buzzbaits that don't run straight

[MrWrinkle]

Anyone here know how to "tune" a buzzbait so that it runs true. I have a couple of buzzbaits that won't run in a straight line -- or anything close to straight. It's frustrating when you want to run them parallel to the shore but they quickly either arc out in to open water or straight into the edge and get snagged. I've tried to figure out which part of the lure is causing them to curve but no matter what I try tweaking (bending), they just will not run even close to straight. Any recommendations?

[dman]

thats just the way buzzbaits run, its in the design. I dont like it either, the best running one i found is the Booyah Counterstrike, runs great, is tough and durable and catches lots of bass!

[Team9nine]

thats just the way buzzbaits run, its in the design.

Yep - It's the physics. Most are dictated by blade configuration as either 'torque left' or 'torque right'. If you want a straight running bait find a double bladed version, either dual arm like the Blue Fox or Highrider models, or a double counter rotating blade model where one blade is right behind the other on the same shaft. This way the two torque effects offset each other.

-T9

[dman]

thats just the way buzzbaits run, its in the design.

or a double counter rotating blade model where one blade is right behind the other on the same shaft. This way the two torque effects offset each other.

-T9

yep,  thats the counterstrike way, my favorite buzzbait

[MrWrinkle]

Thanks guys -- that certainly explains it! I only got into using buzzbaits this year so I'm not familiar with their behavior. I just assumed they should run straight but it all makes sense now. Will invest in a "counter" buzzbait so I can run it the way I want.

[OHIO]

I don't really agree with any of the posts here.

To my knowledge, buzzbaits aren't designed to run crooked at all.

All the buzzbaits I have ever used come out of the packaging running straight, but it's a whole different story after a few fish.

IMO Booyah buzzbaits are the best. Very durable.

[DBatey]

buzzbaits are very tunable

here is a tutorial on how to do it

http://talonlures.com/howtotunebuzzbaits.aspx

[fishfordollars]

Sounds like you got a defective pour. Look at the head and see if it is sitting crooked on the hook. All my buzzbaits track true.

[7mm-08]

Yep they are easily tunable and it can be very useful to have one track to the left or right.

[Bobby Uhrig]

HMMM From my dealings with buzz baits -I  believe every buzz bait is tunable- Sometimes its really hard to do unless I have it in my hands- I have had ones that people say are shot (after a pike got it) and a bend here and a tweak here and its good as new.

[Hooligan]

I catch more fish on buzzbaits that don't track true than a "true" bait.  for that matter, when's the last time that you saw a baitfish swim in a straight line?  a little left, a little right, a little of both; that's what I want my buzzbaits to do.

[Hooligan]

True, but I prefer them to run in an arc, so to speak.  Don't ask me how they get that way, if I could figure it out, every single one I own would run that way.

My big inline baits for muskies are the best for being erratic.

[Dan:]

I don't really agree with any of the posts here.

To my knowledge, buzzbaits aren't designed to run crooked at all.

x2

[rboat]

They are not designed to run crooked. It is the physics behind the bait. A rotating blade produces torque. The larger the blade the more torque produced. That will cause a slight arc in the retrieve. In most cases it is hardly noticable. As stated, a few correctly placed bends can change the angle of rotation and offset the torque. Also the knot you tie can affect the angle of pull. The line needs to come straight off the pull point. These things are all minor and can sometimes help the angler get a bait closer to cover. Experiment and have fun with it. The counter-rotating blades will correct that arc if you want it to track straight back to you.