It is definitely H-O-T on the Harris Chain of Lakes right now. This time of year can really be frustrating to some anglers. I try to curb potential for heat-induced frustration by focusing on shady spots, deep water, or areas with deeper water nearby.
Dragging around a Carolina rigged soft plastic can really help you learn areas by feeling for structure on the bottom. I use a ½ oz. Woo tungsten weight then to a plastic bead then tied to a barrel swivel. I use a 30 lb braided mainline and tie the leader end to a 14 pound mono leader to a 4 ot EWG worm hook. This rig can be used by many types of plastics. I use Big Dawg Baits plastics and use the dawg bone, dawg trick or the twitchin minnow. Anything with a watermelon red color or junebug is a staple here. You can also fish these baits weightless on a regular hook.
Casting them under boat docks or near visible cover is another way to fish them. A swim jig is another bait I have been doing well on. I use Advantage Bait Company swim jigs in 3/8 oz. These baits are the offroad vehicle in bass fishing. You can cast them into sparse lilly pads or reeds and the bait will swim right through the cover to rarely become stuck. Pro tip make sure to pay attention when your making your casts sometimes the bass will explode on them as you run it over them. Wait a second to feel the fish then set your hook. I use these baits with a 30 lb to 40 lb braided line. The no stretch line will definitely help with getting good hooksets.
If you are looking to book your own guided bass fishing charter on The Harris Chain of Lakes now is the time to get your dates booked. Visit cprbasscharters.com for more information along with links to my social media pages with lots of fishing pictures.
Great report Mark, thank you!