Bassbaits
If you are like most bass anglers, I am sure you will agree,
nothing is more exciting than watching the water explode in
response to the action of a topwater bait. Enticing a lunker
bass to strike a surface bait requires you to get their
attention. Among topwater baits few, if any, come close to
creating as much attention getting surface disturbance as does
the buzzbait.
To a hungry bass, the unique splashing, sputtering, and gurgling
commotion created by a buzzbait is very hard to resist. In
addition to reinforcing the worth of this time proven big bass
catcher; this week's article is designed to provide you with
some BASICS which should help improve your strike and hook-up
percentages with a buzzbait.
Since a buzzbait is designed solely for surface fishing, it lacks some of
the versatility of a spinnerbait. Nonetheless I have found a
buzzbait is often more effective than a spinnerbait when fishing
over grassy, weedy areas, or visible timber. Why? First of all
it is less likely to become fouled in the grass or weeds.
Secondly, in murky water or thick vegetation, the sound created
by a buzzbait not only alerts bass to its presence but allows
them to more easily locate, track, and acquire it. Thirdly,
there is just something about a buzzbait which ignites the
predatory instincts of a bass.
Southwest Florida has already acquired worldwide recognition for its exceptionally rich saltwater fishing, but its richer freshwater fishing could never be forgotten by anyone who has tried the bass fishing opportunities there.
Buzzbaits work best in relatively calm water, however I do not hesitate
to use one when there is a light surface chop. Obviously, too
much wave action negates the disturbance caused by the buzzbait,
so let common sense prevail. Also do not be captured by the myth
regarding their effectiveness under anything but low light or
overcast conditions. If the surface temperature is above 60
degrees and the water conditions allow I will throw a buzzbait
at high noon under bluebird skies. I especially enjoy throwing a
buzzbait into thick grass or cover during hot weather. You would
be surprised by how effective a buzzbait is at drawing bass out
of the densest grass or surface matting.
I have also found that buzzbaits are a good choice when trying to locate
bass with a topwater bait. They cast farther and are retrieved
faster than most topwater baits.
The state of Florida is blest with beautiful and rich lakes that are good for fresh water fishing. This could be enjoyed throughout its southwest regions; there are also ponds, canals and creeks in other places that have good number pf bass fish content.
Thereby allowing you to cover a lot of water in a relatively
short period of time. Additionally, the fact that they have a
single, upturned hook which allows them to be fished around all
types of dense cover adds to their appeal as bass locators
Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of the buzzbait is the fact bass often
completely miss it or strike short. Similarly, when fished over
dense cover, they sometimes have problems catching up with the
bait. If you have ever used a buzzbait, chances are greater than
not, you have experienced a heart-stopping swirl or cannonball
splash but no hook-up! I would also be willing to bet that on
occasion your quick reaction to an explosive strike has resulted
in a premature hook set which accomplished nothing more than
literally taking the bait right out of a bass' mouth.
Much easier said than done, but the BASICS rule I try to follow with all
topwater baits, and especially with fast moving ones, is to
delay my hookset until I actually feel the bass take the bait
and start exerting pressure to my line. Simply put, with
topwater baits you must learn to "set by feel; not by sight or
sound!"
When the bass seem to be striking short a BASICS practice I use is to add
a single hook trailer, sometimes called a "stinger" to my
buzzbait. Doing so will greatly increase your hook-up percentage
with short strikers. If I am fishing in dense weeds or grass I
turn the "stinger" up the same as the main hook. In open water
or light cover, where I am not as concerned with fouling, I like
to turn the "stinger" down, opposite the main hook. Doing so not
only improves my hooking odds but more importantly increases the
chances of hooking a bass in its lower jaw thereby reducing its
inclination to jump. Remember the more time a bass spends in the
air the greater the odds are it will throw the bait.
As with all baits, successful bass catching requires us to make
adjustments in our presentation until we hit the one the bass
seem to be most responsive too. Using a buzzbait is no
different. I prefer 1/4oz. or 1/2oz. buzzbaits and really do not
pay a lot of attention to the blade shape or style as long as it
makes a lot of noise. Older, worn-in buzzbaits tend to produce a
squeaky noise which I believe adds to the bait's appeal. One of
the "noise" enhancing modifications I like to make is to bend
the blade arm slightly downward so that the blade ticks the
shaft as it rotates. Another is to drill several holes in the
blade so that it emits a "bubble" trail as it moves across the
water.
With regard to speed, I initially like to work a buzzbait just fast
enough to keep it on the surface. However there are occasions
when burning it through the water, or an erratic, fast-slow-fast
retrieve is what the bass want. Be patient, don't be afraid to
experiment, and listen to what the bass are telling you. When a
really slow presentation is what the bass want I either use a
two-bladed buzzbait or cup up the blade a little on a
single-bladed buzzbait using a pair of pliers. Either will allow
you to slow down your retrieve without the bait sinking.
Learning how to present your buzzbait properly is simply a matter of
practice. It is important to engage your reel just before the
buzzbait hits the water. Doing so removes any slack from your
line and allows you to start your retrieve before the bait has a
chance to sink. During the retrieve I hold my rod tip up high
enough to keep the bait in proper contact with the water but not
so high as to lift the bait from the water or prevent me from
generating a solid hook set. As the bait gets closer to the boat
I gradually lower my rod tip thereby allowing the bait to
maintain proper contact with the water.
Lastly, let's talk about colors. I like white or black best; although I
have been known to tie on a combination chartreuse/ white or
chartreuse/ blue. My color choice is usually predicated on the
light conditions, water clarity and time of the year. Quite
honestly I do not believe there is a magic formula with respect
to buzzbait color. In my experience, sound, speed of retrieve,
and water conditions are much more critical than color.
Lastly, let's
talk about colors. I like white or black best; although I have
been known to tie on a combination chartreuse/ white or
chartreuse/ blue. My color choice is usually predicated on the
light conditions, water clarity and time of the year. Quite
honestly I do not believe there is a magic formula with respect
to buzzbait color. In my experience, sound, speed of retrieve,
and water conditions are much more critical than color.
Till next time,
have fun fishing, be safe and courteous on the water, and please
practice catch and release so we all can enjoy bass fishing for
many years to come.
By Alan Paczkowski
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