hot, slow it down

Hi Folks, Been running the boat with clients the last few days chasing smallmouth bass with spin gear.  Surface temperature of the water has been 77 degrees in the early morning.  Been getting the boat dropped in between 5:15am and 5:30am.  Sun has been intense and the air temperatures a little uncomfortable.  Pretty calm in the morning and the wind has picked up at midday.  We have been catching some decent smallmouth jig fishing.  The top water bite has been fairly slow with only juvenile smallmouth eating our surface presentations.  Does not seem like many large fish were holding in shallow water.  So we have been pitching 1/8 jig heads with a crawfish colored 3 1/2" tube jig to drop offs and deeper water.  The smallies have been eating it up!  The best fish the last couple of days have in the 15" to 17" class.  Moving the boat out away from shore a bit into deeper water has been the ticket.  I think the bright sun and heat has slowed down the top water bite.  Jig fishing is an excellent method for working neutral to non-agressive fish.  It is a finesse technique and is best accomplished with rods from 6 1/2' to 7 1/2'.  A slow hop of the jig with good line control is important.   What a difference in results with the jigging versus fishing floating rapalas and poppers.  Looks like thunder stoms this afternoon and a much needed cool down.  We need rain!  Remember to clean your gear and keep the non-native species at home.  Have Fun, Willy