It’s summer, and the fish are hungry. At this time of year, lots of techniques can catch those hungry fish. The fish can be in deep water, shallow water or suspended, or they can be relating to structure. One very good way to catch a variety of fish species, day-in and day-out, is by fishing along and over weeds that grow in deeper water.

The type of weeds that we’re talking about are mostly submergent vegetation. There will be bass in shallower vegetation this time of year, but that’s not what we’re talking about. This time of year, in a variety of places, the vegetation that is so productive is cabbage and coontail. You can see these weeds if you’re right over them; sometimes they’ll appear a bit above the water’s surface, but for the most part, they’re below the surface. Almost every predator fish that lives in lakes that have cabbage or coontail will visit those areas of vegetation regularly.

At times, like early and late in the day or on cloudy days, largemouth bass will spread out over the tops of the weeds. During the day, largemouths will dig into the weeds or hold on the deep edge of the weeds.

Walleyes, northern pike, muskies and panfish will all gather on the deep edge of the weeds during the day. Sometimes, panfish will suspend out away from the weeds twenty yards or so. They can sometimes be seen dimpling the surface as they feed on bugs that are on top of the water.

This is fun fishing. You never know what’s going to eat your bait, but when you hit it right—and you can frequently hit it right on the weedline—you’ll be getting bit regularly. You might catch a few bass, then a walleye comes along, then a pike or a crappie, then a few more bass.

Crankbaits and plastic baits are the way to go on the weedline at this time of year. If you’re looking specifically for largemouth bass, tie on a Pro Model XD crankbait. If you’re just looking to get bit, go with a #5 Hornet crank. Bluegill or perch patterns are good starting points for color, but blue/chartreuse or a shade of shad can be outstanding also.

Every now and then, you’ll feel your crankbait get hung on the vegetation. Rip it free, then let it float briefly. A strike will often occur when you start reeling again.

After working an area with your crankbait, grab a jig rod and throw a jig/plastic presentation. Experiment and let the fish show you what they want. It’s hard to beat a KVD Ocho worm on an 1/8- or 3/16-ounce jig head. Start with a 5- or 6-inch Ocho and go bigger if the fish are hitting, smaller if they’re not. Don’t get too hung up on shapes. Try different-looking plastics. You never know what you might discover. Many colors will work, but you usually won’t go wrong with plastic that has shades of blue or watermelon color in it.

Summer is a time of plenty in the underwater world. There is lots of food and there are lots of fish looking for that food. If you’re looking for a smorgasbord of fishing action right now, in and around a submergent weed line is an outstanding place to start…and finish.

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.