August Bass Fishing: Best Lures and Strategies for Success
August in Cornwall brings the warmest sea temperatures of the year, peaking at 19°C or higher, creating a vibrant ecosystem for bass fishing. Sprat and whitebait flood the waters, pursued by mackerel, scad, and garfish, with bass hot on their tails. This month offers some of the best opportunities for catching high numbers of bass, though they may be smaller in size.
August’s Bass Fishing Dynamics
High sea temperatures fuel an influx of sprat and whitebait, drawing predatory fish like bass into a feeding frenzy. Bass, especially younger ones, often chase lures out of curiosity rather than striking, making fast retrieves essential to trigger bites. Settled weather combined with spring tides sparks frantic feeding. Areas with strong tidal flows, like estuaries, small bays, or channels, are prime spots, particularly at dawn, dusk, or night fishing. The weekend of August 22-25th offers ideal conditions to test these tactics, so mark your calendar. As nights draw in, dawn and dusk sessions become more sociable, enhancing the appeal of August bass fishing.
Best Lures for August Bass
Most bass in August are caught on surface lures, as they mimic the sprat and whitebait bass target or weighted sandeels in deeper water. Fast retrieves are critical to imitate distressed baitfish. Here are the top lure types for Cornwall bass fishing in August:
1. Topwater Lures
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Description: Surface lures like poppers, or pencils that splash or “walk” across the water.
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How They Work: They replicate panicked sprat or whitebait, triggering aggressive surface strikes.
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When to Use: Ideal at dawn or dusk in small bays or estuaries during spring tides, especially on August 22-25th.
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Pro Tip: Zip the lure across the surface with a fast, erratic retrieve as soon as it lands.
2. Soft Plastic Lures
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Description: Flexible lures like paddle-tail shads or slim minnows resembling whitebait.
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How They Work: Their lifelike action mimics fleeing baitfish, perfect for subsurface action.
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When to Use: Use during night fishing in areas with strong tidal flow, such as estuaries or bays, 2 hours either side of high tide.
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Pro Tip: Choose white or silver with a fast retrieve to match sprat behavior.
3. Hard Minnow Plugs
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Description: Rigid lures with diving lips or suspending action, mimicking sprat or whitebait.
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How They Work: Their fast, darting action attracts inquisitive bass.
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When to Use: Versatile for day or night in deeper channels or bays when bass chase but don’t strike.
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Pro Tip: Work the lure fast with short pauses to entice following bass.
Strategies for August Success
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Target Tidal Flows: Fish areas with strong currents, like small bays or estuaries, during spring tides (e.g., August 22-25th, 5.9m tide). Focus on 2 hours either side of high tide or low tide.
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Time It Right: Dawn, dusk, and night sessions are most productive, especially under moonlight for night bass fishing.
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Fast Retrieves: Use rapid, erratic retrieves to mimic distressed baitfish, countering bass curiosity.
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Color Matters: White or silver lures best replicate sprat and whitebait; add flash for mackerel-like shimmer.
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Log Catches: Record lure type, location, tide, and time in a catch report, as bass habits are consistent yearly. We have started to use the Tight Lines App. We really like it.
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Gear Prep: Tie strong knots (e.g., Grinner) and set drag to 25-30% of line strength for active August bass.
Why August Excels for Anglers
August’s warm waters and abundant baitfish make it a standout month for bass fishing. High catch numbers, driven by spring tides and fast-moving lures, offer thrilling action. Focus on surface lures in white or silver, fish tidal hotspots at dawn, dusk, or night, and leverage the August 22th-25th tides for peak success. With a catch report and the right tactics, you’ll turn bass curiosity into strikes and make this month unforgettable.
This Lure has worked wonders in the estuary in July:
