Spring to Fall Buzzbait Tips

Buzzbaits are one of the most versatile and effective lures for bass fishing. They can be used to catch fish in a variety of water conditions and throughout most of the year.

Here are several tips for fishing a buzzbait effectively for bass from spring through fall:

• Choose the right gear. A medium-heavy or heavy baitcasting rod is ideal for fishing a buzzbait. You'll also need a reel with a fast gear ratio to help you retrieve the bait quickly. Braided line is a good choice for buzzbait fishing because it doesn't stretch and allows you to feel every bite.
• Find the right spots. Buzzbaits are most effective in shallow water, typically 1 to 5 feet deep. Look for areas with vegetation, such as lily pads, weed beds, and grass. Bass will also be found around docks, rocks, and other structure in shallow water. Though typically associated with fishing shallow water cover, don't be afraid to throw a buzzbait over deeper water when smallmouth bass are the target.
• Vary your retrieve. One of the best things about buzzbaits is that they can be fished in a variety of ways. You can burn the bait across the surface, slow it down and let it flutter, or even work it in a pulsing motion. Experiment with different retrieves to see what triggers the bass to strike at that time.
• Fish in the wind. The wind can help you fish a buzzbait more effectively. The wind will help to keep the bait in the strike zone and make it more visible to the fish.
• Don't be afraid to fish in dirty water. Buzzbaits can be effective in dirty water, especially when the bass are feeding on shad or other baitfish.

Take a moment and watch to see what buzzbait tips bass pro Greg Hackney shares in this informative video from Sportsman TV...

Fishing Buzzbaits for Spring Bass

One of the most effective lures for spring bass fishing is the buzzbait. Buzzbaits create a unique sound, water disturbance, and vibration that attract bass, making them a great choice for anglers during the spring.

Buzzbaits are wire-framed topwater lures that create a buzzing sound as they are retrieved across the surface of the water. The sound is created by the winged-blade on the top arm of the frame that spins as the bait is retrieved. The spinning blade also creates a disturbance on the surface, mimicking the movements of feeding or struggling prey, making them highly attractive and sometimes aggrivating to bass.

Here are some tips to help you successfully use a buzzbait when fishing for spring bass.

Fish in shallow water: In the spring, bass move into shallow water to feed as they prepare for the spawn. When fishing with a buzzbait, you should focus on shallow targets in water depths of less than 5 to 10 feet.

Spring Smallmouth Bass and Buzzbaits

Here’s a great tip to both help catch more smallmouths this spring and explosive strikes at the same time …

It’s definitely a little slice of springtime smallmouth fishing paradise!

The technique involves fishing buzzbaits for smallmouth bass once the water temp approaches 50 degrees and continues right through the spring season.

The pattern is actually very straight forward and targets staging smallies as they either prepare to invade the shallow spawning areas or are starting to make the transition back to deeper water.

Position the boat along the first major breakline (usually in 8 to 12 feet of water) then fish the buzzbait parallel to the break and stopping to fan-cast the bait over the shallows every so often.

Play with the cadence of the retrieve and find what entices them, the hold onto your rod and enjoy the fight!

When fishing river situations, getting your buzzbait to plane as soon as it hits the water can be key as explained in this  video…

Tricking Out Your New Buzzbait

Once the water temps get into the 50s, one of the most exciting baits comes into play... buzzbaits!

Here's a short video on cool tips telling how to trick out your new buzzbait to catch more bass!

After watching that video, I am ready to tie one on and buzz up some bass!

How about you?