Fishing can be like the weather in midsummer: Both can be very hot. To take part in this potentially fast action, you need to do things a little differently than you would at other times of the year.

In summer, start with faster moving baits and fish through areas quickly. If the fish are going to bite, they’ll let you know right away. Start with a crankbait on the deep weed line. This works well for largemouth bass and walleyes, but you’ll also catch northern pike, smallmouth bass, and maybe a muskie. Pretty much any fish that lives along the deep weed line will react favorably to this presentation.

Sometimes, fish will be scattered. You’ll catch one here and one there. But if you catch a couple out of the same spot, work that spot more thoroughly. Throw a slower-moving bait out there and you’ll often catch a couple more.

However, if the action isn’t fast, you might be better off fishing slowly and really working an area thoroughly. If you know the body of water well, concentrate on spots that you know hold fish and work them over.

Let’s say were fishing specifically for largemouth bass. In summer, early and late in the day are usually when the bass go on a good bite. A fast-moving bait such as a buzzbait, spinnerbait, or a crankbait will often be the best producer.

When the sun gets up higher and the bite slows, go with plastic baits rigged on a jig or weedless. Fish around vegetation, docks, or any other form of cover where bass hang out.

Fish can be very lure selective. On a memorable midsummer fishing trip, we experienced one of those days when the fish were finicky. We were fishing for largemouth bass. It was an overcast day, so the bite remained pretty good throughout the day. Good, that is, if we were using the right bait.

My partner and I were throwing plastics in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. We tried several different baits, but an Ocho worm in the Green Pumpkin color was by far most productive. The bass preferred this bait by a significant margin.

Color is a consideration whenever you go fishing, but at times it’s a very important factor. So is bait shape and size. Give the fish plenty of options until they show you what their preference on that day is.

In summer, fish often prefer a faster-moving bait, and/or one that is moving erratically. Along the weed line, when you feel your bait hang up on a weed, give it a sharp rip. When a bass, walleye or pike sees that bait struggling on a weed, then ripping free, it appears to be escaping, and a strike is often triggered.

Midsummer fishing has arrived. It’s fun to be on the water when the sun comes up, catch some fish, then take a midday break. Maybe go to town or explore the area. Or just hang out somewhere cool. But make sure you’re back on the water in early evening. You’ll catch fish, and you’ll be taking full advantage of all that summer has to offer in the way of fishing. And it’s fun to be on the water when the sun goes down.

You’ll find plenty of helpful summer fishing tips in the summer issues of MidWest Outdoors. Subscribe on our website.