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As an angler who has been chasing bass for over 30 years, I've tried countless baits and techniques. Yet, year after year, I've found myself returning to the trusty jig. If you're over 35 and serious about bass fishing, chances are you've built up a well-rounded tackle box. But if there's one jig you should always have on hand for summer bass, it's the Flying Dutchman Jig from Pirate Bait Company, one of the best jigs for summer bass fishing. Its versatility and effectiveness are unparalleled, and I’m here to tell you why.
Before we dive into the specifics of the jig itself, let’s talk about why summer bass behavior matters. Unlike the predictable patterns in spring and fall, bass in summer can be a bit trickier to locate and catch.
As the water heats up, bass metabolism increases, which means they feed more often but often in shorter spurts. This can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, more frequent feeding means more chances to catch them. On the other hand, they can become finicky and selective.
In the heat of the summer, bass typically seek cooler, deeper water during the day and migrate to shallower areas to feed in the early morning and late evening. Understanding this migration pattern is crucial for successful fishing.
So what makes the Flying Dutchman Jig from Pirate Bait Company one of the best jigs for summer bass fishing?
The Flying Dutchman Jig from Pirate Bait Company is a chameleon. It works equally well in rocky areas, weed beds, and open water. Its design makes it adaptable for different types of retrieves, from dragging it along the bottom to swimming it steadily through the water column.
Whether you’re fishing in clear, stained, or murky water, the Flying Dutchman Jig from Pirate Bait Company has you covered. The variety in colors and patterns available means you can match the hatch or stand out, depending on the conditions.
Not all jigs are created equal. Here’s what you should look for when selecting your go-to best jigs for summer bass fishing.
A 3/8 to 1/2 ounce jig tends to be the sweet spot for summer fishing. It’s heavy enough to reach deeper waters where bass might be hiding during the heat of the day, but not so heavy that it sinks like a stone and gets caught in every piece of structure. A 3/4 or 1/0 are great options though for deep ledge fishing or for creek channel fishing in reservoirs.
In my experience, natural colors like green pumpkin, green pumpkin with some orange, and black-and-blue work wonders. Green pumpkin mimics crayfish and bluegills, two primary bass foods. Black-and-blue stands out well in murky water. I always carry a few different colors to adapt to the water clarity and light conditions.
A quality skirt can make all the difference. I prefer silicone skirts for their durability and ability to flare out enticingly underwater. Some anglers swear by living rubber for its lifelike movement, so try both and see what works best for you.
Don’t overlook the hook! A strong, sharp hook in a 4/0 or 5/0 size is ideal. It needs to be sturdy enough to handle big bass, yet sharp enough to ensure a good hookset.
Even the best jig won’t do you much good if you don’t know how to fish it properly.
Start by threading your favorite trailer—a soft plastic craw or creature bait—onto the hook. This adds bulk and increases the bait’s appeal. The trailer should complement the jig’s color, like a green pumpkin trailer on a green pumpkin jig.
When casting, aim for likely bass hideouts like the edges of weed beds, docks, or submerged structures. Let the jig sink to the bottom, where bass are often lurking during the hot parts of the day.
There are several ways to retrieve a jig. My favorite is a slow, hopping retrieve—lift your rod tip to make the jig hop off the bottom and then let it fall back down. This mimics a crawfish fleeing and then settling back down, which drives bass nuts. If that’s not working, try a steady swimming retrieve or dragging the jig along the bottom with occasional pauses.
In clear water, a faster retrieve or more erratic action can trigger a bite. In murky water, slow it down to ensure bass have time to locate the jig. Adapt your retrieve based on the conditions you’re facing.
You’ve got your jig ready and your technique down, but where should you fish?
Bass love cover. Rock piles, brush heaps, and weed beds are all prime spots. My favorite summer fishing involves finding underwater ledges or drop-offs where bass can move between deep and shallow water easily.
Lakes, rivers, and reservoirs each have unique features. In lakes, focus on points and coves. In rivers, target eddies and bends where bass can ambush prey. Reservoirs often have submerged timber and rock formations that are bass magnets. Also in reservoirs, it’s common that there are scheduled water releases during certain times of the day. If it’s a power generating reservoir, you can contact the local power authority for release times. Once you determine the release time, target bends in the creek channel that would create an underwater eddy current when the water is released.
A 7’3'' to 7’6” heavy action rod with a fast tip is a must have. For a better hook set in deep water, I prefer to use braided line and the sensitivity of braided line helps me feel and understand bottom composition. Polarized sunglasses help you spot underwater structures and fish. Good electronics are a must. I rely on 2d sonar, Humminbird 360 and forward facing sonar on the front of my boat and side-scan sonar at the helm.
After each trip, check your jigs for wear. Sharpen dull hooks, and ensure the skirts are intact. A little maintenance can extend the life of your jigs and keep them performing at their best.
One common mistake is fishing too quickly. In summer, patience pays off. Let the jig do its work and take your time. Another mistake is using a jig that’s too light or too heavy for the conditions. Experiment with different weights to find what works best.
If the bass aren’t biting, change up your retrieve or move to a different spot. Sometimes, a slight adjustment is all it takes to trigger a bite.
The Flying Dutchman Jig from Pirate Bait Company is a powerhouse in summer bass fishing. Its versatility, adaptability, and effectiveness make it a must-have in any angler’s arsenal. Next time you head out, make sure you’ve got one tied on and ready to go. Trust me, this jig catches everything!
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So, get out there and give Flying Dutchman Jig a try. Tight lines and happy fishing!
