Fishing Weeds For Bass -- Intimidating, But Prime Location

Weeds. Fishermen know they hold bass. The problem is fishing them effectively. The warm summer months are typically dry and most aquatic vegetation grows fast. With the water shrinking, the vegetation increases, often choking smaller impoundments and concentrating bass. Bass frequently avoid the bright sun by relocating to deeper water. However, in clearer, shallower bodies of water, typical of those found in north central Pennsylvania, the bass will move to heavy weed cover. As the summer sun heats the water, bass migrate to the weedbeds, which block the sun and offer cooler temperatures. Aquatic vegetation is prime habitat providing shade, shelter, and oxygen for the entire food chain.

There are basically three categories of weeds; floating, submerged and emergent. This article will deal with the latter because it is most visible, less difficult to analyze, and easier to fish. One key is to look for any irregular features within a grassbed or weedline. This could be a point of grass that feathers out, an indentation, a cut, or any open pocket. Where two weed types merge or where weeds join wood or rock are prime locations. These transition areas often hold the largest bass. Small juts of exposed land extending into the water should not be overlooked. Don’t be a “chuck-and-chance-it” fisherman, cast to visible targets.

You will also need to focus on vegetation edges that are adjacent to breaks into deeper water. They offer protection, shade, and ambush points for bass. Concentrate on these spots as they often produce numerous fish from one area.

Anglers on foot fishing from the bank often find it difficult to reach productive areas. The thick vegetation can extend far out; making deep-to-shallow water retrieves difficult. One advantage is the weeds act as a buffer concealing our presence. However, often the best approach is to wade fish. Despite the warm water, many anglers feel security in donning waders. Lightweight or breathable styles are the way to go during the summer heat. Wade quietly and watch for drop-offs. I recall wading an unfamiliar pond. My first step barely covered my knees; the second found my hat floating off my head.

Fishing from a boat, canoe, or float tube is the best approach for the deeper water at the edge of the weeds. Directing casts to the choice areas is easier, and fishing shallow-to-deep allows one to work lures through more unobstructed water. Fishing parallel to the leading edge of the weeds keeps your offering in the productive water throughout the retrieve. This is often right at a drop-off, making it a prime location.

Fish by making short casts first, then extend each successive cast. Using this strategy, you are not as likely to alert non-aggressive fish with the cast, or from the lure or line tangling in the weeds. You will also not be pulling hooked fish through water that has yet to be fished.

Lure selection can vary from plastics to spoons, and from surface lures to deer hair bugs and poppers. Streamers imitating baitfish or panfish are also options for fly fishermen. One key is to have weedless offerings. You might just as well resign to the fact that removing weeds or moss from lures is a part of fishing heavy vegetation.

Following a well-planned approach, anglers can reap the rewards of fishing summertime weeds. Make low water and thick weeds work to your advantage. Fish the grass- catch the bass!

Additional Images: