"Buzzing for Big Bass"
by Joel Stokka
One of the most under thrown baits here in the North Country is the
“Buzz Bait”. Although widely known as a big bass producer, buzz
baits seem to be a “mystery” bait to many. In this article I’ll
offer a few tips that will help you catch more and bigger bass this
summer.
There
are two kinds of buzz baits:
1.
“In-line”
2.
“Short arm”
Either
type of buzz bait is what I would call a “reaction” bait. The noise and movement
is what will trigger fish to strike. It’s also a great “locator” bait. I use it
to cover a lot of water quickly in pre-fishing for tournaments. Buzz baits also
typically produce bigger bass over other horizontal baits presentations.
Where to fish a buzz bait:
Primarily,
I buzz over shallow weed flats from 3-8 feet in depth. Also effective is to
throw them along rocky banks, boat docks, rock piles, inside weedlines and in
sparse reeds/bulrushes. Don’t forget the classic spots: lily pads and along
timber. Buzz baits can also be very effective fishing outside the weed-line
where bass often can be found suspended feeding on baitfish.
Equipment to use:
Recommended equipment is a medium action 7 foot with a medium-speed retrieve
reel. The longer rod is necessary for longer casts and sweeping hook sets. A
trailer hook is a must; over half your fish will come on the trailer. In dirty
water and on deeper weed flats, I’ve had some of my biggest fish come on a
tandem delta blade buzzer made by Blue Fox. It’s a larger bait and creates more
noise.
My
favorite buzz bait for catching numbers is the floating, in-line Scum Frog
“Thunder Toad” made by Southern Lure Company. This little gem can be worked very
slowly and stopped without sinking. This can be very effective if you miss a
strike, you can let the bait sit for a follow-up strike, which will happen over
50% of the time. This bait is totally weedless and can be thrown into weedy
conditions where other buzzers would be useless.
Let's talk
about colors. I like white or black best although I have been known to tie on a
combination chartreuse/ white. My color choice is usually predicated on the
light conditions, water clarity and time of the year. I do not believe there is
a magic formula with respect to buzz bait color. In my experience, sound, speed
of retrieve, and water conditions are much more critical than color.
How
to work a buzz bait:
For best
results use a steady retrieve with your rod tip pointed at the lure. This will
give you direct contact with your bait and allow better control in windy
conditions. If you rod tip is too high you’ll have to reel down before your
hook-set and often this delay will miss fish. You also have the problem of wind
putting a bow in your line making you reel-in the slack before your hook-set,
causing a delay and lost fish. Heavier baits will require your rod tip elevated
a bit higher to keep the bait on the surface. When a blow–up occurs count to 1
and set on 2. Long fan casts will allow you to cover more water and create more
strikes. Use the larger and louder baits when buzzing dark and/or deeper water.
Best
time to fish a buzz bait:
Overcast
conditions can be a blast! Don’t forget sunny days however…I won a tournament on
a blue bird sunny and windy day buzzing shallow flats. Most fishermen think that
you need flat water to throw a buzz bait….not true! wave action and buzz baits
most often can be the pattern of the day!
Next time
try throwing a buzz bait where you would normally swim a jig or spinner bait and
hang-on! Nothing beats the excitement of a big bass blowing on the surface.
Tight Lines,
Joel Stokka
classicbass.com Pro Staff
