How To Catch Bass In The Heat! ( Its Easy! )

Quit struggling when its hot! Bass become really predictable on hot days. If you know where to look and what to throw, catching fish is no problem... even in the hottest weather! If you're going to go to the lake and sweat, you might as well learn the right places to fish. Pay close attention as Tim points out key cover elements and demonstrates the baits he uses to pick them apart.
Many anglers give up on fishing during the day during the heat of Summer. They switch to night fishing or just give up all together. However, there are a few anglers that understand what a huge help the heat can be to fish positioning and predictability. The hotter it gets, the easier it is to catch the bass! When the peak of Summer heat arrives, shallow bass position under the thickest pieces of overhead cover. If you're looking down an entire bank of shallow cover you can instantly see the 2 or 3 spots where the largest fish will sit.
With the guess work removed from the equation, all you need are a handful of reliable baits to catch the fish. Below you'll find links to our favorite flipping baits, frogs, and swim jigs. We've included the best sizes, our favorite colors, as well as the gear we use to fish them effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
PUNCHING BAITS...
-Big Bite BFE Creature: bit.ly/2Ce0tf7
Colors: Tilapia, Hematoma, Black Blue Flake
-Jackall Archelon: bit.ly/2uo4sN5
Colors: Black Blue Silver, School Bluegill
-Reaction Innovations Kinky Beaver: bit.ly/2XQ1kJ1
Colors: Hematoma, Penetration, Tramp Stamp
PUNCHING COMPONENTS...
Weight- Swagger Tungsten Vader 1.5 oz: bit.ly/2NjDYtV
Straight Shank Hook- Owner 4X Jungle Flippin (4/0): bit.ly/2G5aQTk
Wide Gap Hook- Owner Jungle Wide Gap (4/0): bit.ly/2sBsR1Z
Stops- VMC Sinker Stops (Large): bit.ly/38XLQd4
FROGS...
Small- Jackall Kaera: bit.ly/2Fz6SA3
Colors: Black gill, Glitter Hasu, Glitter Bluegill
Medium- River2Sea Bully Wa 2 (65): bit.ly/2axyR2a
Colors: Ghost, Little, Allen, Yellow Head
Large- Spro King Daddy: bit.ly/2h0LCYd
Colors: Killer Gill, Midnight Walker, Outback
SWIM JIGS...
-California Swim Jig: bit.ly/2auXfmx
Colors: Crappie, Tactical Shad, Alabama Bream
-Dirty Jigs No-Jack Swim Jig: bit.ly/2dIVUMd
Colors: Crappie, Tactical Shad, Threadfin Shad
SWIM JIG TRAILERS...
-River2Sea D Walker: bit.ly/2NwqBmz
Colors: PB Red, Shamrock Shad, Green Pumpkin Red
-Gambler EZ Swimmer: bit.ly/2OLlyUf
Colors: Alewife, Electric One, Ghost Shad
-13 Fishing Pleasure Shad: bit.ly/3A4F4hx
Favorite Colors: Black and Tan, Collard Greens, Witches Brew
PUNCHING COMBO...
Rod- Shimano Expride 7'11" XH: bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Reel- Metanium MGL 150B (XG): bit.ly/34HlAAk
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: bit.ly/2clBRiQ
FROG COMBO...
Rod- Shimano Expride 7'3" XH: bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Reel- Metanium MGL 150B (HG): bit.ly/34HlAAk
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: bit.ly/2clBRiQ
SWIM JIG COMBO...
Rod- Shimano Expride 7'6" Heavy: bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Reel- Shimano Metanium DC (HG): bit.ly/2qrSZvs
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: bit.ly/2clBRiQ
BUDGET HEAVY-COVER COMBO...
Rod- Shimano SLX 7'2" Heavy: bit.ly/2L3wppO
Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT: bit.ly/2BRTYL8
Line- Power Pro 65 lb Braid: bit.ly/2aFg46b
WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR?
We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here...
TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: bit.ly/38YpPIz
_________________________________________________________________
Major Equipment We Use Daily...
Trolling Motor- Minn Kota Ultrex 112: bit.ly/2vFQypW
Electronics- Humminbird Solix 15: bit.ly/35HuPRY
Anchors- Minn Kota Talons: bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Net- Frabill Conservation PLD 2612: bit.ly/3kdZ3kA
Camera- GoPro Hero 9: bit.ly/2KQ0VEI
Favorite Tools and Gear…
Favorite Storage Box: bit.ly/3kngvEG
Favorite sunglasses: bit.ly/3cLH0kl
Favorite Pliers: bit.ly/2MpUBEr
Favorite life jacket: bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite Scale: bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Favorite Lure Retriever: bit.ly/2TLTJc6
Favorite Braid Cutters: bit.ly/2NQ2jbH
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
________________________________________________________________
If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!
#Summer #BassFishing #Fishing

