Football and Shaky Head Jig Strategies for Summer Bass

The product recommendations on our site are independently chosen by our editors. When you click through our links, we may earn a commission. 

Summer bass commonly shift to deeper offshore structures as the post-spawn gives way to the summer peak period. In response, the preferred bass habitat often moves from grass to hard bottom areas where crawfish become the primary forage. Mitch Anderson explains how to find likely spots for offshore summer bass using mapping and side imaging and how to fish football and shaky head jigs to milk these spots.

FOOTBALL JIG SETUP

SHAKEY HEAD SETUP

* Additional links at the bottom

Mitch starts combing hard extensions off of main lake points and humps. A football head jig is an excellent tool for getting to the bottom quickly while dragging and deflecting off of bottom elements (closely resembling crawfish). Anderson stresses the need to fish productive spots methodically from multiple angles. Use long casts at different depths and casting angles to figure out how bass are positioned. Drop a waypoint and make repeated casts when you get bit.

When the football bite fizzles, Anderson reaches for a finesse shaky head and worm setup to milk the spot for a few more fish. The right rod and line setup have a big bearing on fishing these presentations effectively in deep water. Anderson prefers a longer 7’4” – 7’6” medium-heavy casting rod spooled with 12- to 15-pound fluorocarbon line for the football head jig setup. The smaller diameter fluorocarbon has less water resistance for a faster fall while making it easier to maintain bottom contact. For the shaky head setup, a light braid and fluorocarbon leader provide the same benefits.

FISH FINDERS

BOAT SETUP

SHALLOW WATER ANCHORS & ACCESSORIES

ACCESSORIES

BATTERIES AND CHARGERS 

CLOTHING