Beginners Guide to Fishing

Fishing with Buzzbaits

Buzzbaits look much like spinnerbaits, but have a large rotating blade that churns the water's surface. They are almost weedless therefore great for use around shallow cover such as wood or grass. Buzzbaits, used for bass fishing, are thought of as an excellent lure for larger bass. The noise a buzzbait generates is thought to provoke aggressive and violent reaction strikes from bass with their annoying and repetitive action.

When to Fish Buzzbaits

Fish buzzbaits when the surface temperature is between 65 to 90 degrees. Spring and fall are great times for fishing buzzbaits. During summer, when the water is hotter, it is often best to fish buzzbaits during the early morning or late in the day. However, don't be afraid to try it during the middle hours of the day when no other lure seems to be what the bass want. The best conditions for buzz baits are cloudy days or days with misty rain and calm winds.

Where to Fish Buzzbaits

Try fishing buzzbaits around shallow cover, like stumps, logs, and brush piles. Also try over shallow underwater grass beds, where the grass is just under the surface of the water, or through thin grass that is above the surface of the water such as bulrushes or maiden cane. Also use them around lillypads or flooded willow bushes.

Buzzbait Size

There are a few factors to consider when choosing which size buzzbait to use. Number 1 - the size of the bass you are fishing for. For bass around two pounds or a little larger, use a 1/4 ounce buzzbait, gradually increasing the size of the buzzbait as the size of the size of the fish increases. Number 2 - the mood of the fish is important as well. Inactive bass that are holding to cover will need a slower retrieve. Also, use a smaller size buzzbait when bass are slow to bite, as the larger sizes will sink faster with the slower retrieve. Number 3 - with a wind that is rippling the surface of the water, use a larger size buzzbait in order to make more noise. This will make it easier for the bass to find.

Buzzbait Color

Use natural colors on sunny days with clear water, smoke gray or clear flake work well on days like these. In murky water or anytime the sky is overcast or cloudy, use either dark or bright colors such as black or a darker greenish color, or, on the brighter side, try hot pink, white, or chartreuse.

Buzzbait Tackle

Because buzzbaits are used for larger fish and are fished around heavy cover, strong and sturdy tackle is necessary. Use a strong, sturdy rod (6 foot 3 inches or a bit longer) with medium to heavy action. And use heavy line, 20 pound test is recommended.

Buzzbait Trailers and Trailer Hooks

Often bass will strike short on a buzzbait. A trailer hook will help catch the fish that short strike. If the bass are just nipping at the lure, use a treble hook rather than a trailer hook.

Buzzbait Retrieves

Cast past the spot you think a bass might be, and start retrieving as soon as the buzzbait hits the water. Your rod should be between the 10 and 11 o'clock position. Fish close to cover and try to bump into the cover as you retrieve. Start with a medium speed retrieve. If the fish don't react, slow down or speed up the retrieve.