The Best Bass Lure for Sunny Weather

When the skies are sunny and light penetration into the water is at a maximum, bass typically move into cover such as vegetation, or under cover such as boat docks. They seek respite from the sun and its rays, but often also position themselves to ambush prey. The best lure for catching bass in sunny weather is a jig and pig.

  1. The Lure

    • A jig and pig consists of a lead-head jig ranging in size from 1/8 ounce to 1 ounce or heavier and a plastic or pork trailer. The jigs have a fiber weed-guard and a silicone skirt, while the trailers often are shaped to resemble crayfish. Some anglers also use chunks of pork, while others use plastic grubs. Anglers generally choose natural jig and trailer colors – greens and browns, for example – when fishing in clear water, and darker colors such as black and purple in stained or muddy water.

    Cover

    • When the sun shines, bass move far underneath docks, or into the heaviest vegetation they find. They also may move under trees that hang over the shoreline, or into thick, emergent vegetation such as lily pads and bulrushes. Jigs and pigs, which are among the most snag-free lures available, can be fished in all types of cover. Anglers who are the most successful catching bass in sunny conditions target the heaviest cover they can find and cast a jig and pig into it. While they may lose lures from time to time, they also catch larger fish.

    Bottom Fishing

    • One of the best ways to fish jigs and pigs is directly on the bottom. This is especially true when the sun is shining and fish are not actively feeding. Cast the jig and pig into the cover and allow it to sink to the bottom. Once it hits the bottom, shake the rod tip slightly, which will cause the jig skirt to flutter and the trailer to dance. Though the motion is slight, it can be enough to draw a strike from a bass. Move the jig slowly out of the cover with short hops.

    Swimming

    • Sunny skies do not always send bass scurrying for the heaviest cover they can find. That is particularly true when they live in stained- or muddy-water environments. While they still will be around cover such as boat docks and vegetation, they are more likely to actively chase baits. As a result, trying a swimming presentation can be effective. Cast the jig and pig in and around cover and reel it back. When retrieved through the water, the jig and pig resembles a fish. Vary the speed at which you retrieve it, as well as the depth at which you retrieve it.