Today, we’re talking about one of the ‘hottest’ times of the year, July fishing. And I mean that literally! No matter where you are…up North, down South, Midwest, or the West Coast, July is full-on summer. The water’s warm, the air’s hot, and the bass are in that classic summer mode.
Now, when we talk about summer fishing, there are three key things you’ve got to remember: deep, thick, or current. That’s where the fish go when things heat up. They either go deep where it’s cooler, hide in thick cover where there’s shade and food, or hang out in current that brings oxygen and bait. With that in mind, I’m giving you my go-to baits for July, organized by region: North and the South.
Top Northern Baits
Jig Head Minnow
Let’s kick it off up North with one of the hottest finesse techniques out there—the jig head minnow. Even if you’re not using forward-facing sonar, this bait still gets it done. It’s money for targeting suspended fish in deep, clear water. I throw it on a 1/8 to 1/4 oz jig head with a 90-degree line tie, which helps keep that bait horizontal, perfect for fish that are roaming in the middle of the water column. My favorite soft plastic?
The Berkley Powerbait Drip Minnow. Stick to simple colors like shad, smoke, or even something with a touch of orange or green to match perch or bluegill. Size-wise, 3″ to 5″ covers it. This bait shines in deeper water or current-related patterns up North.
Drop Shot
Now, if those bass aren’t suspended but instead glued to the bottom, you’ve got to break out the drop shot. It’s a classic for a reason. My setup is simple: a 3.8″ to 5″ straight-tail worm like the Berkley Powerbait Bottom Hopper Worm, rigged with a 1/8 to 1/4 oz weight.
This technique is killer around vertical structures like bridge pilings, steep break lines, or dam walls. If fish are bottom-oriented, the drop shot outperforms almost everything else. I reach for this when I’m fishing steep, vertical areas where bass are hunkered down in the heat.
Punch Rig
And let’s not forget about going thick. Up North, largemouth bass love to hide in heavy grass in July, places like hydrilla, milfoil, and lilly pads. For that, I go with a punch rig. I use a straight shank hook, a pegged 3/4 oz tungsten weight, and a compact, no-flap bait like the Berkley Powerbait Maxscent Creature Hawg Just flip it right into that jungle! This is a big-fish technique, and it works best when bass are tucked deep into the mats or thick cover. My color choices are simple: black and blue when the water’s dirty or it’s cloudy, and green pumpkin candy when it’s clear and sunny.
Top Southern Baits
Big Ribbon Tail Worm
Heading down South, one of my all-time favorite July baits is a Berkley Powerbait Power Worm. We’re talking 8 to 12 inches long, with the 10-inch worm being my go-to. In Texas, Florida, Georgia—this thing is a big-bass magnet. I’ll Texas rig it for brush piles or submerged grass, but it’s super versatile.
Don’t sleep on rigging it Carolina-style, on a shaky head, or even as a trailer on a football jig. That last one is especially deadly on shell beds, ledges, and deep gravel points. Whether it’s rocks, clay, or current breaks, the big worm just gets bit—especially when you want to trigger those bigger southern fish.
Walking Frog
Last but not least—we’ve got to talk about frogging in the South during July. Yes, it’s hot. Yes, the water is in the 90s. But believe me—plenty of bass stay shallow if there’s shade and cover. I’m talking about hydrilla, lily pads, duckweed, overhanging trees, and docks. My go-to is a walking-style frog like the MOLIX Sneaky Frog. It pushes water and walks beautifully, which is key when bass are sitting under thick mats. Earlier in the year, I’d reach for a popping frog, but in July, I want something I can skip under trees or docks and walk right across the top of thick cover. If you’re seeing bait, hearing bluegill popping, or seeing life in the shallows—get that frog out and get ready!
Final Thoughts
So there you go—my top baits for July, split by region to help you dial it in whether you’re up North or down South. Just remember those three key words: deep, thick, or current. Match your bait to where the fish are living, and you’re going to catch more bass—it’s that simple. I hope this helps you guys put more fish in the boat this summer.
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