Top 3 Baits for the month of August
It’s hot, real hot. So hot that many fishermen think the fish won’t bite so they put the rod and reels up until autumn. Guys, that doesn’t have to be the case. We can adapt to the tough conditions and catch some really big fish during the month of August if we use the right lures. Let’s go over what we think are the top 3 lures to use during the dog days of August.
Jigs! A jig is one of the most versatile lures of all time and works all year long, but especially in deeper water or where there’s current flowing. Getting down into that cooler water with a big lure like a football jig can trigger those big fish to bite. The fish don’t want to have to use a lot of energy while hunting around. One big meal is better than a bunch of little meals. A big football jig mimics a bluegill, crawfish, crappie, or tilapia. Play around with your retrieve because things can change day to day, but the “up and down” retrieve is usually a safe bet. That’s where you make that jig pop off the bottom with a dramatic and fast jump.
Creature and beaver style lures to use on a punching rig is a must have in the tackle box during the month of August, especially when there’s thick vegetation around. With a pegged 1 oz.-1.5 oz tungsten weight, a heavy wire flipping hook, and a creature bait you can punch through the thick stuff and get to those fish that are waiting in the shade for a bluegill or crawfish to swim by. Let that lure fall to the bottom and on that initial drop you’ll get a lot of bites. If not, bring that lure up to the bottom of the grass matt and tick it over and over again. This power fishing technique is critical for those fish that stayed shallow during the hotter month of the year.
Lastly, we believe the Banjo deserves a spot in our top 3 lures for August. It can be used as a sub-surface lure early in the morning around cover, or when fish are schooling and busting and are higher in the water column. Retrieving the Banjo at a faster pace with a semi slack line will cause it to be erratic and dart right below the surface, just like a real life fleeing baitfish. A smaller sized Banjo Minnow can also be used on a dropshot rig out in deeper water when the finesse approach is the way to go. Match the hatch when it comes to color and you’ll be on some fish for sure.
Don’t get beat by the heat! There’s ways around getting skunked because of the hot weather. Just remember to always have these lures in the boat during the month of August and you’ll get more bites.
