Best Lures and Strategies for Bass Fishing in Cornwall: A July Guide
July in Cornwall is a dynamic yet unpredictable month for bass fishing, with shifting baitfish populations and variable conditions challenging anglers. As sandeels dwindle, mackerel numbers surge, and sprat and whitebait arrive later in the month, creating a diverse menu for bass.
July’s Changing Dynamics for Bass Fishing
In July, Our coastal waters undergo a transition. Sandeels, abundant in May, become scarcer, while mackerel dominate and chase sprat closer to shore in calm weather. Later in the month, whitebait appear, but rough seas keep them offshore. Bass adapt to this variety, targeting mackerel, sprat, or whitebait, making lure selection critical. Sea temperatures hover around 16°C, with air temperatures averaging 18-22°C, creating favourable conditions for both day and night fishing. Estuaries are particularly productive in July, offering consistent surface and subsurface action despite green algae growth on mudflats. Keeping a catch report is essential, as bass return to the same estuarine spots at specific tidal stages annually.
Choosing the Right Lures for July
With bass feeding on diverse baitfish, lure color and flash are key. White and silver lures mimic sprat and whitebait, while lures with reflective or flashy finishes imitate mackerel. Here are the top lure types for July bass fishing:
1. Soft Plastic Lures
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Description: Flexible lures like paddle-tail shads or weedless minnows resembling sprat or whitebait.
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How They Work: Their lifelike action mimics fleeing or injured baitfish, ideal for subsurface fishing.
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When to Use: Perfect for night fishing in estuaries, especially 2 hours either side of high or low tide. Use in deeper estuarine channels or near mudflats.
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Pro Tip: Opt for silver or white with subtle flash; rig weedless to avoid algae.
2. Topwater Lures
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Description: Surface lures like poppers or stickbaits that splash or “walk” across the water.
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How They Work: They imitate distressed sprat, triggering explosive surface strikes.
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When to Use: Best during calm, warm July days in estuaries or along the coast when mackerel push sprat shoreward.
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Pro Tip: Use a fast retrieve with pauses to mimic panicked baitfish.
3. Hard Minnow Plugs
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Description: Rigid lures with diving lips or suspending action, mimicking mackerel or sprat.
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How They Work: Their diving or hovering action attracts bass in deeper waters.
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When to Use: Versatile for day or night in estuaries or open coast, especially when bass are smashing mackerel.
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Pro Tip: Choose lures with flashy finishes to match mackerel’s shimmer.
Strategies for July Success
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Focus on Estuaries: Estuaries offer consistent action in July, both day and night. Fish tidal transitions (2 hours either side of high or low tide) to target bass hunting in channels or near mudflats.
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Adapt to Weather: In settled conditions, fish closer to shore where mackerel chase sprat. In rough seas, target deeper estuarine waters where bass hunt whitebait.
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Experiment with Colors: White and silver lures are go-to choices, but test lures with green or blue flash to mimic mackerel. Log results in a catch report.
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Night Fishing: Extend sessions 1-2 hours past dusk, using white or glowing soft plastics under moonlight for night bass fishing.
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Gear Prep: Tie strong knots (e.g., Palomar) and set drag to 25-30% of line strength to handle powerful July bass.
Why July is Unique for Anglers
July’s mix of baitfish and warm conditions creates exciting opportunities for bass fishing. By focusing on estuaries, choosing white or silver lures with flash, and adapting to weather and tides, you can turn this hit-and-miss month into a success. Explore new locations, log your catches, and let the right lure guide you to a trophy bass.
Surface:
Sub-surface:
Snax's
Estuary soft plastics:
