Over the years I have experimented with a variety of fishing lures and techniques, always striving to find new and exciting ways to entice bass and other fish species. Through trial and error, one lure has consistently produced exceptional results for me – the trusty buzz bait. 

As the name implies, this lure creates an entrancing buzzing sound as it skims across the water’s surface. Its erratic fluttering action and noisy vibration pique the curiosity of fish, inducing explosive strikes. In this blog post on how to fish with buzzbait, I will share with you the tips and tricks I’ve learned for optimally fishing with buzz baits to maximize your catch.

From assembly and setup to ideal conditions and retrieving techniques, you’ll walk away with the knowledge to turn a simple buzz bait into a fish-catching machine. So read on to discover how to let the buzz do the work for you!

What is a Buzzbait?

Before diving into the specifics of how to fish with buzzbait, it’s important to understand what makes this lure unique. A buzz bait typically consists of a lead head attached to an angled wire arm, which supports one or more spinner blades and a skirt made of rubber strands or silicone. The blades spin rapidly as they skim across the water’s surface, creating a buzzing sound and rippling the water’s surface. This motion, combined with the flashy appearance of the spinner blades, mimics the movement of prey fish and attracts hungry predators.

Needed Materials

To get started on your buzzbait fishing journey, you’ll need a few essential materials. These include:

Buzzbait Lures:

There are various types of buzz baits available on the market. Choose one that best suits your fishing needs and preferences.

Fishing Rod and Reel:

A medium-heavy or heavy power rod with a fast or extra-fast action paired with a baitcasting or spinning reel will provide the necessary strength and sensitivity for effective buzz bait fishing.

Line:

Use a high-quality monofilament or fluorocarbon line with a 12-17 pound test for optimal performance. This strength will ensure your line can withstand the force of pulling in larger fish.

10 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Fish With Buzzbait

Step 1: Identify Optimal Conditions

Buzzbait fishing is most effective in low-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk. The reduced visibility allows fish to feel more comfortable feeding on the surface without fear of being seen by predators. But don’t be discouraged from using buzz baits during the day, as they can still produce great results in certain situations. Windy and overcast days also offer ideal conditions for buzz bait fishing, as the choppy water and murky skies provide cover for fish to ambush prey.

Step 2: Assemble Your Gear

Once you’ve identified the right conditions, it’s time to assemble your fishing gear. Attach the buzz bait lure to your line using a Palomar knot, ensuring it is secure and won’t come loose when reeling in fish. The buzz bait’s wire arm should be facing upwards when attached to your line. If your buzzbait has a skirt, make sure it flares out and doesn’t restrict the movement of the blades.

Step 3: Cast Your Line

Cast your line towards areas with cover, such as lily pads, weeds or fallen trees, as these are common hunting grounds for bass and other fish. Alternatively, you can also cast towards open water if the fish are actively feeding on the surface. The key is to make your buzzbait land as close to the cover or fish as possible. This will increase your chances of attracting a strike.

Step 4: Reel in Your Line

As soon as your buzz bait hits the water’s surface, engage your reel and start reeling in slowly. The blades should start spinning and creating the signature buzzing sound. Keep your rod tip high to ensure the buzz bait stays on the surface, skimming across the water. A steady and consistent retrieve speed is crucial for optimal results.

Step 5: Vary Your Retrieval Speed

While a steady retrieve is effective, don’t be afraid to mix it up by varying your retrieval speed. Occasionally speeding up or slowing down can trigger hesitant fish to strike. Experiment with different speeds until you find the sweet spot that entices the fish to bite. You can also try pausing and then continuing the retrieve, mimicking a wounded or injured prey fish.

Step 6: Pause and Pulsate

Another effective retrieval technique is pausing and pulsating the buzz bait. This involves reeling in for a few seconds, then stopping and allowing the buzz bait to sink slightly before resuming your retrieve. The pause mimics an injured or weakened prey fish, making it an irresistible target for predators.

