Using Buzz Bombs to Catch More Salmon - Salmon Fishing Tips

Using Buzz Bombs to Catch Salmon

Salmon fishing is a popular activity for many anglers, especially in the Pacific Northwest of the United States and Canada. Chinook, coho, sockeye, pink, and chum salmon all migrate through the coastal waters and rivers of this region, making it a salmon fishing hotspot.

One of the most effective lures for catching salmon is the buzz bomb. Buzz bombs are metal lures that vibrate and make a rattling noise as they move through the water. This vibration and noise mimics wounded baitfish, triggering a salmon's predatory instincts. Let's look at why buzz bombs are so effective for salmon and how to use them.

What Makes Buzz Bombs Effective

There are a few key features of buzz bombs that make them productive salmon lures:

• Metal construction - Made of metal, buzz bombs are durable and cast well.
• Internal beads - Small metal beads inside the lure rattle around, creating vibration and noise.
• Protruding lip - The lip shape causes the buzz bomb to dive and wiggle through water.
• Bright finishes - Fluorescent and metallic finishes mimic baitfish colors and attract salmon.

Together, these features trigger savage strikes from salmon, especially in areas where baitfish are abundant. The rattling mimics injured or scared baitfish, while the flashes of light resemble fish scales reflecting in the water.

How to Fish Buzz Bombs

To use buzz bombs effectively, you'll need the right gear and techniques:

• Rod - A 6-7 foot medium-heavy rod with a fast tip is ideal for casting buzz bombs.
• Reel - A mid-sized spinning reel with smooth drag spooled with 10-15 lb test mono or braided line works best.
• Leader - Tie on a 2-3 foot clear leader of 15-20 lb fluorocarbon or monofilament.
• Retrieve - Vary your retrieve speed, including some twitches and pauses to mimic an injured baitfish.
• Areas - Target areas like drop-offs, structure, river mouths and currents where salmon ambush prey.

Cast your buzz bomb out and let it sink for a few seconds before beginning your retrieve. Varying the speed and using occasional twitches really helps trigger reaction strikes. Stay alert for any bumps or hits. When a salmon grabs the buzz bomb, use a firm hookset to drive the hook home.

Buzz Bomb Tips and Tricks

Keep these tips in mind to maximize your success with buzz bombs:

• Go bright - Fluorescent pink, chartreuse and orange are excellent colors in stained water.
• Watch the weight - Heavier buzz bombs like 2-3 oz cast better and go deeper.
• Mind the teeth - Use a steel leader if pike or bluefish are present.
• Check local regulations - Some areas prohibit certain lure types for salmon.
• Use scent - Applying fish oil, krill paste, or bait scents can help.

Conclusion

Overall, buzz bombs are proven fish-catching machines for salmon. Their rattling, vibrating action triggers vicious strikes from aggressive salmon. Armed with the right gear and techniques, buzz bombs should take a starring role in every salmon angler's tackle box. They are easy to use and catch fish in many different river, lake and ocean conditions. Next time you're after salmon, be sure to tie on a buzz bomb and hang on tight!

FAQs

What colors are best for buzz bombs?

Some of the most effective buzz bomb colors are fluorescent pink, chartreuse, orange, blue, and silver. Brighter colors generally work better in stained or murky water conditions.

Where is the best place to fish buzz bombs?

Target areas like drop-offs, river mouths, structure, and current seams where salmon are likely to hold and ambush prey. Buzz bombs mimic wounded baitfish which triggers strikes.

What pound test line works best?

10-15 lb monofilament or braided line works well for casting buzz bombs and provides abrasion resistance. Use a 15-20 lb fluorocarbon or mono leader.

How do you retrieve a buzz bomb?

Vary your retrieve speed with a mix of steady reeling and twitches or jerks to mimic an injured baitfish. Let the buzz bomb sink for a few seconds before retrieving.

What rods are best for throwing buzz bombs?

A 6-7 foot medium-heavy power, fast action rod combined with a mid-sized spinning reel balance nicely for casting buzz bombs all day.