The largest Rock Bass every caught was around 3.5 pounds, so there is no need for a line strength greater than eight pounds.

Summer fishing for Rock Bass does not differ from spring and fall. Rock Bass still prefer deep water in the summer. As with the spring, they can be found among weeds, rock piles, under rock outcrops, riverbank outcrops, off shaded docks and even under floating weed beds.

Rock Bass do not like direct sunlight. This is a trait common to all members of the sunfish family (Centrarchidae). This family includes other well know members like the Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass. They have a fixed iris, which makes them very sensitive to light.

Even though Rock Bass are active just before sunset, they still need time for their eyes to adjust after the sun sets before resuming feeding again as their eyes need to adjust. thirty minutes is usually sufficient for all bass species.

Summer Fishing Techniques

The largest Rock Bass every caught was around 3.5 pounds, so there is no need for a line strength greater than eight pounds. Most lakes and river don’t see the rock bass reach this size, though one to 1.5 pounds are pretty common. while many sites recommend ultra light tackle and line test of 6 pounds, keep in mind your fishing area. if larger fish like smallmouth bass are present, dont go smaller than 8 pounds. in many larger lakes, this is often the case.

Where Rock Bass are present, so are perch and sunfish – all of which are not than much bigger than one pound. Therefore, a simple rod and reel combination is sufficient, which is one reason why the these fish are a favourite among children.

While the rock bass will eat insect larvae, minnows and crayfish, the common dew worm is the best bait for many reasons. For one, it is cheap and easy to find. They can be kept for along time if well refrigerated and they are a top bait for catching all sorts of small lake and river fish.

Appetite

While their food preferences do not change much during summer, their appetite certainly does. They are a highly voracious fish feasting on worms, leeches, fathead minnows, golden shiners, gizzard shad, insects that fall from trees and sink to the bottom and of course the ever favourite crayfish.

Temperature Range

Rock bass prefer water temperatures in the range of 60°F degrees to 70°F degrees, which is the common temperature in the deeper water where they spend their time. However, if there are major changes in water temperature, they will adjust their dept to seek out this isotherm.

In the early morning, they can be found away from their normal cover and in shallow areas. It is in these areas that will chase after their food as the currents usually travel in these areas. Where the bottom is free from logs and other items that cause snags, run your bait across the bottom, allowing it to jump from time to time.