James RickardBuzzbaits--the overlooked topwater lure
September 5th 2007 00:30
The basic design of the buzzbait incorporates a jig and skirt of various colors. Protruding from the jig at a right angle is the support, often metal, for the blade which spins while going through the water thus, giving the lure its name. You can pick up different sizes of buzzbaits which are commonly available from 1/8 oz. to an ounce but, there are others out there if you look around.
Blades for buzzbaits are often metal but, plastic is sometimes used. Anodized silver, gold or even bronze are often used as well as different colors for various applications. They may be smooth, jagged, or have holes and slots in them to increase splashing. Some even go so far as to add clickers in an effort to mimic feeding bait fish. As always, if you're new to buzzbaits, start out with something chartreuse or shad colored for the day and black for night.
Unlike most topwater lures, metal buzzbaits will sink if you don't begin retrieving them as soon as they hit the water. For this reason, something low to the water such as a sidearm or underhand cast is much better than a long, looping, overhand cast. This is another of those "throw 'em out and reel 'em back" lures that require little work from the angler although sweeping your rod back and forth imparts some action that might attract fish.
Although you're probably not going to get fish if they're not active, don't limit yourself to only night and early morning fishing with buzzbaits. As the weather gets warmer, say 60-90 degrees, you can try these lures. A slow to medium retrieve will usually work. If the lure is staying on the surface of the water, it's fast enough!
The best places to use buzzbaits is around boat docks, vegetation like lilly pads, and along the banks of rivers, lakes, and ponds. What you'll usually catch is bass and other aggressive species that frequent those areas. Keep you rod tip up to prevent snags and you may be surprised at what you get!
If
a multi-blade buzzbait
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
*bottom image from tacklewarehouse.com
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