[@jacobhorvath1817]

Unrelated to the video but wanted to thank the Tim & Matt for teaching me that a predator fish is a predator fish when they are fired up and feeding on a school of bait fish. This past week I was able to catch my first saltwater fish without a guide applying the principles. Using a flouresnce swim bait on a jig head to stand out with a erratic retrieve I was able to catch two speckled trout. It wasn't much but it meant a lot to me that I was able to do it without a guide. Thanks again!

[@tacticalbassin]

That is awesome! Nice work Jacob!!

[@proxcuber4741]

Who else thinks Matt and Tim should fish a tournament together and post a vid about it? Would be epic!!!

[@AlexBulldogGarcia]

I 45th that! Hahaha

[@joegrande4848]

They would win I'm sure

[@SoSaysYou]

Too much nonsense. They are already winning with what they do now.

[@dannyyork3742]

That would be epic, I think they would do good! I'd say they have already done this in Cali. But be fun to post vid bout it.

[@dakota2842]

1000% agree

[@mylesclark3136]

This is probably one of the best videos Iv seen for finding bass in the heat so far. Thanks so much!

[@Krazy_KZs_Garage]

Just sitting down to learn about catching bass in the heat since it’s hot here in Florida, and came across this. Outstanding video. Very informative, and helpful from your vantage point. I really appreciate you taking the time to put everything into an 18 minute video. On a sidenote, I got a 6.1 pounder this week from a northern Florida lake, and it was hot and humid, but I caught him at 7:30 AM - Much appreciated stuff here.

[@bassbarge]

I needed this video, lord it's been tough lately with the heat and water temp

[@anthonyvalore]

Real tough!!!

[@northeastodc3921]

Thanks for being out there and sharing with us

[@gregrogers3579]

Love the videos guys, me and my bride are working hard to learn how to catch these BASS. All these videos help. Keep it up

[@jayteefishing1543]

Great tips Tim! You guys keep the great videos coming!

[@willperryman4559]

That’s so cool that you went to the weighin for the high school championship, my nephew fished, and finished in the top 50, and had an amazing experience, and met so many pros and learned the depth of the industry.✊🎣✅

[@tacticalbassin]

It was really cool meeting so many high school anglers from across the country.

[@panzerdivizzion]

Great video and great advice! I caught the biggest Bass of my life today in a shallow warm river. Used a hula popper under a shade tree.

[@all-americanlambs1596]

@tacticalbassin just saw this video and wanted highlight that those red arrows where you pointed to look for action were so helpful. Bifocals can’t hardly pick up where most casts land until the fish has been pulled far toward angler. Using these arrows for directly our attention certainly could help those like me to see where to focus and follow the action for learning. Thanks so much!

[@thereelpistolpeteoutdoors8037]

I always struggle catching numbers in the summer. Awesome video Im ready get out there and apply what I learned today. You and Matt are excellent teachers keep up the good work! 🎣🤘🏾

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you! Good luck out there

[@stpbasss3773]

I love the summer, Texas rigged weightless soft plastics is all you need.

