| Boat docks can provide a better option for | | | | bass roam away from the docks to feed. But |
| anglers who prefer to stay close to the bank. | | | | when the sun is high and heats the water, bass |
| Regardless of how hot the water is or how many | | | | bunch up in the shade and the strike zone |
| fish are holding, there are always bass around | | | | becomes smaller. |
| docks. Especially the large docks on the main lake, | | | | That doesn't mean you should ignore docks on |
| give bass two important elements during the | | | | overcast days, shadows are present and will |
| summer - forage and shade. They provide a | | | | effect the fish. Bass will feel more secure under |
| comfort zone along the shore, while the bluegill | | | | the dock, but they are more likely to feed around |
| and other panfish utilizing that shade give bass an | | | | the edges and can be seduced by topwaters and |
| abundant food source. | | | | buzzbaits in addition to the drop baits. Dock fishing |
| That's not to say that dock patterns are good on | | | | at night can be great, yet it is often overlooked. |
| all lakes or that all docks are productive. If there | | | | During the day, my favorite dock lure is a 1/2 |
| is a lot of vegetation or numerous logs and fallen | | | | ounce Strike King Jig with a plastic or pork trailer. |
| trees along the bank, the man made structure | | | | A good jig color for clear water is pumpkin green |
| may not be as appealing. | | | | flake because it resembles a bluegill, the most |
| The main lakes docks that are exposed to wind | | | | prominent forage you'll find around docks during |
| and boat waves tend to be more lively with fish | | | | the summer, in stained or dirty water, use more |
| activity during the summer than docks in calm | | | | visible colors. |
| creeks. If the water is stained, or if an algae | | | | A small plastic crawdad will work just as well as |
| bloom has clouded clear water,the shallower main | | | | pork. Pork doesn't get you more strikes, but I |
| lake docks will be more productive. But if the | | | | believe it does effect how long a bass holds the |
| water is clear, fish the bluff shorelines where the | | | | bait. When bass aren't real aggressive pork may |
| fish have easy access to deeper water. | | | | be the deciding factor in how many fish you hook. |
| The dock pattern may be the best mid-day | | | | Dock anglers who are thorough and patient will |
| pattern. Early in the day when the sun is low, | | | | find enough action to keep them on the water. |