What size/color?

Buzz bait is a top water lure!

Tom

18 minutes ago, WRB said:

Buzz bait is a top water lure!

Tom

Where did I say it wasn’t? Lol.

Never had much luck with a buzzer in a river.  The current seemed to play games with the blades trying to work on the surface.  I prefer a wake bait or super shallow running crank bait that floats.  I'd cast it, let it sit, pop it a couple times, then start reeling it in.

Best I’ve used for river smallmouth has been a Cover Pop. It allows you to either walk-the-dog or use as a standard popper. As Gimruis said above, sometimes there are current breaks, seams or open areas - so it’s good to be able to retrieve in different ways when needed. 

In my river a buzzbait does a nice job attracting northern pike.

Smallies will smash WPlopper, spooks and poppers.

1 hour ago, Ohioguy25 said:

Where did I say it wasn’t? Lol.

Other top water makes it clear...apologize?

Yes smaller size single buzzers work good. My personal favorite is Cultiva Zip ‘n Ziggy in Baby bass.

Tom

10 minutes ago, WRB said:

Other top water makes it clear...apologize?

Yes smaller size single buzzers work good. My personal favorite is Cultiva Zip ‘n Ziggy in Baby bass.

Tom

Yeah. You like walking baits?

14 minutes ago, Ohioguy25 said:

Yeah. You like walking baits?

Yep and Splash-It’s.

Tom

1 minute ago, WRB said:

Yep and Splash-It’s.

Tom

Is that a popper?

8 minutes ago, Ohioguy25 said:

Is that a popper?

Yep, Don Iovino Products Slash-it 1/4 oz MM (Miracle Minnow). Splash-It comes with Owner chicken Hooks, feather rear. You work a Splash-it Fast.

Tom

10 minutes ago, WRB said:

Yep, Don Iovino Products Slash-it 1/4 oz MM (Miracle Minnow). Splash-It comes with Owner chicken Hooks, feather rear. You work a Splash-it Fast.

Tom

Nice, yeah I have a couple Ricos I throw

Crock O Gator black/black gold 3/8oz. The head shape is like a planer that keeps it on top easier. Always have one on for river smallie topwater.

Buzz baits are super effective on my local river systems. They are undoubtedly one of the most efficient and effective lures for fishing the grass that riddles the river banks.

yes -- 1/4 oz black/gold or white/chart/gold cavitron with a trailer hook.

 

But to be honest, in recent years I've found the Whopper Plopper 75 a bit more versatile ...I can cast upcurrent a bit, and let it float down into position before starting the retrieve.

Don't sleep on the 1/8 oz boogerman in a baitfish color (maybe some chartreuse for smallmouth).  They CRUSH that lil guy and it catches giants.  Haven't needed a trailer hook with the really small one.

in the susquehanna this time of year we have lots of eel grass. a buzzbait over the top can be lights out. you dont need anything fancy . a 1/4 ounce strike king buzz king works fine. black or white.

3 hours ago, MIbassyaker said:

yes -- 1/4 oz black/gold or white/chart/gold cavitron with a trailer hook.

 

But to be honest, in recent years I've found the Whopper Plopper 75 a bit more versatile ...I can cast upcurrent a bit, and let it float down into position before starting the retrieve.

You prefer 75 to 90? Also what about a black w a red blade?

22 minutes ago, Ohioguy25 said:

You prefer 75 to 90? Also what about a black w a red blade?

The tail prop on the 75 is actually a little bigger and is quicker to start up.  But sure, the 90 works too.  Blade color probably doesn't matter; I just like gold because it seems to fit much of the forage base. 

11 hours ago, MIbassyaker said:

The tail prop on the 75 is actually a little bigger and is quicker to start up.  But sure, the 90 works too.  Blade color probably doesn't matter; I just like gold because it seems to fit much of the forage base. 

I’ve heard that, heavier and more compact so likely casts better too.

I find buzz baits work everywhere for me this time of the year. A lot of the grass I have does tend to clog them though, so I focus on the edges and holes, picking them apart. I did have a lot of misses, I carry improvised trailer hooks when that starts to happen.

 

Catfish broke my favorite buzzbait last year, was a Walmart special and I forget the brand now. Haven't seen a 3 tip buzzbait in Walmart since lol. I need to get some blades and start testing out inline buzz baits for fun. 

I love a buzzbait for big river smallies. Got a 23” one time right in the rapids. Skinny one tho 

8 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

23”

?

1 hour ago, LrgmouthShad said:

?

It was probably not even 4 lbs, don’t be so shocked haha. Will find a pic once I slow down 

I say try it out and find out first hand.  The last state tourny I fished was on a river in late September, and a pop-r took the win.