The Best Times To Catch Fish During The Summer Months
- By: Justin Ritchey
- on
Fishing is tough during the dog days of summer.
And as we start to head later into summer, that window of opportunity to catch quality fish shortens.
So in this video, you’ll learn:
- What lures work best during your prime summer fishing times
- Why DO2 and water temperatures are important
- Dissecting the morning versus the evening bite
- And much more
Check it out!
Best Times To Fish During Summer [VIDEO]
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We reviewed a ton of information so here’s a timestamped table of contents:
- 0:51 – DO2 and water temperatures (why it’s important)
- 2:24 – It sounds early but this is the best time to fish
- 3:05 – When the fishing shuts down (and why)
- 4:25 – Grass flats and oxygen levels
- 5:16 – We have eyelids, fish do not
- 6:26 – Finding the feeding window in hotter temperatures
- 9:03 – Morning vs evening bite
- 11:50 – The short window to fish
- 13:46 – Why topwater is so productive
- 14:31 – After the topwater bite dies, what to use next
- 15:56 – Lures you must have for a search bait during the summer
- 19:35 – When to change things up
- 21:34 – Don’t forget this (year-round)
- 22:23 – Here’s your arsenal of lures for the summer bite
- 24:04 – Have heavier jig heads with you to fish in deeper water
- 26:17 – Fishing ledges and channels
Here are the lures we discussed:
- Slam Shady 2.0
- Gold Digger (Insider Only)
- Moonwalker
- Heddon Super Spook Jr.
- Slam Shady Bomber
- Alabama Leprechaun
Have any questions about times to target fish during the summer?
Let me know down in the comments!
And if you know someone who wants to stop getting skunked, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
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Great post! This helped me solve my summer drought.
How about night hours under lights on your boat?
Dock lights can also be extremely productive this time of year! They require a little bit more finesse and casting skill, but the rewards are worth it!
Nice job Justin and Wyatt, very informative content and presentation was awesome. Very instructive. Thanks Guys
Thanks so much James! Glad you enjoyed this one sir!
Thanks Guys!
Very informative,
What are your thoughts on popping corks w/ artificials on these summer days? Too Active/aggressive? In the deeper water as the bite slows?
Thanks!
Thank you Neal! I think popping corks definitely have their place, and are likely more effective in slightly deeper water (4′ and deeper). Paired with a Gulp! Shrimp or Power Prawn Jr and a light jig head (1/8oz—3/16oz) I think they could work very well for Trout & even Redfish as the water warms up later in the morning.
Awesome! Thanks! I haven’t used popping corks in 40 years, since my live bait days. But the popping cork w/artificials videos Salt Strong has presented (like Wyatt’s “salvaged popping cork” video) has me rethinking them as an alternative option in my arsonal.
Tight Lines!
I never hear you talk about using a Red Fish magic I switch the bodies out to a slam shady or f r e d and have been catching some beautiful Red Fish up to 50 inches.
Hey Mike! Great job man! Wyatt has actually done an AWESOME review on the Redfish Magic. Check it out when you have a chance, he does a great job breaking down the Pros & Cons of the Redfish Magic and when to use it: Redfish Magic Review: Pros, Cons, & On-The-Water Footage (saltstrong.com)
Would a springfed creek be a better Area to fish because of cooler water?
I would definitely think so. But the challenge there might be that the area will have a significantly different salinity level, which might push the baitfish (and predator fish) to a higher-saline environment. There are times that areas around Crystal River are absolutely loaded with Redfish and Snook closer to the springfed creek mouths, but it tends to be more during the winter months (where that spring temperature is warmer than the colder flats). I’d say give it a try and compare it against a non-springfed creek and let us know!
Nice discussion guys. I like the idea of using a bomber as a search bait instead of a topwater. Problem with topwater is you only get to use it for a short period then the rod sits in the back for the rest of the morning (I’m too lazy to change out the lure). Only issue I found with getting on the water before sunrise is those dang mosquitoes. They can be brutal.
I’ve always had “sweet blood”, so the mosquitos are always drawn to me as well. A Thermacell work wonders (Tony doesn’t leave the ramp without it this time of the year).
Great video guys. The fishing is so much better early and late. It’s warmer at sunset, but the big fish start moving at dusk, that’s when I mainly fish.
Awesome Gary! Get on em’! I’ll be squeezing a few evening trips in as well later this month.
I just caught 2 nice flounder(door mats) on the am sb
Awesome, Steve!
Covering water during peak times is the best approach to getting more bites. One of the oldest and truest old truths still stands; when tournament fishing; more presentations = more bites all things being equal.
Keep your lure wet as much as possible and show it to as many fish as you can and you’ll up-level your chances. Topwater & Paddle Tails are pretty much all I have tied on apart from a suspending jerk bait/twitch bait when I know I’m on a school and just want to pick em apart.
Nice work covering the fundamentals guys. Always rely on fundamentals anglers and you’ll rarely be be disappointed.
Thanks Chuck, appreciate hearing that. Keep it simple, and efficient, and we will all catch more fish. Tight Lines, Sir!