Downsize Buzzbaits for Situation-Specific Bites While Bass Fishing

Say “buzzbait” to a bass fisherman and common replies will likely include “big” and “bulky.” In most cases, those terms fit well, as the buzzbait is one of the most non-subtle presentations in all of fishing.

But that’s not the only flavor in this ice cream truck.

FLW Tour pro Mark Rose doubts not the sputtering surface bait’s ability to tempt vicious bites; but when bass are looking up at small shad dimpling the surface, big and bulky is more likely to spook ‘em.

His solution: A tiny buzzbait like the Strike King Mini Pro Buzz.

A relatively heavy head (1/8-ounce) for its frame and small arm promote casting distance, while the smaller blade further minimizes wind drag.

Equally important, Rose said, is straight-line tracking. Make sure your buzzbait maintains a true course and you’ll see better performance efficiency.

“Whenever you’re fishing targets, whether that be a dock, a tree, a stump or whatever; if you have a true running bait, you’re always going to fish your targets effectively,” he said. “If you have a buzzbait that always pulls to the left, you’re going to miss your targets on the right hand side. 

“If you have a target that’s really tight to the bank and you can’t cast to the right side of it, and you have to go on the left, you’re going to miss it because your bait’s going to be running away from it.”

Rose has no problem fishing his tiny buzzbait on braid – especially around heavy cover, but he prefers 17-pound monofilament, which provides a little stretch to make sure the fish get the bait.

Rose said he needs no plastic trailer, but a trailer hook is a must. A motivated fish will gobble the whole bait, but if the bite is sluggish and the fish are just slapping at the bait, you’ll hook more with that extra grab at the back end.