Buzzbaits are phenomenal summertime search tools,
but with the right equipment and a daring attitude, they are also very
effective in and around haunting cover. Precise casting accuracy and
untraditional locations can take this technique to an entirely different level.
Once understood, buzzbaits encompass a superb power of drawing quality fish
over a quantity of fish.
Ask any accomplished angler about their favorite
topwater and they will name a buzzbait more often than not. Maybe their success
is due to pure luck, or maybe their success continues to grow because these
anglers understand the power behind a bait with noise, vibration and an
unlimited amount of customization options.
LANDSCAPE
There are many styles of buzzbaits, such as single and double-bladed models. Many
topwater enthusiasts rarely keep them in stock condition though. Anglers switch
out aluminum parts for steel, apply unique layers of paint and even replace
buzzbait skirts with soft plastics. You can quickly see that the buzzbait’s
identity can be changed in an instant, but one thing remains the same no matter
the canvas - bass simply crush the lure with punishment.
If you want to reach new heights in the topwater arena, fishing buzzbaits
in and around cover such as docks, trees and vegetation lines can help separate
you from the nearest competitor. In sparse mats and lily pad fields, the
buzzbait can remain a competitor in your box with a few adjustments. Retrieve
speed, color choice and preparing yourself to fish the bait slowly can make all
the difference. For co-anglers and open water anglers, the amount of water you
can cover makes this a perfect choice for summer. While you can cover large
amounts of water, make each cast count and allow nearby fish a shot at striking
your bait. All too often, anglers miss fish because they spot a new target or
are too impatient and fail to effectively cover the water in front of the boat.
Slowing down can pay big dividends.
SLOW VS. FAST
The big question is how fast should I retrieve the bait? For this big questions
and for big fish, I say slow. Our northern strain largemouth in the Pacific
Northwest have taught me one thing about the way they like their meals. As
boring as it may sound, slow is not slow enough.
I aim for a blade that barely rotates in the water.
Noise is important, but so is speed. Warrior Baits’ Warpath Buzzbait is one of
the reasons I have become confident with the technique and it excites me to
share the reason why. While I cannot take credit for the design, I will take
credit for finally finding a buzzbait that can do it all from the fishing side
of things. The strength comes from its planar head design that helps the
buzzbait surface quickly, allowing the angler to cast at individual targets
without having to “over shoot” them.
When I hit the water with a buzzbait, wasting eight feet of water waiting for
the bait to surface can be the difference between catching your personal best,
or going home with quantity instead of quality.
Casting accuracy plays a huge role in success
because much like other techniques, hitting one piece of cover from multiple
angles is often more rewarded than not. Overhand, sidehand and underhand roll
casts all have their time and place. Master your cast and the buzzbait can
deliver some serious results.
STRATEGY
Strategic points of interest begin with low light conditions. Buzzbaits
truly excel during these times. Early morning, late evening and any shady
portion of the lake during the day, but do not overlook stretches of shoreline
that are home to boulders, shallow points and shallow cuts. If you can find the
ambush spots, only to deliver a topwater meal, chances are your odds will
increase dramatically. With big fish spots in mind and a big fish bait in hand,
the quality of your fish will surge.
Anglers often throw around gear-related terms to
match certain presentations, but the buzzbait is one lure that can be fished on
a multitude of tackle. From ¼ ounce models on spinning gear to ½ ounce models
on casting gear, anglers should try and achieve the greatest casting distance
possible, while learning to be pinpoint accurate with casts. Personally, I have
found 7’6” casting rods to be a great fit, with a high gear-ratio reel at 7.1:1,
such as the Team Lew’s Pro Speed Spool. Braid, fluorocarbon and monofilament are
all able to get the job done, but causing chaos around cover calls for braided
line. Recently, I added Sufix 832 Superline in 65
pound test and have been completely satisfied with its casting performance. The
line is smooth, holds up well against wood cover and it gives you the strength
you need when going with heavier gear.
Regardless of what store you shop at, or which body of water you call home,
buzzbaits continue to make their presence known in the retail market, in
tournament organizations and for recreational anglers across the globe. A
simple design in a complex world of tackle comes down to the angler’s ability
to use this presentation without overthinking the situation. When summer
temperatures are at their highest, grab yourself a Warpath and create some
chaos of your own.
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