TYPE: Overhead 2-wing blade This standard buzzbait is a good all-around performer. As it’s retrieved, it will drift to the left or right, depending on which way the blade is cupped. Keep it barely plopping on the surface.
TIP: Use the drift to swing the buzzbait under the edges of docks.
EXAMPLE: Lunker Lure Buzzbait
TYPE: Overhead 2-wing blade with clacker blade A clacker-style buzzbait makes more of a commotion, but due to the added resistance, you can’t retrieve it as slowly, making it a poor choice for cold water.
TIP: Use it when the water heats up, in a surface chop, and when you’re fishing for aggressive bass.
EXAMPLE: Booyah Buzz
TYPE: In-line bucktail 2-wing An in-line buzzer, the most weedless variation, is ideal for fishing over matted vegetation.
TIP: You must retrieve it faster than overhead buzzbaits to keep it on the surface, so fish it in the summer and early fall when bass are most active.
EXAMPLE: Uncle Buck’s Bucktail Skirt Buzzer
TYPE: Overhead 3-wing blade This style runs straight and true and lets you retrieve more slowly. It also generates a softer sputtering sound. Reach for it in the early season.
TIP: It’s the best choice for cold or smooth water and lure-shy bass.
EXAMPLE: Strike King Tri-Wing
TYPE: Side-by-side, counter-rotating 2-wing blades This configuration also runs true, allowing extremely slow retrieves that appeal to coldwater and lure-shy bass. Don’t set the hook until you feel the fish.
TIP: With a fast retrieve, the two blades froth the water and tempt active bass.
EXAMPLE: Skeet’s Double Buzz