[@robbiejones5676]

This channel needs 10 million subscribers! Hands down one of the best!

[@MrKenrob13]

Thanks for another excellent teaching video guys 💯 the best of the best🎣🤘🎣

[@mikemason4792]

Thanks for all the information. Your videos are great.

[@nrt440]

Great video Tim, short and straight to the point thank you for the info Nigel ( Chicago )

[@fernandosantiago8451]

Great video! Thank you for all the information!

[@mikee9464]

Awesome video. This should help me with the summer bank fishing hopefully

[@jaaypriest1018]

Love seeing that replay of the 8.8lber you caught earlier this year punching on Headwaters Tim! Love that lake! My first time there, first fish I caught was a 7.98lb postspawner on May 8th flipping a 5" Senko...

[@tacticalbassin]

it is a cool fishery for sure. Congrats on the post spawn giant!

[@coreyhardisty5312]

5” senkos are killing it for me this summer

[@malcolmzoll7613]

Great video I learn something every time I watch one of your videos👍

[@justafishlover3434]

As a new newbie fisherman I appreciate the videos you guys make! Keep it up!

[@melissaramirez6352]

The video was very helpful thanks. 😊

[@rlsoutdoors997]

Thank you for this video guys!!!!

[@BrownBaitCo]

Can not wait to watch this!!

[@IronmanT19889]

Mid 90s !! Must be nice. Running 110 here in west texas right now

[@JoseMartinez-dq4km]

Great tips awesome channel keep up the good work

[@davidphen9129]

Hey Tim great video very informative , would love to see this video from a bank fishing perspective for those of us that don't have bass boat

[@sleetherookie2929]

Looking for flipping and pitching heavy cover from the bank tip videos but can’t find much. I had to learn it myself and figured it out. I have a few videos on how I flip and pitch thick grass, cat tails, and tullies from the bank on public pressured ponds.

[@rodcashman4793]

Great info. Keep bring them.

[@john__photography]

Great video Tim!

[@Everydayfishing]

There are lots of docks on my home lake so thats usually where we focus on hot days... still seems to be difficult to catch numbers of fish though. It feels like larger groups of fish are off-shore on rock piles - I've had success catching them on spoons or blade baits. Fishing in the heat is definitely the hardest time of year for me but I'm going to keep working on it - thanks for the additional info!

[@davidkavetsky2377]

So true.. unless you have good sonar it's tuff to find brushpiles and ledges

[@dovejoshua]

86 Tegrees sounds exceptionally hot!!! Lol. Great video as usual. Love your guys channel. Its top 3 on all.of KZbin if you ask me.

[@TheSDup]

You guys are awesome! Followed these tips and hit some bass last night (almost 90 degrees). Great content!!

[@nolebucnaround8350]

Good advice and this is the majority of how I like to fish on my lake and just out in general. Sun up and a few hours prior to dusk always produces the best for me. I am super fortunate to live in central Florida smack dab in the middle of the state, great fishing lakes are all around. Good luck and tight lines.

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

🔥🔥 hot summer time fishing,great job Tim,did I miss the night time or is there one coming??

[@BrownBaitCo]

Awsome video! Great tips

[@commeloa6608]

Thanks for another great vudeo

[@rickpurcell4920]

Tim, on down here on the north end of Ky Lake TVA is doing the slow drop to winter pool. The have moved off the shore, and we don’t have any grass, to the first structure/cover, which here is either brushpiles or boat docks.

[@jda3comics693]

Thanks for the video I’ve caught 7bass in July nothing yet in august I use yums sinkos 5 inch

[@rljones0046]

“86.3 Tegrees” lol I’m just messing with ya! Love the channel! You guys don’t know how much you’ve improved my fishing and hurt my pockets lol! Keep the vids coming!

