Largemouth Bass Fishing with an Expert Angler

The Bass, the Boat, and the Bond

A Father-Son Tale of Summer Fishing Glory

You know those days you dream about? Blue skies, calm water, and a cooler full of cold drinks and big fish? Well, that’s exactly what played out when collegiate bass angler Nick Dumke and his dad Troy hit the water in Lund’s brand-spankin’ new 1975 Renegade. It was a day drenched in sunshine, family stories, and fish that hit like they owed you money.

Welcome to Lund’s The Ultimate Fishing Experience, where the only thing better than the boat is the bond between a father and son who’ve swapped roles—Dad used to teach, now the kid leads the way. And let me tell you, Nick isn’t just catching bass—he’s catching memories, schooling his dad, and making it look way too easy.

From Knee-High to Renegade

Once upon a tackle box, Nick was the kid begging to fish off the dock even while Dad was backing down the trailer. Fast-forward to now—he’s a hammer on the collegiate circuit, fishing for the University of Montevallo, racking up wins with his teammates, and learning how to dial in deep summer bass like a seasoned pro.

Their latest outing was textbook summer bass fishing—if your textbook had slime, weedlines, and the occasional dad-joke about being out-fished... again.

The Setup: Summer Deep Weed Edge Tactics

The name of the game was deep weed edge bass, and this lake was serving up the goods. Nick explained it like a seasoned guide—bass and baitfish (think bluegills and crappies) move out deep when the temps rise. The trick? Targeting those juicy transitions where weedlines meet rocky fingers with a simple-yet-deadly setup: the jig worm.

Think finesse. Think drag-it-‘til-it-bites. Think “Whoa! This one’s got shoulders!”

Nick’s gear of choice? A 5-inch straight tail worm on a mushroom-style Ned head jig, braided main line with a fluorocarbon leader, and a medium-action rod around 7'3" to 7'6". The longer rod helps muscle those big green beasts out of the salad.

The Boat: 1975 Renegade—Fishing Machine Meets Family Dream

Let’s talk gear—not the rods, the ride. The 1975 Renegade is Lund’s newest mod-V hull beauty, bridging the gap between its smaller 1775 and 1875 siblings. It’s shallow-draft enough to creep into skinny backwaters, but sturdy enough for big lake rollers. Translation? One boat to rule them all.

Highlights:

• Center rod storage (your OCD will thank you)
• Spacious gear compartments and a big rear livewell
• Humminbird Helix units (one at the helm, one up front)
• XS jump seats that fold down into an extended casting deck
• 150 HP Mercury Pro XS that scoots this beast across the lake like a scalded cat

This isn’t just a bass boat—it’s a fish-slaying, memory-making water chariot.

Casting Memories, Catching Monsters

Throughout the day, the bass kept coming—some dinks, some tanks, all with stories. One swallowed a jig worm so deep they needed pliers. Another came up from right beneath the boat, proving that electronics aren’t just for show—they’re the difference between guessing and knowing.

And every catch came with a smile from Troy, watching his son do what he loves with the same fire he had when he first picked up a rod.

The Heart of It All: Bass, Brotherhood & Big Dreams

Nick’s journey began with backyard derbies—$20 buy-ins with buddies and bragging rights on the line. One visionary dad turned those homemade contests into a full-blown high school fishing program. From there? College tournaments, cross-country road trips, and a brotherhood built on bass.

The camaraderie is real. “We’re from all over,” Nick says, “but we fish as one team. Everyone brings something different to the table, and we learn from each other every time we hit the water.”

It’s not just about the trophies—it’s about the tribe.

Conclusion: Passing the Rod, Building a Legacy

So what makes a great day on the water? The fish? Sure. The boat? Absolutely. But it’s the moments—the ones where a son teaches his dad something new, where generations collide over a shared passion, where a jig worm becomes a vessel for life lessons.

Nick Dumke isn’t just out there catching bass. He’s building a life. One cast, one memory, one deep weedline at a time.

FAQs

Q: What’s the best time to target deep weed edge bass?

A: Mid-to-late summer when temps rise and baitfish move deeper. Early morning and late afternoon tend to be best.

Q: What’s a good beginner rig for deep summer bass?

A: A jig worm setup—straight or curly tail worm on a mushroom head jig, braided line to fluoro leader, medium action rod. Simple, effective, deadly.

Q: How can I get started in high school or college bass fishing?

A: Check with your school or local clubs—many have youth leagues or junior programs. Don’t be afraid to start your own team, either!

Q: What makes the Lund 1975 Renegade stand out?

A: It’s the perfect blend of shallow-draft versatility and big-water capability, loaded with smart storage and tournament-ready features.

Q: Is the college bass fishing scene really that fun?

A: According to Nick? “Even more fun than I could’ve imagined.”