Buzzbait Basics

WHEN TO FISH BUZZBAITS: Most anglers fish buzzbaits when the surface temperature ranges from around 65 to 90 degrees. In spring and fall , they account for bass all day long on many lakes, but in summer when the water is hot, they are usually most effective early and late in the day. Anglers describe perfect buzzbait weather conditions as being cloudy or misting rain and calm winds.

WHERE TO FISH BUZZBAITS: 1. Around shallow wood cover, particularly stumps, lay-down logs and brushpiles. 2. Over shallow submerged grassbeds, especially where milfoil and hydrilla don't quite reach the surface. 3. Through thin emergent grass, such as maidencane or bulrushes. 4. Around flooded willow bushes, especially in the late spring when reservoir levels rise. 5. Around floating debris ( leaf mats, logs, etc. ), especially in the back ends of tributaries.

BUZZBAIT SIZE: Determine the proper buzzbait size by weighing the following variables: Size of the bass in the lake you're fishing. If bass seldom exceed 2 pounds, a 1/4 oz. buzzbait is usually best. Where bass grow bigger, use a larger buzzer. Mood of bass. When bass are inactive and holding tight to cover, it usually takes a slow retrieve to tempt them into striking a buzzbait. Because larger buzzers are heavier and sink faster, use a lighter buzzbait when the bite is slow. Water temperature. At the beginning and end of buzzbait season, start off with smaller buzzers ( usually 1/4 oz., but sometimes as small as 1/8 oz. ) in anticipation of less active fish in cool water. Wind. If there's a breeze rippling the surface, use a larger buzzbait, which will make more noise and be easier for the bass to locate.

BUZZBAIT COLOR: Most anglers seldom consider color to be a factor in buzzbaits, but pro anglers feel differently. Here's what they recommend: A. In clear water on sunny days, use natural baitfish colors -- smoke gray, clear flake. B. In a murky lake or anytime the sky is overcast, use dark colors ( black, dark green ) or bright colors ( white, chartreuse, hot pink ). C. In lakes with a large bluegill population, try a chartreuse/orange ( fire tiger ) skirt.

BUZZBAIT TACKLE: Since buzzbaits are fished around cover, and because they're big-bass lures, stout tackle and heavy line is recommended. A 6 foot, 3 inch baitcasting rod with a medium or medium-heavy action is ideal; some experts use longer rods, even flipping or pitching sticks, especially in lakes known for lunker bass. Some "give" to the tip is needed, otherwise you'll react too quickly when a bass strikes and pull the lure out of its mouth. Use 14 to 20 pound test line with high abrasion resistance.

TRAILER HOOKS AND TRAILERS WITH BUZZBAITS: Most pros always fish a buzzbait with a trailer hook. Bass often short-strike these lures and many fish will be hooked on the trailer. If bass are just nipping the lure, substitute a small treble hook for the standard trailer hook. This will even catch bass that are slapping at the lure with their mouth shut. A trailer ( grub, split-tail eel, etc. ) may be used to increase the profile and floatation of a buzzbait, but if bass start short-striking the lure, it should be removed.