Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to discuss how, when and where to catch hot weather fish. While most anglers wait for the fall cool down, others relish fishing in July and August. But, even the hardiest choose the time of day when they can beat the heat and maximize the chances of catching them.

When is the best time to fish? Some say summer fishing is better at night. Others prefer to fish the early morning hours, and there are those who watch the weather and only go on days when clouds shroud the sky. Most anglers simply have to go when they can, regardless of the time of day or how hot the weather might be.

Regardless of the species, fish have trouble seeing when the sun is shining directly into the water. For that reason, it’s better to fish deep water, around cover, docks, rocks or brush piles, than in open water.

Sunfish (bream) and catfish are the fish of summer. They both bite on hot summer days. As the name implies, sunfish enjoy basking in the sunlight and are easy prey for those who bobber fish with crickets or worms. While catfish aren’t sun worshipers, they do become very active when water temperatures reach eighty degrees. And yes, like four legged cats, they do prowl at night. Chicken livers, mussels, stink-baits, table scraps and fresh cut perch and bream make good hot weather catfish baits.

Bass can be easy to find, but difficult to catch this time of year. That is why savvy anglers try different patterns until they find one that works. When in doubt skip casting soft plastics under docks, or try throwing deep diving crank baits off river points and deep water humps are good bets. It’s odd, but yearling bass don’t seem to follow the same rules as their parents. Sometimes they surface feed on shad during the heat of the day. Best places to find them are on river points and deep water rock reefs.

When all else fails, white perch can be caught on most summer days. By far, the best lure combination is a string of Sabiki flies and a 3/4 or one ounce jigging spoon. Summer perch are usually suspended in deep coves and on the sides of river points. Don’t be surprised to find them feeding in fifty or more feet of water.

Tips from Capt. Gus! - When white perch are difficult to tempt, try tipping the hook of a jigging spoon with a crappie minnow or a small piece of cut perch.

Upcoming Events:
Free Fishing Seminar: “Introduction to Sonar” – This discussion will be about how to use fish finders and down-scan imaging to catch more bass, white perch, crappie and catfish on Lake Norman. Jake Bussolini and I will conduct this ninety minute seminar beginning at 6:30 p.m. on July 17th at Gander Mountain, Exit 36, in Mooresville, NC. For additional information, call 704 658 0822.

Fishing Report: Bass fishing is excellent when using buzz baits at dawn and soft plastics or deep diving crank baits throughout the day. Flathead catfish are being caught under suspended schools of white perch. Blue cats will hit chicken parts, bream heads and mussels.

Water Conditions:
The water level on area lake have been very high due to recent rains. Surface water temperatures are in the low to mid-eighties, depending on location or proximity to a power plant.

Capt. Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. is an Outdoor Columnist and a full time Professional Fishing Guide on Lake Norman, NC. Visit his website, www.fishingwithgus.com or call 704-617-6812. For additional information, e-mail Gus@LakeNorman.com.

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