RE: The Hotter the Better
The Hotter the Better: Kansas Bass Fishing in 115°F Proving Extreme Heat Doesn’t Stop Shallow-Water Action —
The Record-Breaking Heatwave - Context: August 2, 2011 – Hottest day on record in Mulvane, KS.
- Temperature: Truck gauge hit 115°F (water temps likely “bathwater warm”).
- Challenge: Disprove the myth that bass shut down in extreme heat.
Sight-Fishing in 1–2 Ft of Water Mission: Document bass behavior during peak heat (1:30 PM).
Location: Urban pond littered with trash (beer bottles, shopping carts) but teeming with life.
Spot the Fish: Two limbs form an arrow pointing to the bass (focus off-center).
Key Observations 1. Active Feeding: Bass hunted shad and bluegills in <2 ft of water, despite 100+°F air temps.
- Shadow Strategy: Fish held tight to shade lines (e.g., tree limbs, bank overhangs).
- Stealth Matters: Standing still in shadows allowed observation of natural behavior.
Proof in Hand: The same stick marks the spot where the bass was caught.
Takeaways for Anglers - Myth Busted: Bass do feed aggressively in shallow water during extreme heat.
- Tactics: - Slow Down: Let baits sit longer between retrieves.
- Target Shade: Use overhead cover to ambush prey.
- Match the Hatch: Imitate shad/bluegill activity.
- Gear Tip: Polarized sunglasses are non-negotiable for spotting fish.
Final Thought: “Sight fishing in 100°F water? LOVE IT!!” – @ksbigbass
Tight Lines and Full Wells! 🎣