 By Reed Montgomery TARGETING LARGEMOUTH BASS, SMALLMOUTH BASS AND SPOTTED BASS SPECIES: Summertime Day and Night Fishing Tips 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. Reed Montgomery of Birmingham, Alabama; * Fishing Guide! * Reed Montgomery - Born in Birmingham, Alabama is a 40 Year Veteran, Alabama Licensed and Insured Professional Freshwater Fishing Guide. Guiding on all of Alabama’s Lakes Year Round. Reed has spent an entire lifetime learning every lake in Alabama. Featured Lakes: 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) Alabama / Georgia state line Fishing tips information provided by: "Over 40 Years Guiding Anglers From All Over the World” visiting Alabama’s Lakes For Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Smallmouth Bass and some huge, Striped Bass. Intro: After some rather hot, muggy and very unseasonable 90 plus degree days during the late spring /early summer period, we all knew it was going to be a hot one this summer season all throughout Alabama. Air temperatures are now constantly in the low-90’s and often they can suddenly rise to an almost unbearable 100 degrees or more. On some days it seems (for the summer time angler), there is 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 the spring spawn and the temperamental ways of those reproducing and bedding bass. Even though its now getting hot there is still hope. These are still some very catchable fish. Above all, keep in mind this daily slogan…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 this summer. They eat and fatten up on a variety of other hapless prey. There are plenty of summertime meals on the menu for Alabama's largemouth bass, usually holding in aquatic weeds, around wood cover, rock cover or along deeper main lake drop-offs. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass, have been known to prefer current, cooler water and deeper water during the hot, summer months. Striped bass are usually found below dams and along deep, main lake drop offs during the hot days of summer. They prefer current, plenty of oxygen, cooler water and places that harbor big bait fish. 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 -- throughout summer into the early fall period -- on a number of lures, while fishing from top to bottom on all of Alabama’s lakes. That is, if an angler does his homework and prepares for a entire summer of bass fishing. Maybe even resorting to night fishing. Hot, shallow water conditions, slow the feeding habits of bass. These are bass that through many years of survival, that have learned to conserve their very needed energy. Especially when the shallows appear to reach a near boiling point. But their demeanor can suddenly change. These bass can instantly chase down most meals but they do not go after every potential meal that comes their way. However, like said, they must eat. But some must be enticed to strike. 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. Preparing yourself to avoid heat stroke is of the utmost importance. 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. But you have to be in good physical condition to endure a long, hot day of fishing for them as well. 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. Experience is the best teacher. Remember, practice makes perfect. You need to fish daily to stay on top of what these bass are doing. almost on a daily basis. 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), watching Roland Martin or Bill Dance on T V. 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. But during the summer months the menu is as big as it gets. They also consume prey such as crayfish, frogs, rodents, small snakes, lizards, eels, worms and a variety of insects, while feeding daily all throughout hot, stale backwaters. Even baby ducks and small, bank-running creatures beware! As bass grow older they learn to adapt. These older, much bigger and much wiser bass learn through years of experience 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 – These places exist on all of Alabama's Lakes and cool places displaying water temperatures cooler than surrounding waters 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 the mid-to-far back ends of major feeder creeks. Even small creeks, incoming streams, incoming feeder rivers, the lake's headwaters (around dam discharge areas) and especially, spring-fed creeks, can all be as much as 10 degrees cooler than main lake waters. * These places are like "magnets" as they draw in all species of bass. Both predator and prey can gather in these spots all throughout the month of June, July and August. Often, right on into the month of September (during the early Fall period), which can still display 90 degree days in Alabama. You will still see numbers of bass gather here. Many of these “bass of summer” have gathered in these spots by mid-to-late summer's end. They are often bunched up in these very desirable waters for as much as four months. * These previously mentioned “cool water spots”, can have water temperatures as much as 10 degrees cooler than main lake waters. A water temperature gauge is a very valuable tool to have on your boat…year round. Have one installed on your boat or use a held model temp gauge. 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. You just may have to look for it. Just like the bass your after. A little searching with a good map, fish /depth finder, and a water temperature gauge is required by the angler. For when your increasing the odds, of a better chance of any amount of consistent success while fishing this summer…its always good! Many species of fish inhabit these cooler waters during summer. So do baitfish and crustaceans. They are all preyed upon by striped bass, white bass, spotted bass, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. Even bream, catfish and crappie like them too! Many of both predator and prey, take a liking to these comfortable surroundings and often, most bass species will remain here –- often gathering in huge numbers -- all throughout the entire summer season. 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. The more active these bass are, the more bites you will get. Suggestions; AQUATIC WEEDS - Aquatic weeds are found on most Alabama lakes growing thick by late summer. They always hold a lot of bass, bait fish 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. And Big Bass. 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 bigger 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. They provide excellent ambush spot opportunities 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 deeper water. These types of cover are also located along cooler water spots in the deeper 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 easily returning to 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 summer long. 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, marinas and boat houses attract bass and baitfish all summer long. Any shade is good. 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. So should you. 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 tips on fishing Alabama's Lakes this summer season, and for suggestions for using the many lures and techniques it takes to catch them. When other anglers may struggle. DAY OR NIGHT FISHING - 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 in shallow water year-round deep bass can be found as well. With a little searching that is. If it gets just to hot to continue fishing during the day, you can always 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, 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. DAYTIME 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 during the daylight hours. Daytime fishing now means protecting yourself with sunscreen, wearing sunglasses, wide brimmed hats and having plenty of iced down water and drinks on board 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. * Always have two small hand towels in your cooler (2 per person) to rotate every 30 minutes and wrap around your head or neck area. This will help cool you down tremendously! NIGHTTIME FISHING - Fishing after the sun goes down, always means preparing your rods, reels and tackle beforehand. This is important. Preparation means knowing where everything is after dark. Boat preparation too. Such as checking running lights, aerators, bilge pumps, fully-charged (or replaced) fire extinguishers and boat batteries, including 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 safety 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 other boaters. Many boaters are killed each summer by some other careless boater. You must have your boats lights on when running at night, early dawn or during late evening trips. Even when fishing along the bank at night, lights on 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 spot light. 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 your boat at night. Always bring spare items such as fuses, bulbs and especially; Dry clothes, a lighter and fire starting material like paper, 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. Life jackets for each person on board the boat. CREELS There are also 13-15 inch fish length limits and 13-15 inch slot limits on certain lakes. Check with the state, local tackle stores, water patrol or marinas, before you unknowingly break the rules. BEFORE YOUR TRIP You should always 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 your 16 years or older. Or chance getting a costly ticket. 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 season. Thanks, and be safe this summer season...Reed Good Fishin' |
Fishing Alabama • Reed's Guide Service • Reed Montgomery
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