When the heat kicks in and the sun’s beating down, bass don’t exactly roll out the welcome mat. They hunker down deep or head for shade, and you’ve got to change your game to keep getting bites. These lures are the ones that still get it done when it feels like you’re fishing on the surface of the sun. If you’re sweating through your shirt, one of these will probably earn its keep.
1. Zoom Trick Worm (Weightless)
When the water’s slick and the bass are spooky, a weightless Trick Worm worked slow can be deadly. Skip it under trees or twitch it through shade lines for subtle action.
It’s not flashy, but on hot, high-pressure days, subtlety is the move. You’ll need patience, but the slow fall and soft wiggle can tease out bites when nothing else works.
2. Strike King Red Eye Shad
Burning a lipless crank across a deep flat can trigger reaction bites even when bass aren’t feeding. The Red Eye Shad rattles loud and runs true at high speed.
If they’re suspended or chasing baitfish, this lure lets you cover a ton of water fast. It’s especially good early or when there’s a little wind.
3. Z-Man ChatterBait (with Paddle Tail Trailer)
When bass are buried in weeds but still hitting moving baits, a ChatterBait can shine. It thumps hard and pushes water in a way that grabs their attention.
Pair it with a paddle tail trailer and work it through grass edges or over submerged vegetation. It’s a loud-and-proud approach, perfect when subtle just isn’t cutting it.
4. Heddon Super Spook Jr.
Bass will still hit topwater in the heat, especially early morning or just before sunset. The Super Spook Jr. has a walk-the-dog action that drives them nuts.
Fish it across points, shade lines, or riprap banks where baitfish tend to school. Don’t be surprised if a big one explodes on it out of nowhere.
5. Missile Baits D Bomb (Texas Rigged)
Sometimes you’ve got to go straight to where they’re hiding—thick cover and heavy shade. The D Bomb’s compact shape and soft plastic get through the junk clean.
Fish it slow, with pauses in shady pockets or under boat docks. It’s great for flipping and pitching when you’re dealing with picky fish in tight spots.
6. Strike King 10XD Crankbait
When the heat pushes bass down deep, it’s time to bust out the big crankbaits. The 10XD dives far enough to reach fish that most others can’t touch.
If you’re fishing ledges, deep humps, or channel swings, this lure gets in the zone and stays there. Be ready—strikes can be sudden and aggressive.
7. Keitech Swing Impact Fat (on a Swimbait Head)
This swimbait has a subtle, natural action that works well when the bite is soft. It’s a killer over deep grass beds or slow-rolled along structure.
Use a 1/4 to 3/8 oz head and let it sink down before starting your retrieve. It’s especially good when bass are feeding on shad but don’t want to chase.
8. Yamamoto Senko (Wacky Rigged)
Still one of the best “do-nothing” baits out there. On hot days when bass aren’t moving much, a wacky-rigged Senko falling slowly into their face can be just annoying enough to earn a bite.
Stick to natural colors and fish it around docks, laydowns, or under overhanging trees. It’s not glamorous, but it flat-out works.
9. Booyah Pad Crasher
If your lake has lily pads, grass mats, or thick slop, this frog is made for it. The Pad Crasher slides through the nastiest stuff where big bass like to hang out and stay cool.
It’s a topwater option that shines when the sun’s high but the cover is thick. Keep a steady cadence, and don’t set the hook too soon.
10. Nichols Lures Ben Parker Magnum Spoon
When nothing else is working, dropping a big flutter spoon down to suspended bass can be a lifesaver. It imitates a wounded baitfish falling through the water column.
It’s not for finesse fishing, but it can pull reaction bites from lethargic fish in deep water. Drop it, rip it, and let it fall again—sometimes that’s all it takes.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