[@chadsullivan3811]

As always tacticalbassin is on point! Are there any plans on returning to Oklahoma?? If so I would love to see y'all at lake konawa I promise you will not be disappointed.

[@codycampbell6032]

Phoenix in the house! Thanks for the great content!

[@FishingwithLamJam]

We were at the championship too on the Chick. wish we could have seen ya! Enjoy your videos. my son's team competed in that tournament and finished in the top 50.

[@CanadianBasserman]

Love breaking out a sweat for some summer bass!! haha

[@nickfountain8420]

Only go out in the middle of the night during the summer. That's the only way to go!

[@ashina5924]

The water you drinks after is the best

[@CanadianBasserman]

@@nickfountain8420 haha! either way as long as we both on fish its all good!

[@CanadianBasserman]

@@ashina5924 Gotta bring a nice frozen bottle of water!

[@TheBaitmanTV]

Have you guys had may flies still lingering? Actually got on a topwater pattern the other morning utilizing them and a popper up shallow

[@ronnasonjr4857]

Another good bunch of Info Tim! Did you guys do a video of why you left the "Bass Factory" and came east? Just curious, Thanks again!

[@chrisblotevogel7599]

Thanks for the good tips! Don't listen to the negative comments, haters gonna hate! Keep up the good work!

[@paulharris2194]

July and August has always been the best fishing month for me. I consistently catch bigger fish in July/August than the pre-spawn and Spawning months! I guess it just plays into my fishing style better, IDK, good video Tim.

[@davidkavetsky2377]

Me too..I'm in FL and don't have sonar so I'm always fishing the pads n docks

[@BigDirtDawg]

@@davidkavetsky2377 i caught a 5 and 7lb within the last week here in lake county Florida. Right off the little doc in my back yard. And it’s been blazing hot

[@titaniumcrayon3090]

I was out yesterday, they where destroying the popper all day in the shallows. I couldn’t believe it because I expected it to slow down after the sun came out. I just kept it close to the cover and it was magic, then what I couldn’t get with the popper I threw a chatterbait and picked up another couple 3lbers

[@helotaxi]

94 degree water temp on Lake Havasu last week. Still found some super shallow with the kayak but they were really spooky.

[@bobbycrowe5872]

Good stuff!

[@vinosfinostapasandwinebar5109]

Love the topic but the NC lake I fish has few overhanging trees as the ground gives away. There are some laydowns that happen as a result but not many. When they designed the lake they cut trees down all around the lake about 10 yards from the shore. There is little vegetation as it is a highland reservoir that goes deep 10 feet from bank.. Finding the schools is the hard part as they suspend off the ledges. Lots of bait fish. Lake has nice ledges. No boat docks only bridges which supply any shade. Can you address these issues in future videos. Love what you and Matt do. Have learned a lot.

[@CTRadventures]

I feel ya bro, Central FL here, by 930a it's unbearably hot, water temps 87

[@bkw664]

I have worn out 4 frogs in last 2 months fishing heavy cover. I have land over 150 bass on different lakes beating the banks with heavy structure and shade pockets. Texas heat is no joke. High 90s and water temp on the 2 lakes I hit this weekend was 86 and 84.

[@jessecooper9795]

Worn out 4 megabass frogs since spring. Don't tell them about shade pockets lol!

[@user-by6yc8yl7v]

Worn out 4 frogs in 2 months? What frogs are you using?? I have a spro poppin bronzeeye with 150+ largemouth on it over a couple years. You must be ON EM!!

[@casey9207]

@@user-by6yc8yl7v I haven’t caught a single fish with my frog do you have any tips fishing a frog lure

[@jessecooper9795]

91 degree water temp and been smoking them shallow on a frog and buzzbait! 💪🎣

[@fishnmaster421]

I have a extra small ice chest/cooler to dip my wicker fishing shirt in. I’ll wet my sleeves or the shoulders and neck part of my shirt in that I’ve water. And it automatically drops my body temp way down.

