By Reed Montgomery

Now. Air temperatures are constantly in that 90-100 degree range 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 mid-90's. Gone are the rituals of spawning and the reckless temperamental ways of the bass. But they are still very catchable fish.

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, scroung around rocks for crayfish and eat and fatten up on a variety of other hapless prey around Alabama's many different types of fish holding aquatic weeds and wood cover. Bass are very suceptable to a variety of offerings, both day and night. Big bass can be caught during the summer months. That is, if an angler does his homework and prepares himself for a entire summer of bass 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 puzzle. A puzzle that often boggles the minds of even the most dedicated, summertime bass angler. 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.

Most bass 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 these 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 are usually the largemouth bass that prefer the confines of shallow wood and 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 have gathered in these spots by summer's end and they are often bunched up in these very desirable waters.

These places can have water temps 10 degrees cooler than main lake waters. All of Alabama's reservoirs and rivers display a cool, fresh source of oxygenated water, current, cooler water, shade and a constant source of food. A little searching with a good map is required by the angler, for increasing the odds of any chance of consistant success.

Many species of fish inhabit these cooler waters during summer. So do the 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.

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

WEEDS - Aquatic weeds are found on most lakes by late summer and they alwayas 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 lily 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 depthfinder. Hidden underwater spots can then be marked with hand held 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.

Shade around piers and boat houses attract bass and baitfish. Shade always displays much cooler water and shade can also be found in creek backwaters, along deep shady, main lake banks, small cuts and pockets, rock bluffs and especially places featuring overhanging trees and bushes, during the middle of the day 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 or your fishing under the stars at night, summer fishing can be very relaxing.

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

DAY OR NIGHT - Versatile anglers have an opportunity to try a different approach. 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.

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

NIGHTTIME FISHING - Fishing after sundown means rod, reel and tackle preparation. Boat preparation too, such as checking running lights, aireators, bilge pumps, fully-charged (or replaced) batteries, spot lights, spare fuses and emergency tools. It also means bringing along necessary items such as mosquito repellent, 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 FIRE STARTING MATERIALS. Throw cushions and a life jacket and 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 also mandatory.

Only Ten / 12 inch bass are allowed per angler on most Alabama Lakes. There are also fish length limits and slot limits on certain lakes. Check with local tackle stores 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 your 16 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.

END:
As mentioned throughout these summer tips there are many ways to catch bass when it gets hot. Preparing your tackle, boat and equipment for night fishing takes a whole day of getting organized. Properly packing necessary items and checking all lights, bilge pumps, aireators and batteries avoids problems later. Trailer bearings and tires must be checked or replaced, its no fun being broke down on the side of the road in the dark.

Emergency tools and safety kits are a must, for anything can happen on an all night fishing trip. Spare fuses, props (for the outboard and trolling motor) oil, gas, food, drinks and ice are hard to get after dark, make sure to make a check list and check off all of these necessary items. Let a loved one at home know where your going, when you will be back and a phone number to call for emergencies when you are gone night fishing. A cell phone can be a life saver. Have an enjoyable day or night fishing trip this summer.

Thanks, and be safe this summer...Reed
Good Fishin'

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