Bass fishing during the heat of summer can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding times of the year. Due to high water temperatures and changing thermoclines, bass disperse throughout many water columns in most lakes, presenting widespread opportunity for anglers. In many impoundments, shallow and deep-water patterns coexist in late summer. Fishing bluegill and goby swimbaits for summer bass provides a differentiated and ultra-effective approach to target both shallow and deep water bass populations.
Shallow Water Tactics: Using the SLEEPER GILL
The SLEEPER GILL has become a standout shallow water summer lure for a number of reasons. The SLEEPER GILL excels in shallow waters, typically less than 6 feet deep, where bluegills and other sunfish species often reside throughout the spawn and into the summer months. The fully encased keel weight and hook, along with realistic profile of the GILL allow you to target these shallow areas and even cover where other swimbaits fear to swim. The swimming action of the SLEEPER GILL starts instantly upon entering the water, closely mimicking a bluegill returning to safety after pecking an insect off the water’s surface.
Where to Fish:
This lure excels in shallow waters, typically less than 6 feet deep, where bluegills and other sunfish species often reside throughout the spawn and into the summer months. The fully encased keel weight and hook, along with realistic profile of the SLEEPER GILL allow you to target these shallow areas and even cover where other swimbaits fear to swim.
Productive summer areas to fish can be the same spawning coves and shallow areas used by bass in spring. These flatter, shallow zones provide ideal spawning cover and forage for panfish, as well as ambush points for bass that feed on them.
- Look for: shallow shady areas created by overhanging trees or other structures. While seeing spawning panfish beds is an indicator of the right areas to fish, it’s not critical to success, as bass often cruise the shallows hunting for panfish in many skinny water areas.
How to Fish Bluegill Swimbaits for Summer Bass – SLEEPER GILL Techniques and Gear
A steady retrieve in the summer often produces results.
Hold the rod tip high and reel with a medium-fast speed, keeping the lure 2-6 inches below the surface. This technique prompts bass to generate a violent reaction strike.
Due to the level swimming posture and bottom stability of the SLEEPER GILL, you can also incorporate a slow dragging style retrieve to cover sand or rock bottom. The DESTROYER P5 F7-75 BMG’s powerful mid-section with just the right amount of tip flex is an ideal pairing for fishing the SLEEPER GILL on both a straight retrieve, or if bottom exploration is needed.
TIP: The SLEEPER GILL skips extremely well, making it ideal for fishing under boat docks and other manmade structure.
For an in-depth dive on the SLEEPER GILL from Megabass Pro, Matty Wong, TUNE IN HERE.
Deep Water Tactics: Using the DARK SLEEPER
The DARK SLEEPER swimbait has made a name for itself as a bottom crawling baitfish imitator that’s effectiveness is spread across many reaches both freshwater and salt. Also keel-weighted, with a number of sizes ranging from 2.4in (1/4oz) all the way to 3.8in (1oz) it is designed for a wide range of depth and applications.
Where to Fish:
The larger sizes greater than 1/2oz are well suited for targeting deeper ranges over 10 feet for all bass species. DARK SLEEPER’s unique shape and profile allow it to be fished like a tube, jig, and of course, a swimbait over deep water.
You can use the SLEEPER to navigate the most treacherous of rock, shell beds, and even sparse grass with ease.
How to Fish a Goby Swimbait for Summer Bass – DARK SLEEPER Techniques and Gear:
Make the most of this lures versatility by mixing your retrieve speed and incorporating pauses, twitches and slow drags as you fish those treacherous areas with bite-drawing power.
Also effective in deeper waters is a “ripping” retrieve. This is very similar to how one would “crack” a tube, and involves snapping the rod sharply, causing the lure to quickly dart upwards in the water column and then fall back to the bottom. The SLEEPER’s super soft tail section controls the fall back to the bottom and adds a dramatic rolling appeal to the descent.
The DARK SLEEPER series can be fished on a number of rod and line parings, but for deep water applications using the 3in size, 12-15lb fluorocarbon line paired with a DESTROYER P5 DARK SLEEPER rod provide the sensitivity to dissect key areas, while having the control for sharp pops and twitches. If even more power is needed when fishing the heavier 3.8in models, opt for a DESTROYER P5 BMG that will give you the dexterity to navigate bottom structure and the power to hoist your next trophy from the depths.
Putting it all Together for More Bites
The SLEEPER GILL and DARK SLEEPER have become essential lures for summer bass fishing, harnessing unique features and versatility that result in their undeniable effectiveness. By fishing bluegill and goby swimbaits for summer bass fishing, you can uncover new success and capture hard won bites when the matter most!
If you have not had the chance, go see how the DARK SLEEPER helped Megabass staffer, Cobi Pellerito capture his personal best 9lb 3oz smallmouth!
