Read the "buzzbait tips" topic from the best of thread, but it still leaves me with a big question...

I was fishing a small lake today and quickly realized that there was a lot of topwater action going on, so I tied up a buzzbait I had bought on a whim. It was the first time I had ever used the lure and I quickly realized that I wasn't entirely sure how to crank it.

It took more than a few turns to bring it to the surface, which is where I always thought it should run. And even after it was working the top, it appeared to lilt to one side.

The buzzbait thread seems to mostly focus on adjusting your lure, but I'm curious as to whether or not it matters what depth it is at....

Do you cast and crank immediately to bring it to the surface?

Do you cast and let it drown and let it come up on its own?

Slow roll it and, again, let it come up on its own terms?

One thing I noticed was the positioning of the rod...hold it up and it comes up(ok...obvious)...is this a a positive or negative affect?

It was a fun lure to listen to...but I definitely have no idea how to use it. Definitely need some help. Apologies if I missed a previous post, but I saw nothing.

If it helps...I always assumed you treat it like a spinnerbait and therefore cranked it like one.

I start cranking just before it hits the water with rod tip up , the sooner you get it on top , the sooner it starts doing what it's supposed to do.

One thing of note though, it's better if you thumb the spool to right before it lands, and THEN start cranking. If you just start cranking midair, it can mess up your reel's pinion gear. Just something funny-- I caught my biggest bass on a buzzbait before I could get it to the surface.

One thing of note though, it's better if you thumb the spool to right before it lands, and THEN start cranking. If you just start cranking midair, it can mess up your reel's pinion gear. Just something funny-- I caught my biggest bass on a buzzbait before I could get it to the surface.

To clarify my earlier statement. I use spinning equipment , sorry for the omission earlier.

Many people prefer a high speed reel to get it to the surface easier.Holding the rod high during the retrieve can also slow the pace if that is what your looking for. Sometimes they want it burned though. It is also good to stop it for a sec so that it sinks an inch or two then continue. This can draw stikes.

Overall best piece of advice I can give you when using this bait is that If you find a good holding area or a perfect piece of cover etc.. that you persistantly pound it over and over many times varying the retrieve. If you think there there is a fish around you can irritate them a lot of times when that noisy goofy thing keeps entering their territory. Also try to bump things such as stickups,reeds,logs,pads,dock pillings,retaining walls etc..

One thing of note though, it's better if you thumb the spool to right before it lands, and THEN start cranking. If you just start cranking midair, it can mess up your reel's pinion gear. Just something funny-- I caught my biggest bass on a buzzbait before I could get it to the surface.

A skilled user of a spinning reel can do the same by feathering the line between your fingers on the end of the cast and closing the bail by hand. When done correctly the bait will land without nary a splash and already be moving forward as it hits.

I start cranking just before it hits the water with rod tip up , the sooner you get it on top , the sooner it starts doing what it's supposed to do.

X2 Quicker to the top the better.

Once the buzz bait lands I lift my rod tip & start reeling, this will bring the it quickly to the surface.

I then control the buzz bait with my rod tip by raising it which causes the bait to skitter across the surface or lowering it which causing the bait to sit lower in the water. With either I lower the rod tip as the bait approaches the boat.

With either technique I adjust reel speed until I find the cadence the bass prefer on that day

Played around with again today with these tips in my mind and I think I have the hang of it.  Now just to fine tune it so I can catch something.

Thanks for the advice.