In a world where size and “packability” are usually very important details regarding BWCA gear when putting a Boundary Waters fishing trip or Quetico fishing trip together, there are a couple BWCA fishing items that fly in the face of being compact and the “less is more” way of thinking. 

Over the many years of tackle and lure recommendations I’ve offered such as crank baits, deep-diving crank baits and slip bobber rigs, one that often gets a strange look has been the Buzz Bait, with the spinnerbait a close second. 

What is a Buzz Bait?

The buzz bait looks a lot like a spinnerbait but the rotating blade is like a motorboat prop instead of the more recognizable “in-line” spinning blade. While this lure sinks upon hitting the water, the blade design causes it to go to the surface upon a steady retrieve.

The best way I can describe the sound and look of a quickly retrieved buzz bait is that of a squirrel swimming across the water…with urgency! Spinnerbaits react similarly in that they rise to the surface upon retrieve…though they are best kept right below the surface.  

A Lure That Is Snag Resistant and Very Effective

One of the down sides to buzz baits and spinnerbaits is that they don’t fit well into those compact tackle boxes that are ideal for a Boundary Waters Canoe Area fishing canoe trip. The trade off however, is a lure that, by design, is very snag resistant and quite effective on BWCA bass and BWCA northern pike. They are just plain fun to fish.

Another great thing about these lures is the one hook feature! It’s tough enough to deal with a big pike in a canoe so having only a single hook to watch out for is a real bonus. Spring is a prime time to use these odd shaped lures, when bass (both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass) are up in the shallow bays looking for easy food and warmer water.

Pike, which spawn in the same or similar shallow bays as the ice goes out, also hang out there for a while in search of easy prey. Ripping a buzz bait across a shallow water area before the weeds get really thick is pretty easy. Bump a log or stump every now and then to really get ‘em turned on!

Before the cover gets thick, you can usually get by with 10 or 12 lb. test line, but you probably will need to increase that as the weeds and lily pads fill in. Until you’ve had BWCA big fish like a 3-foot-long pike or a “tank” bass form a wake behind your buzz bait, you won’t know the heart pounding excitement that awaits.

Bring At Least One Buzz Bait On Your BWCA Fishing Tip

If you can fit one in your tackle box, bring one along, if not…we’ll help you figure out where to pack it! And don't forget that you can always pick one up in our well-stocked tackle shop.