Buzzbait running on its side

[Mjmj]

Decided to throw a buzzbait today. (First time in 20 years) I  started with a toad trailer and while reeling it in the blade was on the surface with the toad aside of it, not under it. I switched to a paddletail and it helped a little, but it was still to the side about a half an inch under water. It is a brand new cavitron.  What am I doing wrong?

[MountainMan83]

It seems to be a combination of the trailer size/shape and the way its hooked, as well as speed of retrieve. It happens to me all the time. As far as I'm concerned it has never made a difference.

[jbrew73]

Cavitron has many fans but I was not pleased with them.   Keep your rod tip up and reel as slow as you can and it will help with your problem.   I just got a Rowdy buzzbait and feel like it runs slower and more true than my Cavitrons.

[5by3]

Double check that the plastic is rigged on perfectly straight. Even if it’s off center a little bit, the buzzbait will want to roll over. You can also bend the wire frame to “tune” the buzzbait.

[Fishes in trees]

Trailer has to be straight or the bait will want to roll.  On some buzz baits, rather than thread the trailer on to the hook, try just nose hooking it.

[WRB]

Try it without a trailer.

Tom

[Mjmj]

2 hours ago, WRB said:

Try it without a trailer.

Tom

Good idea. I assuming you me to determine if its running true?

[RoLo]

 

Buzzbait running on its side

 

That's known as a buzzed bait.

 

[Alex from GA]

My fishing buddy uses one often and always catches fish with them.  I feel they're best in rivers.  Lately I've been using one quite a lot and have caught some good fish on one.  In fact I caught my PB a couple of weeks ago on a white buzzbait with no trailer.  My buddy always puts the largest size gold blade on his.

[bagofdonuts]

Bend the arm on the buzz bait to make sure it is lined up straight. Its easy for them to get bent out of line and then run on their side. Just make small adjustments till it runs straight. I check mine every few casts out of habit. You can also bend the blades to make them more concave or less to adjust speed it will run at. I've been fishing them a long time so I'm constantly tweeking it till i get just the right sound, speed and squeek from it. About the time it looks just right ....KABAAM! Then i start over. 

[WRB]

22 hours ago, Mjmj said:

Good idea. I assuming you me to determine if its running true?

Yep

[The Bassman]

I find that buzzbaits run best with as little trailer as possible. I like to remove the skirt and use a small paddletail like a Z-Man 3" Slim Swimz. Keeps the lure real light on its feet.

[ATA]

On 6/4/2020 at 4:20 PM, Mjmj said:

Good idea. I assuming you me to determine if its running true?

and if it is still retrieving on side, tune it by using pliers and pull the wire(vertical wire that have the prop at the end to other side and throw it back and see, if it get worst do the same and and do it to other direction. ive done that and I got results.