Delta Waters Buzzing with Action

Warm summer days bring visitors to the Delta waterways in huge numbers for a variety of recreational activities. Many of those who come to the delta are not as familiar with the waterways, changing conditions and new hazards that come up from time to time. Most of these hazards are natural, changes in sand bars, a new log or two. There are some bigger obstacles out there now too.

Each time out now there always seems to be an obstacle un split oak rounds (great for wake boarders) Pilings, tree’s and even TV’s and Propane Bottles. Extra attention is very important out there now!

The fishing is super for both catfish, bass and some are finding bluegill too. The bait anglers are having a lot of fun as the catfish have been on a tear during the warm summer evenings. Most are finding success soaking clams and cut-baits for the easy stringers of catfish. The biggest catfish have been coming from the Middle River and Mildred Island areas. Several catfish over 10 pounds have come from this central delta area.

Many panfishing regulars are floating their bobbers in many of the ditches that empty back into the main waterways. One couple I spoke with had twenty fat bluegills in their bucket while soaking red worms and meal worm under bobbers.

The bass action has been superb for those who get out early and toss those noisy buzzbaits. I couldn’t believe how much I missed the delta action as the other morning brought 20 plus fish to the side of the boat before their release.

Discovering buzzbaits here on the delta could be just the ticket for getting the optimistic top water anglers some exciting action. There are many styles available of these water churning contraptions. Single prop, double prop and three bladed propellers are the most common. The best all around for me is the basic aluminum single bladed bait, but, it needs some help to really get good.

The best baits have a little wear. As the aluminum blades turn on the heavy wire shaft, a squeak develops. This extra noise, surprisingly enough, really helps increase the baits productivity.

As with all baits, successful bass catching requires us to make adjustments in our presentation until we hit the one the bass seem to be most responsive too. Using a buzzbait is no different. I prefer 1/4oz. or 1/2oz. buzzbaits and really do not pay a lot of attention to the blade shape or style as long as it makes a lot of noise. In the spring plastic bladed more subtle baits sometimes can be key. Still 90% of the time, older, worn-in buzzbaits tend to produce a squeaky noise which I believe adds to the bait's appeal. One of the "noise" enhancing modifications I like to make is to bend the blade arm slightly downward so that the blade ticks the shaft as it rotates. Another is to drill several holes in the blade so that it emits a "bubble" trail as it moves across the water.

As far as retreive speed, I initially like to work a buzzbait just fast enough to keep it on the surface. However there are occasions when burning it through the water, or an erratic, fast-slow-fast retrieve is what the bass want. Be patient, don't be afraid to experiment, and listen to what the bass are telling you. When a really slow presentation is what the bass want I either use a two-bladed buzzbait (Persuder Double Buzz) or cup up the blade a little on a single-bladed buzzbait using a pair of pliers. Either will allow you to slow down your retrieve without the bait sinking.

Learning how to present your buzzbait properly is simply a matter of practice. It is important to engage your reel just before the buzzbait hits the water. Doing so removes any slack from your line and allows you to start your retrieve before the bait has a chance to sink. During the retrieve I hold my rod tip up high enough to keep the bait in proper contact with the water but not so high as to lift the bait from the water or prevent me from generating a solid hook set. As the bait gets closer to the boat I gradually lower my rod tip thereby allowing the bait to maintain proper contact with the water.

What about Colors you ask? I like white or black best; although I have been known to tie on a combination chartreuse/ white or chartreuse/ blue. My color choice is usually predicated on the light conditions, water clarity and time of the year. Quite honestly I do not believe there is a magic formula with respect to buzzbait color. In my experience, sound, speed of retrieve, and water conditions are much more critical than color. Enjoy!