Lew’s and Strike King Pro Greg Hackney shares his secret to fishing Zone 1 in the month of July.
“Zone 1 will have fish in a typical summertime pattern,” shares Hackney. He suggests looking for thick vegetation during July, as fish are looking for cover and cooler water. “Flipping and pitching to submergent and emergent vegetation will be key as 80- to 90-degree water temps can be expected,” Hackney advises Zone 1 anglers.
Hackney uses the Skip'N Buzz when in shallow, submergent grass, shoreline vegetation, or laydowns.
If the water is clear, Hackney prefers the Green Pumpkin. In stained water, he switches to the White. In muddy water, Hackney opts for a Black soft plastic trailer.
Hackney throws the Hack Attack® Pad Perch when in thick, emergent vegetation.
Hackney’s choice for clear water is the Leopard Perch, while he opts for White Shadow if the water is stained. In muddy water, Hackney goes for the Black color.
The Hack Attack® Flipping Jig is Hackney’s top choice when flipping shoreline or offshore wood and vegetation.
He opts for the Bama Craw in clear water, and switches to a Sexy Craw if the water is stained. In muddy water, the Black Blue Flake is Hackney’s go-to.
The KVD 2.5 Wake Bait is Hackney’s choice when fishing grass lines, submergent vegetation, and wood.
If the water is clear, he will throw a Sexy Shad, while more stained water calls for a Chartreuse Shad. In muddy water, Hackney switches to the Cataquatche Special.
The Magnum Rage Bug 4.5" is Hackney’s top choice when flipping shoreline or offshore wood and vegetation.
He opts for Watermelon Red Flake in clear water. If the water is stained, he will throw the California Craw, while he will switch to a Black Blue Flake if the water is muddy.