Step 7: Adjust Your Retrieve Angle

If you’re not getting any bites, try adjusting the angle of your retrieve. Instead of a straight retrieve, reel in at an angle, causing the buzz bait to travel along the water’s edge or near underwater structures. This change in direction and movement can often trigger fish to strike. It’s also a helpful technique when fishing in heavily weeded or covered areas.

Step 8: Be Patient

Patience is key when fishing with buzz baits. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get immediate bites, as it often takes time for fish to become interested and strike. Keep varying your retrieval techniques and experimenting until you find what works best for the current fishing conditions. But be prepared to wait for the right moment.

Step 9: Set the Hook

When you feel a strike, resist the urge to immediately jerk your rod. Instead, wait for a slight pause in the buzz bait’s retrieve before setting the hook by sharply pulling back on your rod. This ensures that your hook is firmly set in the fish’s mouth, increasing your chances of successfully reeling it in. The buzz bait’s design also allows for easy hook sets, so you won’t need to rely on a lot of force.

Step 10: Keep Practicing

As with any fishing technique, practice makes perfect when it comes to fishing with buzz baits. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t have immediate success and instead keep trying. With time and experience, you’ll become more adept at choosing the right conditions, lure, and retrieval techniques for successful buzz bait fishing. Remember to always practice proper catch-and-release techniques and adhere to local fishing regulations.

Following these step-by-step guidelines on how to fish with buzzbait will help you become a skilled buzz bait fisherman and increase your chances of reeling in that trophy catch. But keep in mind that fishing is all about experimentation and adapting to different conditions, so don’t be afraid to try new techniques and have fun with them!

How Much Could It Cost?

The cost of getting started with buzz bait fishing can vary depending on the quality and brand of gear you choose. A good medium-heavy or heavy power rod can range from $50 to $150, while a baitcasting or spinning reel could cost anywhere between $80 to $200. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of buzz baits and other necessary accessories, such as hooks and lines. While it may seem like a significant investment at first, keep in mind that quality gear can last for years with proper care. Plus, the thrill of catching fish on your own handmade lure is priceless!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I Use Buzzbaits in Any Type of Water?

A: Buzzbaits are most effective in shallow, weedy or covered areas and around underwater structures. However, they can also be used in open water if fish are actively feeding on the surface.

Q: Do I Need to Use a Skirt on My Buzzbait?

A: No, you can use a buzz bait without a skirt. However, the skirt adds extra movement and can help attract fish. Plus, it adds more color and customization options for your lure.

Q: Can I Fish with Buzzbaits in Saltwater?

A: Yes, buzz baits can be used in saltwater as well. However, it’s best to use a corrosion-resistant buzz bait and to rinse your gear with fresh water after each use to prevent damage from saltwater.

Q: How Do I Know When It’s Time to Replace My Buzzbait?

A: Over time, the blades on your buzzbait may become dull or bent, reducing its effectiveness. If you notice a decrease in the buzzing sound or lack of strikes, it may be time to replace your buzzbait. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your gear is important for successful fishing.

Conclusion

In conclusion on how to fish with buzzbait, fishing with buzz bait is an incredibly effective and thrilling technique that every angler should try. By understanding the basics of how to use a buzz bait, choosing the right equipment and modifying your techniques for different conditions, you can easily master this exciting way of catching fish.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, incorporating buzz bait into your arsenal will enhance your fishing experience. With its unique presentation and versatility, buzz bait can attract a variety of species in different types of water bodies. It’s also worth noting that using environmentally friendly buzz baits can help preserve our beloved waters and ensure the sustainability of fish populations for future generations to enjoy.

Plus, there’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush when a fish explodes on the surface after taking your buzzing lure. So what are you waiting for? Grab your gear, head out to your favorite fishing spot and put these newfound skills to the test! Remember to stay patient, experiment with different techniques and have fun while fishing with buzzbait. Who knows, it might just become your go-to method for reeling in that trophy catch! Happy fishing!