Fishing a topwater bait early in the season accomplishes several things.
It attracts a bass’ attention, it mimics activity in the shallows, which in the spring could mean baitfish or bluegills spawning; and, it can aggravate a bass into biting.
SEARCH BAITING
My favorite way to use a buzzbait is as a search lure to determine where the bass are positioned on the cover. Making parallel casts to the cover will keep the buzzbait in the strike zone longer and increase the number of strikes.
A walking bait, such as a Super Spook or Shower Blower can also get bedded bass to come up to the water’s surface and show themselves.
Many times, they won’t commit to eating your lure, but you now know where they are bedded and can target them with a more precise presentation.
IN AND AROUND VEGETATION
One of my favorite topwater offerings for early season bass is a buzzbait. It is a great choice when fishing around submerged and emergent vegetation.
By speeding up or slowing down the retrieve, you can change the action of your buzzbait.
CHOOSING THE BEST WEIGHT FOR A BUZZBAIT
The activity level of the bass, how far a cast you need to make and what the bass are feeding on will all be factors in determining what size buzzbait would be best in any given situation.
If the bass are keying in on smaller baitfish or insects, a ¼-ounce buzzbait would be best.
If long casts are and a larger to key in on is required, upsizing to a ½-ounce would be preferred.
The majority of the time, a 3/8 oz buzzbait will do the job, for me.
I like to throw a white or black buzzbait and I like a War Eagle Buzz Toad in Grey Ghost.
WALKING BAITS FOR CRUISERS
If you see bass are up shallow cruising around, a walk-the-dog style plug is a key offering.
It can be cast far to get in front of those spooky bass and since you can speed up or slow down your retrieve, you can cater to the bass’ activity level.
Now that I have your blood boiling and your pulse racing grab your favorite topwater baits and go take part of some exciting early season topwater bass action!
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