insects, while feeding daily all throughout hot, stale backwaters.

As bass grow older they learn to adapt. These older, much bigger and much wiser bass learn to exert very little energy, unless they are to be rewarded with an easy-to-catch meal.

These bigger bass (those exceeding 10 pounds), are usually the largemouth bass, that prefer the confines of shallow wood cover, rock cover or some type of thick, weedy habitat.

Cool Spots - exist in all of Alabama's Lakes and they are very attractive to all bass species during the summer months.

There are many areas of our lakes where an angler can find cooler water such as feeder creeks, small streams, incoming feeder rivers, the lake's headwaters around dam discharge areas and especially, spring-fed creeks.

These places are like "magnets" as they draw in all species of both predator and prey all throughout June, July and August. Often, right on into the month of September (during the early Fall period).

Many bass of summer have gathered in these spots by mid-to-summer's end and they are often bunched up in these very desirable waters.

* These previously mentioned “cool water spots”, can have water temperatures as much as 10 degrees cooler than main lake waters.

All of Alabama's reservoirs and rivers display a cool, fresh source of oxygenated water, steady current, cooler water, shade and a constant source of food.

A little searching with a good map and water temperature gauge is required by the angler. For increasing the odds of any chance of consistent success this summer.

Many species of fish inhabit these cooler waters during summer. So do baitfish and crustaceans, that are preyed upon by striped bass, white bass, spotted bass, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass.

Many of both predator and prey, take a liking to these comfortable surroundings and often, most bass species remain here in huge numbers all throughout the entire summer.

Bass that inhabit these much cooler, current laden waters are more active. The current and high oxygen content create a very desirable environment. Moving around a lot and using up a lot of energy, means these bass must feed more often.

This in turn means more active fish and more bites, per angler, in any given area. This holds true whether you day or night fish this summer.

Suggestions;
There are many choices when it comes to selecting fish holding cover and when developing various types of fishing techniques for summer bass fishing. Here’s just a few suggestions;

Aquatic Weeds - Aquatic weeds are found on most lakes by late summer and they always hold a lot of bass, baitfish and other small creatures during the summer months. Weeds provide all the necessary requirements such as shade, oxygen and cover, attracting both predator and prey.

There is a variety of aquatic greenery growing from 1-20 feet deep, found throughout the dozens of Lakes in Alabama. Many of the thicker weed types such as Lilly pads, milfoil, hydrilla and thick, matted weeds, are homes for the big bass. These are also the type of places so many anglers are seeking throughout the summer months.

Wood Cover and Rock Cover - These two cover types are found on all of Alabama's Lakes and they provide excellent ambush spots for all species of bass, both during the day and at night.

There are also lots of rocks, boulders, stumps and other wood cover found in deep water. These types of cover are also located along cooler water spots in the depths of most lakes.

Searching out these type of places requires a good map and a depth finder. Hidden underwater spots can then be marked with a GPS unit, for returning and finding them later.

Found along main lake ledges, deep creek ledges, drop-offs, submerged humps, underwater ridges, bars and long, tapering points, these places are good dependable spots for anglers to target and successfully return to again an again.

All throughout the summer months these deep water spots that drop immediately into deep water will hold fish. But shade near the shallows can be important as well. Shade around piers and boat houses attract bass and baitfish all summer long.

Shade always displays much cooler water. Shade can also be found in creek backwaters, along deep shady points, main lake banks, small cuts and pockets, rock bluffs, under bridges and culverts, and especially along places on banks featuring overhanging trees and bushes.

* During the middle of the day to late evenings…is when bass seek out the comfort and security of shade.

These spots, all hold bass during the summer. Besides targeting shade, there is night fishing that provides some relief for the summertime angler as well. Whether the sun is bearing down on you or your fishing under the stars at night, summer fishing can be very relaxing.

Now, how do you fool these bass, from the hot months of June all throughout July, August and even on into September? Read on, for more on fishing Alabama's Lakes this summer season, and suggestions for the many lures and techniques it takes to catch em'.

Day or Night - Versatile anglers have an opportunity to try a different approach this summer. Rather than the shallow water tactics that produced numbers of bass just a few months ago, anglers may find they need to probe a little deeper when the mercury soars. Although some bass can be found shallow year-round.

If it gets just to hot to continue fishing during the day, you can resort to night fishing.

There are many ways to catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and the Alabama spotted bass species, both under the stars or sweltering sun, during the dog days (and nights) of summer. That is, if you have the patience.

