Beginner's Guide to Summer Fishing: Fish the Weeds

Author: Nicole Stone

The dog days of summer fishing are here, and while the heat can be a burden, fishing is at its best. For those new to fishing, or simply struggling to find and catch fish this time of year, there's one tried-and-true tactic that's perfect for anglers of all skill levels: fishing with spinners over the weeds.
This effective strategy requires little knowledge of the lake, no electronics, and a simple arsenal of gear to find success. In fact, if you are struggling with catching fish this time of year, there is no better way to start your day than by finding submerged weeds and fishing over (not along) them. To find the weeds, all you have to do is look near the shore.

Let's dive into why this approach is so effective, the gear you'll need, and how to navigate the heat so you will be catching at all times of the day this time of year.

 Summer Fishing in the Weeds

Although weeds might seem like a nuisance, with the right gear they are the easiest place to find a variety of fish.  Weeds provide shelter and ambush points for a variety of fish species, and spinners are the perfect tool to draw them up and out from underneath. In fact, many people target weedlines, however, you can do one better and target these fish right on top of them.

• Simple Yet Effective: Unlike complex techniques that require years of practice, trolling spinners on top of the weeds is very straightforward. All you need to do is troll, making it an ideal starting point for beginners and kids, or those seeking a fishing experience that requires little lake knowledge.
• Easy to Locate a Variety of Species: The versatility of spinners shines through as they attract a wide range of species, including panfish, bass, pike, and walleye. This means every pass holds the potential for a different species of fish.
• No Electronics, No Problem: One of the most appealing aspects of spinner fishing over weeds is its accessibility. You don't need expensive fish finders or sonar to locate fish. Simply troll your spinner over submerged weed beds (often found near shorelines), to quickly cover ground and pinpoint active fish. This approach is perfect for those new to a body of water or those who prefer a more instinctive style of fishing versus sharp-shooting that has been the craze online for more advanced anglers.

Summer Fishing Weeds: The Essentials

This type of fishing is simple and requires little in the form of technical gear.  In summary, it actually requires any rod, reel, line, a single split shot and a spinner. You are going to troll, so rod power and action aren’t as critical as more technical types of fishing. Below is a breakdown of some general specifics for this application, however, the rod that works is the one you already own.

• Rod & Line: One of the biggest benefits about trolling this setup is that you really can use whatever gear you have. The best setup would be a medium light, fast action rod for these situations, but if you don’t have that, don’t worry. The most important aspect when trolling like this is going to be the line. We recommend using at least a 10 lb braid (the spinner has the “fluoro” leader portion covered). Braid is tough, and can be pulled through weeds, even with a fish on the line.
  
  Too light of line often means your line will break off in the weeds, leaving it, oftentimes along with a fish, in the lake. When trolling, a longer rod (7’ or so) can also be beneficial for getting you farther away from the boat. However, at the end of the day, whichever rod and reel setup you own will work for this simple application.

• Spinners: Spinners are super cheap, easy to find, and you can even make them yourself if you want to save money. Colorado or Indiana blade spinners in sizes 3 to 5 are a good starting point. These classic rigs have proven their effectiveness time and time again. A single hook versus a crawler harness (double hook) can be easier to work with and is often all you need. However, either will work just fine in this application.
• Trailers: Tipping your spinner with a nightcrawler or leech is going to be key in this application. During the summer months, both are equally effective. However, leeches tend to be “heartier” than a nightcrawler and often require less re-baiting. Of course, the key is to experiment with different trailers to find what works best on your local waters.
• Split-Shot Weight: Smaller is often better when it comes to the split shot. Heavy bottom bouncers or bullet weights WILL NOT WORK for this application as they will quickly put your presentation down into the weeds and foul it up. In fact, there are times late summer when the weeds are so high that you won’t need a weight at all. At those times, you can simply run the spinner with no weight so that it swims about 6” below the surface. In most situations, however, the optimal weight is often one small split shot placed just below the swivel.

The Summer Spinning Technique: The Lighter the Better

When it comes to running this setup, all you need to do is to make sure your spinner is tied onto your line with a swivel and then have the small split shot somewhere between the swivel and the hook. You can play around with exactly where based on how deep it’s swimming over the weeds. In summary, here are the simple tips to find success:

• Stay Above the Weeds: Determining the depth you are at depends heavily on the height of the weeds. You usually can’t go wrong targeting 9 to 15 feet midsummer. However, this will depend on the lake you are on. If you can see the weeds below you, don’t be afraid to run a spinner over them. There will be fish there.

• Speed: The key with this presentation is to run it fast enough to keep the spinner moving and maintain its position above the weeds. A good starting range is between 0.8 and 1.5 mph. Don’t be afraid to vary that speed and see how the fish respond. Keep in mind slower means a deeper running spinner.
• Don’t be Shy of the Weeds: The number one mistake people often make is that they try to run their presentation along the outer weed “edge.” Don’t do this. Instead, troll directly over the weeds and don’t be afraid to remove the split shot if you need to keep your presentation up out of them. So many fish are packed into the shade of the weeds this time of year and the key is to pull them out and on top.

Hot Summer Fishing Protection

Don’t let the heat stop you from fishing this time of year, especially midday. When the temperatures soar, so do fish metabolisms. High metabolisms mean hungry fish. The key is to simply target the fish where they are at, which often means thick weedbeds.

However, this also means it's crucial to dress for comfort and protect yourself from the sun. DSG offers a range of women's fishing apparel that will keep you cool, stylish, and your skin protected while on the water:

• Moisture-Wicking Shirts: DSG has lightweight, breathable fabrics that wick away sweat and dry quickly, ensuring you stay comfortable even in the hottest conditions. Good options are the Nora Hooded Shirt and the Victoria Sun Shirt.
• UPF Clothing: Look for clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating. These garments provide an added layer of defense against the sun's harmful UV radiation. Everything in the DSG Fish line-up offers essential UPF protection for those long days on the water.
• Lightweight Pants or Shorts: Opt for convertible pants or shorts made from quick-drying materials. These versatile options offer flexibility and allow for easy temperature regulation. DSG’s High-Waisted Boat Shorts and Lydia Dock Shorts are customer favorites.

Hot Weather Fishing Tips for Maximum Enjoyment

To make the most of your midsummer fishing adventures, follow these tips for staying safe and comfortable in the heat:

• Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Carry plenty of water and electrolytes to replenish fluids lost through sweat. Dehydration can quickly sap your energy and ruin your day on the water. A good rule of thumb is that more is never enough when hydrating during peak heat.
• Sunscreen is Your Friend: Apply sunscreen generously to exposed skin, and reapply frequently, especially if you're sweating or getting wet.
• Hats & Glasses are a Must: Don’t forget to protect your face, neck, and eyes by wearing a hat and UV protected sunglasses and even a neck gaiter if you have one. For the most protection, we recommend our bucket hat that you can find right here.

Hot Weather Means Hot Summer Fishing

With its simplicity, versatility, and accessibility, midsummer spinner fishing over weeds is a gateway to endless catching. In fact, for kids and new anglers, it’s the best option for wetting a line and finding success midday. Don't let the heat deter you! Grab your rod, your favorite DSG gear, and be ready to set some hooks on some tremendous fishing this time of year.