Today we’re talking about my top four bass baits for the month of July. Now, it doesn’t matter if you’re fishing on the West Coast, the East Coast, up North, or down South, July means one thing: it’s hot and it’s summertime. So, these baits are perfect for summertime bass fishing. If you watch my videos, you know my rule for summertime bass fishing: deeper, thicker, and current. We’re going to cover four baits today that are perfect for those scenarios and ideal for the hot month of July. Let’s dive in!
First up, we’re starting in the North, where I live. My number one bait for the month of July is the good old-fashioned drop shot. If you’re new to fishing and don’t know what a drop shot is, it’s basically a bait and a hook above a leader anywhere from 6 to 8 inches on the short side, down to two feet on the long side, with the weight on the bottom. This setup is perfect for finesse applications when fish move deeper.
In many parts, fish are transitioning from the spawn and post-spawn to deeper waters in early summer, and by July they can be found in 10 to 40 feet of water. The drop shot gets down to the bottom, but the magic is that the bait hovers in place above the weight, mimicking natural forage. Depending on the depth and conditions, you’ll need different weights – from an eighth ounce for shallow water to half an ounce for deeper areas. Pair this with a 4-inch finesse worm or a flatworm, and you’re set for Northern bass.
Next, let’s talk about my second favorite bait for the Northern half of the country in July: the jig. Specifically, a skirted jig. In the hot month of July, I like to scale my jigs down, and the Missile Mini Flip Jig is a great choice. Pair this with a 3-inch craw trailer, and you’ve got a bait that can get into thick cover like docks, laydowns, and grass. In July, bass tend to hide in these thick cover areas to escape the heat. Using a compact jig allows you to fish these spots effectively. The smaller profile of the jig means more bites in tougher conditions. This setup is perfect for fishing near cover where you want to use a fiber guard to avoid snags and catch those hidden bass.
Now, let’s move to the Southern part of the country for my third bait: the big worm. A giant worm, like the 10-inch ribbon tail from Berkley, is perfect for July in the South. Big worms are great because they offer a substantial meal, which is appealing to bass in hot weather when they may only eat once or twice a day. You can Texas rig it with a 3/8- to 5/16-ounce weight and a big hook, and it’s perfect for fishing in grass or soft cover. You can also use a shaky head if you’re fishing in gravel or rocky areas, or a Carolina rig for even more versatility. Big worms are great because they’re versatile and can be used in various styles to match different conditions.
Finally, my fourth bait for the South in July is the big crankbait. Not just any crankbait, but a magnum crankbait with a big lip that can dive 17 to 25 feet deep. One of my favorites is the Berkley Dredger Crankbait, which comes in various sizes to hit those deep ranges.
When fishing deeper waters like ledges, points, or riprap, it’s crucial to have a crankbait that can hit the bottom and create that necessary contact. This triggers bites from bass that are hanging out in the deeper, cooler water. The key is to use colors that match the water clarity: chartreuse and blue for stained water, green gizzard for clear water, and citrus shad for a mix of both.
There you have it folks, my top four baits for the month of July. For the North, use a drop shot and a compact jig. For the South, go with a big worm and a deep-diving crankbait. Remember, in the summer, it’s all about fishing deeper, thicker, or in current to catch those bass. I hope you enjoyed this breakdown and that it helps you catch more fish this July.
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