Need Tips On Buzzbaits

[dulouz]

I am not good at fishing buzzbaits and need some help. How do you know when to set the hook?

[Grey Wolf]

As soon as you see/feel the strike , why would you want to wait ? Sharpen your hook if it's dull.

[dulouz]

I thought you were supposed to wait to feel the weight of the fish so you didn't pull it away from them too soon. Or is that just for poppers?

[BASS fisherman]

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/buzzbait_bass.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/bass_fishing_buzzbait.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/topwater_bass_fishing.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/fishing_spinnerbaits_bass.html

[zenyoungkoh]

Count down 3 seconds after you see or hear the strike, then set the hook!. Most of the time they stun their prey with a powerful knock, then inhales it when its "stunned". I saw a bass doing that to my topwater frog 4 feet away from me

[Jigfishn10]

Buzzbaits are the worst for short striking fish, I usually wait until they take it down a bit before I set the hook. When I feel the rod load up a bit then I'll put the spurs to em.

So yes, I fish them exactly like poppers, dogwalkers and prop baits.

[brushhoggin]

I used to set the hook on buzzbaits but now I just start reeling hard as soon as they hit and I know they didn't miss. there's no need to wait

[Ramz]

Always be sure to use a trailer hook. Trailer hooks will increase your catch frequency. Also Kevin Van Dam said on BASS PROS that he likes to crimp down the rivet on the buzz bait so it cannot move. (that is that little steel piece that the blade rubs against when you are reeling in the lure)

[BassThumb]

When I get a strike I just keep reeling, and feel for the weight of the fish. If I feel it, I'll set the hook. That way, if the fish missed it, I won't have the bait come flying back at me. Just continue the retrieve and the bass will likely follow it and hit again.

Rick Clunn would advise you to not even look at your buzzbait on the retrieve, but to look for where your next cast is going to be. This way, you're reacting more to the feel of the strike rather than the sight of it.

[EastTexasBassin]

I dont really set the hook at all when fishing a buzzbait. I use braided line and a medium heavy rod with a fast action tip. When they hit it, they hook themselves. I just raise the rod and start reeling in the fish

[bassin is addicting]

i don't really... "set the hook" either.... feel the weight and keep reeling..

i think the Rick Clunn thing about not watching it... is pretty good advice.. that way you don't overreact...

just feel the weight and keep the pressure on...

kind of like a spinnerbait IMHO