When I watch critters in the wild, I am always amazed at how they relate to edges. Many times, whether I am walking or traveling, I see deer, rabbits, turkeys and pheasants hanging out on the edge of a woods or some type of cover.

For wildlife, edges appear to be a haven. They are places where they can feed or relax, yet still see what is going on around them. Living on the edge is an important part of their routine.

I believe that fish are no different. From my experience, fish relate heavily to edges. Often, the problem is deciding which edge to concentrate on.

Edges come in all sorts of places in the water. The surface and bottom of the lake area, very distinct and limiting edges. Fishing close to the bottom of the lake is commonplace. I do it pretty much every time I venture out.

Early in the year, I also fish the surface of the lake. This is especially true when bass are shallow. Buzzbaits, spinnerbaits and poppers all produce fish on the surface.

Weeds create some of the most important and prominent edges in a lake. In spring, I target bass on inside weed lines. This is the edge where sandy shore transitions into a distinct weed edge. It is a very important edge for early season.

In my opinion, the most important edge in bodies of water that have quality weed growth is the deep weed line. This is especially true for lakes where the deep weed line forms in the 12-to-20-foot depths.

This deep weed line is the interstate of the underwater world. During the summer months, all major species of fish use this deep weed line for traveling, feeding or just relaxing and hanging out.

I once talked with a scuba diver just coming out of the water on a deep clear lake. He couldn’t stop talking about the fish he was seeing on the deep weed line. Some were traveling along the edge while others were sitting just into the weeds with their noses sticking out, waiting for their next meal to swim by.

During my many years as a fishing guide, I spent most of my client time focusing on the deep weed line. We would catch, northerns, bass, walleyes, big bluegills and occasionally crappies on this edge.

For someone who wants to just go catch fish, follow this suggestion. Buy some small sucker minnows and troll them on floating jig heads with 10-pound-test line along the deep weedline. Predator fish love small suckers. The size of the sucker will keep the sunfish away yet be very appealing to larger fish.

There are many other edges in the underwater world that I have not mentioned. However, the deep weed line is by far the most important edge for summer fishing.

The next time you hit the water, remember that fish love living on the edge!

For more insight and tips for fishing throughout the year, check out the articles in every issue of MidWest Outdoors, available by subscribing on our website.