FEATURED LAKES: LOGAN MARTIN AND MITCHELL LAKE
By Reed Montgomery

SUMMER. When it gets hot the bass change their ways of feeding. Water temperatures have soared into the intolerable highs of the upper 80's, on some lakes as high as the low-90's. Gone are the rituals of spawning and the temperamental ways of the bass. Regardless, all these bass do have one thing in common as during the spring spawn. Throughout the upcoming, 'dog days of summer' they all have one thing on their mind and that's eating and fattening up for the summer.

Hot, shallow water conditions, slow the feeding habits of bass, that have learned to conserve needed energy when the shallows reach a near boiling point. Enticing a strike with fake offerings calls for a little coaxing on the part of the dedicated summertime angler . . that is if he can stand the heat. Daytime highs can soar near the 100 degree mark by mid-summer. Like humans, even when it's hot , those BIG Bass must still eat.

BIG BASS that are forced to live out their lives feeding on baitfish, crayfish, frogs, rodents, small snakes, worms and insects in these hot, stale backwaters, learn to adapt. The older, much bigger and much wiser bass, exert little energy, unless they are to be rewarded with any easy-to-catch meal. These are usually the various breeds of largemouth bass that prefer these shallow, backwater-type habitats.

COOL SPOTS in other, much more attractive areas of our lakes are feeder creeks or small streams, incoming feeder rivers, lake headwaters, around dam discharge areas and up in spring-fed creeks. These places are like "magnets" as they draw in all species of predator and prey throughout June, July and August and on into Fall. This is where all of Alabama's reservoirs and rivers display a fresh source of oxygenated water, current, cooler water, shade and a constant source of food. As many species of fish inhabit these cooler waters during summer, so do the baitfish and crustaceans that are preyed upon by striped bass, white bass, spotted bass, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. Many of both predator and prey take a liking to these comfortable surroundings and often remain here in numbers throughout summer.

Bass that inhabit these much cooler waters are more active, feed more often and thus exert more energy. Meaning more active fish and more bites in any given area. This holds true whether you day or night fish this summer. What other choices are there?

WEEDS hold a lot of bass and baitfish during the summer. Shade, oxygen and cover attract both baitfish and bass in a variety of aquatic greenery that grows throughout lakes in Alabama during summer.
WOOD COVER and rock cover, ledges, drop-offs, shade around piers and boathouses, backwaters, deep, shady creeks and main river banks, all hold bass during summer, whether your day or night fishing. Now, how do you catch these wily bass? Read on, for more on fishing Alabama's lakes this summer, plus the lures and techniques it takes to catch em'.
DAY OR NIGHT is the time for the angler to try a different approach. Rather than the shallow water tactics that produced numbers of bass just a few months ago, you may need to probe a little deeper when the mercury soars. Although some bass are shallow year-round. You can continue fishing during the day or resort to night fishing. There are many ways to catch bass both under the sun and the stars during the dog days (and nights) of Summer. . . that is if you have the patience. This season's tips will include tactics for day and night fishing for all species of bass including the lures, name brands, places to fish these tempting offerings, lure presentations, tackle and boat preparation. All for the months of August and September. If you apply these tactics, you will catch fish. However, many factors will determine the outcome of your fishing success this summer.

DAYTIME FISHING when the temperature rises, shows there are still many ways to approach the bass for the persistent angler, even when it's hot. Daytime fishing now means protecting yourself with sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and plenty of fluids to help in replenishing the fluids in your sweated out body.

NIGHTTIME FISHING means, rod, reels and tackle preparation. Boat preparation too, such as checking running lights, aerators, bilge pumps, fully-charged (or replaced) batteries, spotlights, spare fuses and tools. It also means bringing along necessary items such as mosquito repellent, flashlights, two pairs of needle nose pliers, emergency kit and coffee, just to name a few. Cleaning out the boat is a must, for a comfortable night of fishing, rather than stumbling all over things and rambling through storage boxes for lost items in the dark.

SAFETY is the number one factor to consider when running out lakes and rivers at night. You better know where you are running for your sake and the safety of others. Many boaters are killed each summer by some other careless boater. You must have lights on when running or when fishing along the bank, it's the law! A good set of black lights will help you to see the bank much better when fishing and a good spotlight will help you spot logs, other boaters or obstacles while running. Always bring spare items such as fuses, bulbs, etc.

LIFE JACKETS and kill switches are a must for day or night fishing. The water patrol will check you both day and night. Always let a loved one at home know your whereabouts, what lake and boat launch you will be going to and when to expect you home. Even leaving your boat numbers, boat model and color, vehicle tag number, model and color, and even your I.D. This is all for others to find you in case of a mishap. This is all necessary and even your cell phone number if available.

HOOKS on todays lures are twice as sharp as older models and hundreds of times more dangerous. Always pay close attention to other anglers in the boat when casting or when retrieving hung lures. Its a long way to the hospital or to get medical attention with a hook lodged in a vital part of you body. Emergency first aid kits should always include, band-aids, clean rags or bandages, peroxide or merthiolate and a clean razor blade. These are just a few of the safety items you will need. Along with all of these necessary items are fishing licenses, fire extinguisher, boat registration papers and a throw cushion. By the end of this year, you will also have to have a license to drive a boat!

So as you can see it is time for a change. . . if you want a successful summer of fishing. Read on, for more helpful tips for fishing both during the day and at night throughout all of Alabama's lakes this summer.

Oh, one more thought; listen to "Fishing Alabama" radio talk show every Sunday morning on radio station WJOX 690 AM in Birmingham, Al. For more fishing info, Bassmasters and Operation Bass Updates, lake reports, special guests, articles on lures, fishing methods and the continuing story of Florence, in "The life of a Big Bass". Thanks, and be safe this summer. . . Reed Montgomery 205-787-5133