This season's tips will include tactics for day and night fishing, for targeting all species of bass including the lures, name brands, places to fish these tempting offerings, lure presentations and tackle and boat preparation. If you apply these tactics, you will catch fish.

However, many factors will increase your catch rate and the size of the bass your after. Always keep in mind. Only you can determine the outcome of your fishing success this summer…by how much you apply yourself.

Day time Fishing - When the temperature rises (no matter how hot it gets), there are still many ways to approach these bass for the persistent angler to hope to succeed.

Daytime fishing now means protecting yourself with sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and having plenty of water and drinks to help replenish the fluids in your sweated out body. Taking a midday break or even a dip in the water is always refreshing and it helps cool you off.

Night time Fishing - Fishing after sundown means rod, reel and tackle preparation. Boat preparation too, such as checking running lights, aerators, bilge pumps, fully-charged (or replaced) batteries, spot lights, spare fuses and emergency tools.

It also means bringing along other necessary items such as mosquito repellent, two flashlights, two pair of needle nose pliers, emergency kits and coffee, just to name a few.

Cleaning out the boat and getting organized prior to your night fishing trip, is a must. This is necessary, for a comfortable night of fishing. It sure beats stumbling all over things in the dark in an often crowded boat and rambling through storage boxes for lost items in the night.

Safety - This is the number one factor to consider when running our lakes and rivers at night. You better know where you are running, for your sake, and the safety of others. Many boaters are killed each summer by some other careless boater.

You must have lights on when running at night, early dawn or during late evening trips. Even when fishing along the bank at night, lights fore and aft, must be burning. It's the law! A good set of black lights will help you to see the bank much better, when fishing at night.

A very needed item is a good spotlight. This will help you spot floating logs and debris or other boaters, when navigating in the dark. Exploring a lake during the day will help avoid a lot of mishaps when later navigating at night.

Always bring spare items such as fuses, bulbs and especially; Dry Clothes and a lighter in case you fall overboard and need to start a fire.

Throw cushions and a life jacket with the outboard motor kill switch attached to the driver, are a must for a safe day or night fishing excursion.

The water patrol will check you both day and night for a number of these items. Its their job. Boat registration, insurance, fishing licenses, running lights, a throw cushion and a fully charged fire extinguisher, are all mandatory.

* Only ten / 12 inch bass are allowed per angler on most Alabama Lakes.

There are also 13-15 inch fish length limits and 13-15 inch slot limits on certain lakes. Check with local tackle stores, water patrol or marinas, before you unknowingly break the rules.

Always let a loved one at home know your whereabouts, what lake and boat launch you will be going to and when to expect you home. Leave them your cell phone number, boat numbers, boat model and color, vehicle tag number, model and color.

Even leave loved ones your own personal I.D. for others to find you, in case of an emergency or mishap. This is all necessary for safety's sake.

Hooks - Sharp hooks on today's lures are twice as sharp as older model hooks. Today's precision honed hooks are much more dangerous in the hands of an inexperienced angler.

Always pay very close attention to other anglers in the boat when casting or when retrieving hung lures. Its a long way to the hospital or to get medical attention with a hook lodged in a vital part of your body. Especially in the middle of the night.

Emergency first aid kits should always include; Band-Aids, clean rags or bandages, eye wash, peroxide or methiolate and a clean razor blade. These are just a few of the safety items you will need to help in removing a lodged hook.

* A Reminder; Keep in mind for fishing all of Alabama's Lakes (along with all of these mentioned necessary items for day and night fishing), always have a fishing license for each angler, which can be bought at any Walmart.

A charged fire extinguisher, life jackets for each boat occupant, current, up-to-date boat stickers and boat registration papers and a throw cushion. You will also need a license to drive a boat if you are16 years or older.

So as you can see it is time for a change...if you want a safe and successful summer of fishing.

Read on, for more helpful advice and fishing tips for targeting Alabama's largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and spotted bass species, for both during the day and at night when fishing all throughout Alabama's varied waterways this summer.

Thanks, and be safe this summer...Reed

These summertime bass fishing tips are provided by Reed Montgomery of Birmingham, Alabama; Outdoor Writer, Professional Bass Tournament Angler, Fox 6 Good Day Alabama Television Host and www.anglerschannel.com pro staff member.
* Reed Montgomery is a 40 Year Alabama Licensed Freshwater Fishing Guide.

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