Over the years, literally decades, especially for late summer and early fall largemouth bass, I have been fond of tossing the simple but effective buzz bait. Early attempts with these topwaters proved discouraging, as I would miss the great majority of the strikes. It was me, usually, because I had the bad habit of setting the hook too soon rather than waiting to feel the weight of the fish. Over time I developed a knack for hooking more, and sometimes bigger bass, with the buzz bait. To this day, to me it remains the most exciting form of bass fishing.
Buzz Bait Basics
As a topwater bait, the buzzes are primarily a warm-weather option best used when fish are looking up or shallow enough that a disturbance on the water can get their attention. Strikes can be anywhere from soft, subtle smacks to explosive blasts that rocket the lure skywards.
Many companies make buzz baits, as well as a slew of independent lure manufacturers. Sizes run from 1/8th ounce minis to half-ounce hulks that entice the largest and most aggressive fish. Most of the time throwing a 3/8th or quarter-ounce model will be ideal for targeting fish in the three-pound range or larger. Blade materials vary, as lightweight metal, aluminum, or Lexan are all used. The goal is to have a blade that will spin right along on top of the water at a fairly slow retrieve rate. High-riding buzz baits often have a flat or banana-style body that enables the bait to plane easily on the surface without a fast retrieve. The slower the speed, the easier it is for a fish to track and overtake the bait as it lunges for the disturbance. Additionally, a wire offset on the lower body that holds the hook allows for better, cleaner hooksets.
Many anglers have long claimed the need for a plastic trailer on the hook and sometimes the addition of a trailer hook is effective, but I have found that the plastic addition actually leads to more missed strikes than solid hookups. I occasionally use a trailer hook, especially when the fish are tentative and seem to be striking short. But mostly, the best success comes with buzzbaits that have a skirt just slightly past the bend of the hook and no plastic trailer added.
Start your retrieve as soon as the lure hits the water rather than allowing it to fall, which requires increased speed to get it back up to the surface. Often, quality bass will pound a buzz bait the instant it hits the water. I use my hand to flip the bail of the spinning reel just before the lure lands on the water and immediately get the bait moving, to prevent it from sinking.
When tossing buzz baits from kayaks there will be times when you will have strikes just as you are pulling the lure from the water or within a few feet of the yak. Be aware that missed strikes at this distance can send a bait whistling back in your direction, even at your face. Keep rods low and to the side at the end of the retrieve so that the lure doesn’t catapult back at you.
Tackle Options for Fishing BuzzBaits
Heralded as a lure for baitcasting gear, you’ll also have plenty of success with these lures using medium-heavy spinning gear and braided lines in 20- to 30-pound test. Some anglers use 20- to 30-pound test fluorocarbon leader but I feel this isn’t necessary as the line is out of the water during the retrieve. Be careful not to make casts that are too long and challenge the hook-setting capabilities of your tackle. Indeed, a nice long cast can get a strike, but even with braid setting hooks in a bony jaw can be challenging. Shorter, accurate tosses in the 20’ to 40’ range often get better results.
Buzz baits have been around a long time and most people have their favorites. The long-established Buzz King, by Strike King Lures, is a classic used over decades of buzzing for bass. Currently, I have enjoyed success with the Wild Thang Series of buzz baits from GA Boy Lures of Waycross, GA. There are many others out there as well. Both two and three-bladed lures catch their share of fish.
Any time the water temperatures are above 60 degrees and the fish are feeding shallow can be a good time to tie one of these on. Buzz baits are exciting, fun to fish, and can lead to some of the biggest blow-ups of the year. Just remember: set the hook when you feel the weight of the fish—not when you see the strike.
-By Jim Gronaw