Fishing for walleye, bass, pike or muskies? Here are 6 tips to beat the summer doldrums

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The author cradles a chunky summertime smallmouth

Let’s be honest, we anglers are pretty good at rationalizing our lack of success. When we struggle to catch fish, do poorly in a tournament or go home with a takeout pizza for dinner, it’s rarely because we did anything wrong. Rather, it’s because it was too hot, too cold, too sunny, too cloudy, too windy or not breezy enough. Honestly, you could retire and live a life of luxury on the French Riviera if you had a dollar for every time you heard anglers blame their lack of success on the arrival of a cold front.

And that brings us to the favourite excuse of all for an empty livewell—the so-called summer doldrums, those times when the fish just won’t bite. Fortunately, the dreaded doldrums are easily overcome once you learn how fish behaviour changes during the summer, and how to change your strategies accordingly. Here’s how to do it…

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