Something to back up a buzzbait?

[wannabeangler]

I'm a newbie fisher and discovered buzzbait about a month ago and have been catching a 1 or 2 largemouths every morning since (3 five pounders 2 weeks ago). I fish a shallow, 90-acre lake in Georgia that has extremely thick weeds on the banks and sometimes I'll use a stanley ribbit frog instead of the buzzbait for thicker areas (but have trouble setting the hook).

Usually, I wade in about 10 feet or so and work the weeds from 5 a.m. until 9 a.m. During that time, bass jump constantly. It's not uncommon to have a dozen breaks within a short cast. With as much activity as I see, should it take 3 hours to catch 1 or 2 bass? And is there something else I should use if buzzbait isn't triggering any strikes?

[bigtimfish]

Get a Woodchopper, I believe it's made by Luhr Jensen. You may have to either adjust the front prop or just take it off. That thing sounds wicked going through the water. Or the good ol Devils Horse

[Jeremy D.]

With those ribbit frogs its not like a buzzbait where when they take it under you can almost set the hook right away but with those frogs it takes some practice but i have learned when they hit it count to three or four before you set the hook.

[Catt]

Texas Rig a 10 Anaconda with a Strike King Saber Point Round Bend Offset 5/0 hook weightless.

[Dan:]

I think it can be difficult to locate bass in very large weed beds. They have a lot of room to spread out and it makes it difficult to put a bait in front of them. Try to find something that makes certain areas different than the rest of the scenery ie: thicker clumps of weeds, a piece of timber, a pocket, a change in the contour of the weedline, etc...Bass often position on those different locations so if you can figure out what difference the bass are preferring on a given day then you might be able to locate more fish quickly.

[7mm-08]

I would try a hollow-bodied frog like a popping scum frog or a spro.  

[bass wrangler569]

I have caught a ton of bass I saw jumping with a wacky-rigged senko. Cast immediately where you saw the fish jump, you'll be surprised how often those fish will pick it up   Catt's suggestion is also a winner

[wannabeangler]

WOW ... lots of great info real quick!

@ Jeremy D. - Yeah, I've been trying to figure out the timing. Buzzbait simply gets snatched under real quick ... almost idiot proof. I still wait a second before setting it, though. I've definitely had more strikes on the ribbit frog vs. the buzzbait over the last month and it drives me nuts! I've tried waiting a few seconds and have even dragged them back half before having them throw it ... I just need more practice with it!

@ Dan. - That's what I've noticed, too. The entire 90-acre lake is lined with weeds extended about 10 feet out from the bank. I target breaks, logs, pockets, channels, etc. and spot moving grass. Some days I find them, but they're just not interested in buzzbait or frogs.

Overall, my problem hasn't been in locating the bass ... just figuring out what to do if they're not interested in buzzbait or frogs. =)

[wannabeangler]

I have caught a ton of bass I saw jumping with a wacky-rigged senko. Cast immediately where you saw the fish jump, you'll be surprised how often those fish will pick it up Catt's suggestion is also a winner

That looks like a good idea. I'm real newbie fisher ... got any recommendations on color, hook size, etc. for the senko?

[skno]

If my perception of this lake is correct. I would through a zoom fluke (baby bass or pearl white) right next to the weed line or just in the edge.

Rigged weedless of course. Twitch the rod a couple times and BAM you got him. 8-)

[vatech]

I have caught a ton of bass I saw jumping with a wacky-rigged senko. Cast immediately where you saw the fish jump, you'll be surprised how often those fish will pick it up Catt's suggestion is also a winner

That looks like a good idea. I'm real newbie fisher ... got any recommendations on color, hook size, etc. for the senko?

I usually use 3/0 owner hooks or 3/0 red EWG gamakatsu hooks. Can go up or down an aught.

[tnbassfisher]

Sounds like a good pond to throw spinnerbaits in.

[Jeremy D.]

Also with those frogs I dont know how long of a rod you are useing but if you are getting them as far as you say then your just not getting a good hook set....I would go with a longer rod for the frog!

[Jeremy D.]

I would also try a floating worm (trick worm) riged weedless and cast it to the back of the grass and just jerk it a couple times and let it sit maybe try the same with like a fluke...good luck

[MALTESE FALCON]

I would definately throw spinnerbaits in that lake.

Falcon

[RoLo]

Buzzbait backup?

I carry a 12-ga shotgun loaded with a rifled slug  

Roger

[Quitlimpin]

Weightless fluke

[aarogb]

    A gold colored 5" Senko rigged wacky with a 3/0 circle hook

[rondef]

I would try the Rage Tail Shad and or Toad, they move a lot of water and make a big comotion on the water to attrack the bass.

[DINK WHISPERER]

Spro and rage Tail frogs

[iceintheveins]

Try poppers or weedless frogs like the spro or spro bronze eye popper in the thickest weeds.

[Bassin_Fin@tic]

All suggestions are good. I also second the spinnerbait. 3/8 oz single or double willow leaf blades.Especially effective if the wind is beating.