When the summer sun is high and the water temps start to climb, bass behavior changes—and so should your bait selection. Hard baits continue to dominate summer bass fishing trends thanks to their versatility, aggressive action, and ability to cover water quickly. Here’s a breakdown of the top hard baits to use this summer to trigger strikes from even the laziest lunkers.
Topwater Walkers and Poppers
Nothing beats the thrill of a topwater explosion. In early morning or late evening hours, when the water surface is calm, walking baits like the Zara Spook or poppers like the Rebel Pop-R shine. These baits mimic injured baitfish and frogs, making them irresistible during the summer feeding windows.
Pro Tip: Use braid for better hooksets and castability, especially around vegetation.
Lipless Crankbaits for Open Water
Lipless crankbaits like the Rat-L-Trap are summer go-tos for fishing submerged grass beds, flats, and points. Their tight wobble and high-frequency vibration excel in warmer water when bass are chasing shad or bluegill.
Trending Technique: Yo-yo retrieves mimic dying baitfish and are gaining traction among tournament anglers.
Squarebill Crankbaits for Shallow Cover
When bass tuck under docks, rocks, or timber during the heat of the day, squarebill crankbaits are a must. Their deflection action helps bounce off cover without getting hung up. Summer favorites include the KVD 1.5 or Berkley Squarebull.
SEO Alert: “Best crankbait for shallow bass in summer” is a hot keyword phrase—perfect for boosting visibility.
Deep Diving Crankbaits
In reservoirs and lakes, bass often retreat to deeper ledges and drop-offs. This is where deep-diving crankbaits like the Strike King 6XD come into play. Chartreuse or blueback hues match baitfish in deeper waters.
Pro Tip: Use a longer rod (7’6″ or more) to help cast farther and get the bait down faster.
Jerkbaits for Suspended Summer Bass
Though traditionally seen as spring baits, suspending jerkbaits are making a summer comeback—especially for targeting finicky fish suspended in the thermocline. They work well on pressured waters where bass are used to crankbaits.
Trending Colors: Ghost minnow, translucent patterns, and UV finishes are popular in clear lakes.
Buzzbaits and Wake Baits for Aggressive Strikes
Buzzbaits and wake baits are great for covering large expanses of water fast. Use them along weedlines, over submerged grass, or around shade lines. Wake baits like the River2Sea Whopper Plopper have become staples for triggering massive reaction strikes.
Summer bass fishing is all about adjusting to changing patterns and using hard baits that keep up with the conditions. From early topwater blowups to midday deep cranking, hard baits remain essential for serious bass anglers. Choose the right bait, match the hatch, and cover water efficiently—and this summer could be your best bass season yet.
Image: kayakanglermag
