Hot Weather, Hotter Baits: Soft Plastics That Catch Summer Bass

🎣 Best Soft Plastics for Summer Bass Fishing

When the summer heat sets in, bass behavior changes, and your tackle should too. While topwater lures can spark some exciting blow-ups, soft plastics often shine as the most versatile and consistent producers during these hot months. Whether you’re flipping into thick cover, dragging along the bottom, or finesse fishing in clear water, soft plastics are a summer essential.

Here are our top picks for soft plastics that crush it in summer bass fishing, handpicked and tested by the Fish On Tackle Club crew:

🐛 1. Senko-Style Worms

Go-To Rig: Weightless Texas Rig or Wacky Rig
Why It Works:
Senkos have that slow, natural fall that triggers bites from even the most lethargic bass hiding under shade. Skip it under docks, pitch it next to laydowns, or twitch it through weed lines. It's simple and deadly.

Pro Tip: Let the bait do the work. Less action means more bites in summer heat.

🦑 2. Creature Baits

Go-To Rig: Texas Rig or Carolina Rig
Why It Works:
These baits mimic crawfish or bluegill, two of a bass’s favorite snacks. With their flapping arms and bulky profiles, they excel when flipped into heavy cover or dragged along structure like rock piles and ledges.

Pro Tip: Add a scent or rattle to get noticed in murky, summer-stained water.

🐟 3. Swimbaits (Paddle Tail Style)

Go-To Rig: Weighted Swimbait Hook or Jighead
Why It Works:
These imitate baitfish, and summer bass love to chase schools of shad and minnows. Cast them along grass edges, retrieve slowly through points, or even use them as trailers on chatterbaits.

Pro Tip: Go with natural colors in clear water like shad or silver, and darker hues in stained conditions.

🐜 4. Ned Rig Plastics

Go-To Rig: Ned Rig
Why It Works:
For pressured or post-front bass, downsizing is the key. A small TRD-style plastic on a light jig head can work wonders when other baits fail.

Pro Tip: Don’t overwork it. Deadsticking or subtle shakes are usually enough.

🐍 5. Ribbon Tail Worms

Go-To Rig: Texas Rig or Carolina Rig
Why It Works:
A summertime classic. The long tail gives great action on a slow drag or hop, perfect for deeper water where bass retreat during mid-day heat.

Pro Tip: Fish it deep in the mornings and evenings when bass move off the bank.

🎣 Stock Up with Fish On Tackle Club

Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. Each Titan Tackle Box or Panfish/Trout Box includes premium soft plastics, curated and tested by real anglers to give you the best chance at landing a summer lunker.

💬 Let’s Hear It

What’s your go-to soft plastic when the temps hit 90°? Share your favorites with us on Instagram or tag us in your next big catch with #FishOnTackleClub

Until next time, tight lines
- The Fish On Tackle Club Crew