[@chucknorris4870]

I’m up in Michigan where the water is starting to cool down already and having hard time locating them. Currently water temp is 67

[@tacticalbassin]

The summer to fall transition happens pretty quickly. As your overnight air temps drop, those fish start to move. We will do a video on this very topic soon.

[@AngryOtter614]

The real Chuck Norris would intimidate the fish to bite.

[@chucknorris4870]

@@AngryOtter614 real original

[@ironworkerjoewilliams1544]

Feels great in East Tennessee right now tho How would you approach that weather change

[@WONDES984]

this is teh best brother

[@toddwinegar7365]

Yeah but I can't wait till the FALL is upon US! IDK about anyone else but freaking JULY was dink city for me, almost nothing but young buck's. It's been too hot but more than that ,it's been too dry here in the Tennessee River Valley. Even at night only decent ones:/ . I am so STOKED to fish my new SB-105's so far the juvies have been crushing the SB. Thanks Tim and TB for that one.

[@adamfournier6735]

Is there anything your change further south where the water temps get into the mid 90's? I was fishing a lake here last weekend, and the surface temp was 95 degrees on 10' deep flat, dropping to about 92 degrees in the 25-30' deep section.

[@ZainKhan-kg6qr]

obvi it isnt arizona or texas, but it's been really hot these past few weeks in chicago. this was a great video

[@gamingwithbean7961]

Just got into bass fishing out here and Arizona and man has it been hard to get any bass out here in the heat. I bank so the sun kills me, but honestly nothing feels better than just whipping the baitcaster around even if I don't get a fish. Just the nice calm water and the screaming sound of your reel as your bait goes flying out can't be beat.

[@darrenhall7990]

Yesterday it was 106° in Southern California, Lake Perris. Surface temp was 86°. Fricken rough. Those fish were between 35-45 ft. No shallow bite. Grant you i had my wife and 2 small kids. It was more of a "getting them acclimated to the boat" Couldn't concentrate with a 4 and a 6 year old on the boat. At least we went out with the family.

[@SouthernBonesOutdoors]

So I fish Chickamauga and I heard rumor that yall were here. I would love to meet you guys

[@alexjag5778]

Did you see at 7:58 the huge squid 🦑 that surfaced ?

[@yakin_n_bassin8203]

Good stuff as always... mid summer imma always look for the heaviest overhead cover and in the deepest of water (relative)

[@joshuagreene9976]

87 degrees here on Douglas Lake, Dandridge TN today.

[@jacoblutton0606]

Have you ever fished on Douglas lake? It's about 2 hours from Chickamauga Lake.

[@TeloMeto420]

In Florida the weedless frogs over the lillypads catches bass almost year round. Especially since its hot 90% of the year

[@Terdfertersen]

When using baits like the California swim jig how do you cast into heavy cover without getting hung up?

[@SparksFlyin]

So I’m assuming bass will swim through heavy grass and brush? Like pushing their head through to get to small shaded opening?

[@knevares4165]

Would LOVE to see you guys make a video on pitching properly without ruining your elbow. Thanks.

[@willieketcher8579]

Will skipping a fluke style under the overhang trees work to?

[@austinbuerer6632]

How far is that bank from you? And a better question. How far away do you keep the boat from the area you're fishing?

[@ismaeltr3103]

I go a lake where there’s no trees close by and I don’t have a boat to do deep fishing so do I use a heavy rig?

[@karlchandler7246]

Its been nice and cool here in upstate NY in the 70s and low 80s but its been tought trying to catch bass.....i went out today fished for about 6 hourse and only caught 2 small bass

[@robertheller8232]

Do you take into account where the thermogenesis is and how does it play into your decision where to fish

[@jacobzachary5631]

86... That's it... Wow... I'd kill for that right now... 94 on the lake we fish our Wednesday tourneys on last week

[@richardgutierrez4621]

How about California lakes with no vegetation on any shore line. Just some rock or submerged stems from bushes no grass or pads?

