Strike King pro Clark Wendlandt weighs in on the best fishing in Zone 2 for the month of July.

With the higher temperatures in Zone 2, Wendlandt suggests fishing early in the morning. “With the water temperature in the 80's and 90's, I would fish topwater early in the morning on either rocky shorelines or around vegetation,” says Wendlandt.

If fishing a bit later in the day, you are not completely out of luck. Wendlandt shares, “For the rest of the day, I would look at deep structure, points, ledges, and humps – 10- to 20-feet of water is ideal.”

BAIT 1: Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Hard Knock

Wendlandt uses the KVD Sexy Dawg Hard Knock when fishing along a rocky shoreline or around vegetation.

If the water is clear or stained, Wendlandt prefers the TN Shad 2.0.

BAIT 2: Strike King Pro Model 6XD Crankbait

Wendlandt uses the Pro Model 6XD Crankbait when fishing in deep structure, points, ledges, or humps.

Wendlandt’s choice for clear water is the Natural Shad, while he opts for Chartreuse Sexy Shad if the water is stained. When the water is muddy, he reached for the Citrus Shad.

BAIT 3: Strike King Pro Model 8XD Crankbait

Wendlandt uses the Pro Model 8XD Crankbait when fishing in deep structure, points, ledges, or humps.

He opts for the Natural Shad in clear water, and switches to Chartreuse Sexy Shad if the water is stained. Muddy water calls for the Citrus Shad.

BAIT 4: Strike King Game Hawg 4"

If fish are holding in deeper structure or near points and ledges, Wendlandt attacks with a Carolina Rigged Game Hawg 4".

If the water is clear or stained, he will throw Green Pumpkin, while muddy water calls for a Black Blue Flake. 

BAIT 5: Strike King Thunder Cricket Vibrating Swim Jig 1/2 oz

Wendlandt throws a Thunder Cricket Vibrating Swim Jig 1/2 oz paired with Blade Minnow trailer as his go-to when fishing in deep structure, points, ledges, or humps.   

If the water is clear or stained, he will throw the Green Pumpkin, while he will switch to White if the water is muddy.