Photo by Ron Sinfelt.

The heat and humidity of mid-summer are not only trying on one's temperament, but can result in brutal conditions for bass fishing as well. Many folks simply give up on bass and turn their attention to other species such as bluegills or catfish.

However, just because it's summer doesn't mean that no fine bass fishing is to be found. One simply has to understand the changes that bass go through during the hot months and then learn how to adapt.

A wide variety of conditions can make bass hard to locate and to catch during the summer months. First and foremost is water temperature. The heat of summer and the long hours of sunlight cause the water temperature to soar, which pushes bass into cooler depths. While almost all largemouth anglers can catch bass in the spring, when the fish are feeding aggressively in the shallows, some people have a real problem getting on fish that have moved deeper.

Water temperature isn't the only problem created by the sun -- light penetration is another major factor that pushes bass deep. Largemouths prefer to be less exposed to the rays of the sun and so seek the darkness and security of structure in deeper water.

Next is pressure -- in two forms. Obviously, fishing pressure on the lake, not only for bass but for other species as well, creates conditions that make bass less aggressive. Couple fishing pressure with all the recreational traffic on the lake from pleasure boaters, skiers, party boats, houseboats and personal watercraft, and the bass become really reclusive.

At this time, one must be smart, and learn when and how to fish for these reclusive bass. The best way to catch these bass is to hit the water when the pressure is lighter and the sunlight is having less or no effect --early morning, late afternoons, even at night. Also, if possible, target weekdays instead of weekends, thus enabling you to avoid the heaviest recreational pressure.

Early mornings and late evenings are prime times for tossing topwater baits. This is especially true when the water is slick and calm as it often is just at daybreak. Look for bass along shallow flats and longer, tapering points, and even back in coves amid structure or in standing timber. Bass will come up from great depths to strike a topwater bait when conditions are just right.

Many anglers like to fish mornings in areas with a little current, throwing topwater baits as well as crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Look for fish along ledges or points, in particular those near dropoffs into deeper water.

For non-crowded lake conditions and superb bass action, nothing's better than night-fishing during the summer. A variety of methods will take bass during the dark hours.

Big baits, which create a large shadow and produce good noise and vibration, are the key to success. Black is usually the primary color used at night, because it creates the most shadow and helps bass find the bait easier. Largemouths can be caught with both surface lures and submerged lures during the nighttime.

Some anglers prefer big loud buzzbaits, which churn the surface to draw bass. Other anglers tightline or bottom-bump with big spinnerbaits, jig-and-pig combos or plastic baits. Some people cast crankbaits with rattles.

One can put these tactics to good use at lots of lakes. Here's a look at six of our top choices.

ENID LAKEM
The catch rates for largemouth bass are above average at Enid Lake in Panola, Lafayette, and Yalobusha counties. The lake offers some 28,000 acres of prime bass fishing, although it is highly underused. Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks fisheries biologist Keith Meals said that Enid Lake is fished mostly by crappie anglers, which leaves those fishing for bass with lots of great opportunity.

Enid's bass fishery is in great shape, abounding in fish in the 3- to 5-pound range, with some up to 7 pounds. A slot limit on the lake helps protect smaller fish and allows them to reach substantial sizes. Anglers at Enid may keep up to seven bass per day, but may keep no bass within the slot of 16 to 20 inches. Only three of the seven-fish creel may be above 20 inches.

The main creek channel in the upper end holds bass at times, but lacks what one could consider the best bass habitat. The lake has fairly clear water and no aquatic vegetation. The Wildcat Brake area does have a fair amount of standing timber, which attracts largemouths at times. In August, however, the best angling seems to be in the main lake off points running out into fairly deep water. Most summer bass are found from 12 to 20 feet deep.