[@jonathanbeck8659]

I would try any type of shade then. Fishing docks etc. If there is no shade then deeper water.

[@MrMeek79]

This is what I stick to in the summer. Flipping jigs and creature baits (stick baits or craws as well) on the shaded banks,and the trusty ol dropshot rig in the areas that have a lot of shade,like coves. Best thing I’ve found that works

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

Nice Rod&Reel suggestions, an Expride (200€) with a Methanium (400€) on top. 🤣🤣 Tim you are magical 🥳🥳

[@tacticalbassin]

Those are what we really use. But don't miss that 4th combo... its there for the guy who doesn't want to spend every penny on his gear 👍

[@MWM92688]

Easy, lol I went kayak fishing Friday caught one 4 pounder, did a lot of swearing and thought I was gonna die of a heatstroke lol, not easy but worth it!!

[@kieranmccabe4061]

Probably a dumb question, but does bait color matter during low light conditions? like at the end of the day when the sun is going down, Thanks.

[@ship4427]

"86 tagrees", "bankth" yeah its hot out there😅. Thanx for the knowledge.

[@florida951sooner.6]

Didn’t get out of the 80’s last night here in Florida

[@dylanrabe7259]

It was really hot where I live but recently the past couple days, it has cooled off to the mid to high 70s. How will that effect the fish? Would dock fishing still be effective and fishing around weed beds still work? I assume it would right?

[@latch360]

They're always under docks. Takes patience.

[@CTRadventures]

Needed this video here in Central Florida it's unbearable by 10a water temps 87

[@brintbailey2319]

I just got my first boat in June. Been fishing 3 times with it. Still got a skunk in the boat. This GA heat is bad. I hope this helps me Thursday.

[@trevorandrew8726]

Which areas in GA you fishing around?

[@brintbailey2319]

@@trevorandrew8726 northwest. Allatoona mostly

[@kurtisw7034]

You guys should do a podcast.... PLEASE!

[@wwedryingpepper7314]

The state of Massachusetts barely has any bass my water gets to cold for them also my Rivers has more pike and common carp

[@cabinvibeetsystore9094]

New sub. Liked 👍🌞😊

[@SoSaysYou]

I have the hardest time remembering to set the hook when I feel nothing. I'm pretty sure I've lost a ton of bass thinking my lure was just free from the grass😭

[@8.21productions9]

man… I could only dream of having mats to be able to punch. I fish ponds and some rez’s 98% of the time. and all i’ve got… is grass in the water, with very very limited structure. and it’s never very deep, but I usually try and hit those deep pockets when I can. but lately, all i’ve been throwing are the big swimbaits trying to catch the bigs. a big glide or soft bait and a big wake bait has been getting it done for me this year.

[@thetexanist]

22 commies disliking this video. I’m 3/4ths of the way through, and Tim has t pulled a spinning reel out, so it’s my favorite video of his since day one. Let’s see what happens in the last 1/4th of the video. As always. Love y’all tactical bassin!!!’

[@tacticalbassin]

Bahahaha!

[@leelandknight4754]

I live in Tennessee tooooooo

[@gewglesux]

At what depth is that water temp?

[@romesmith1164]

What rod are you using

[@eagleeye9549]

What if you fish a bowl lake?... nothing but soft bottom and few weeds along the edges, and only five docks. Deepest part 20'...I know they are there I caught several big ones in the fall.

[@shannonpeters7937]

Have I learned something? Is that even a question? I study each and everyone of your videos, and even take notes… Literally take notes. I have become a far more successful angler thanks to Tactical Bassin!

[@hillbillybassfisherman8181]

it over 105 an the fish bite anything you throw out there.Lakes got better since they shut the country down over the last year.here they closed all access ramps to the lake really got them booming now gave the fish a break