How To Choose The Right Buzzbaits: Clackers vs. Squealers

Buzzbaits have helped generations of anglers catch their first bass, and they are as effective today as they were 35 years ago when they took the bassing world by storm. They are also known “big fish” baits, and are many top pro’s secret baits once they’ve got a limit and are hunting for a kicker.Buzzbaits are also super easy to use, cast accurately, and can be fished through some seriously thick cover – which means that you can put them in front of a bass just about anywhere he decides to live.Commonly sold in two styles, those that “squeal” or rely on the blade grinding against the rivet to make noise, and those that “clack” by adding a metal flap to the shaft that the blade hits each revolution.Here’s a guide on when to use each:

1. Clacking Buzzbaits

The ideal places to throw clackers like the Fishing Frugal Buzzbait are wherever there is some factor that may hinder a bass’ ability to find and track it. River systems, where bass are fighting current, dirty water, urban areas where it is noisy, and even when fishing around the edges of thick vegetation. The clacker provides extra noise and commotion – which will help bass in these situations locate and eat it.

2. Squealing Buzzbaits

Squealers are ideal in all other situations. You may even take a regular buzzbait like the Custom Lures Unlimited Livewire BzzB8T and modify it slightly by removing a bead from the rivet or pinching the top to cause friction. In clear water, in highland reservoirs, when fishing heavily pressured waters, or whenever you’re just dialing in a buzzbait bite. The squealer produces an excellent bubble trail and noise, but it’s not going to be so much that it actually turns the bass off.