Common Offshore Mistakes for Summer Fishing on Lake Guntersville
by Mike Gerry
It is never too late to increase your knowledge, especially when it comes to offshore fishing on Lake Guntersville. Summer creates a whole new set of conditions for anglers to deal with, and those conditions can make the difference between a frustrating day on the water and a successful one.
One of the biggest things most fishermen want to understand during the summer is how to find and catch bigger fish.
While there are several keys to doing that, one of the most important is learning not to leave bites too quickly.
In the summer, schools of bass often reload throughout the day.
Just because the bite slows down for a little while does not always mean the fish have left.
Sometimes they simply stop feeding for a short period before another group moves in or the same fish become active again.
Leaving fish to find fish can be a day-changing mistake during the summer months.
Of course, knowing when to leave is always the question.
That decision comes with time, experience and confidence.
But one thing is certain:
if you have found quality fish, you need to give that area enough time to produce.
Too many anglers get impatient and run from one spot to another before ever allowing a school of fish to turn back on.
Grass lines are another major key to offshore fishing on Guntersville.
Grass provides safety for bass, but not every part of a grass line is equal.
One common mistake is fishing long, straight stretches of grass without paying attention to irregularities.
Changes in the grass line are often the best places to find fish.
Points, turns, cuts, holes, jetties and changes in cover along the grass edge are all places that should not be overlooked.
These irregular areas give baitfish a place to hide, and they give bass a place to ambush their food source.
A straight grass edge may hold some fish, but the irregular spots are usually where the better feeding opportunities are found.
As the summer heat builds, another mistake many fishermen make is fishing too fast.
The heat of the day, the bugs and the long hours on the water can cause anglers to lose focus and rush through productive areas.
But when the bite gets tough, slowing down is often one of the best things you can do.
The old saying that you should slow down when the bite gets tough is not fool’s gold.
It is true. Do not let the elements cause you to fish too quickly and miss bites.
This is especially important when fishing soft plastics.
A slow, steady presentation can entice bass to strike because the bait looks like easy prey.
Consistency is also important. Stay in the moment and pay close attention to what your bait is doing.
When you get a bite, slow down even more.
Many times, one bite can lead to several more if you stay patient and work the area thoroughly.
Summer offshore fishing on Lake Guntersville can be challenging, but it can also be extremely rewarding.
The key is avoiding the common mistakes that cost fishermen opportunities.
Do not leave productive fish too soon.
Do not ignore irregularities in the grass.
Do not let the heat cause you to fish too fast.
Patience, focus and confidence are all important parts of offshore fishing success.
As the days get hotter and the summer pattern becomes stronger, slowing down and trusting what you have found can make all the difference.
Captain Mike
