Buzz bombs in the modern era.

[jay.sharkbait]

I used to use Buzz bombs years ago and put them aside when the rules changed regarding treble hooks.

I’d like to re-visit them and was wondering what people were using for hooks and whether it’s worth it?

I mostly use a 21/2 buzz bomb for pinks etc.

Im in area 13.

Thx

[Crunchy]

open eye siwash, probably a 1/0 for a buzz bomb that size.  I don't use buzz bombs any more instead Pt Wilson darts, but I doubt it makes much difference.  Same concept.

[BigCutty3]

Use two octopus style hooks tied close together and opposing, like a side drifting or mooching leader setup only closer together, l2 1/0 for a 2.5 inch.

[Dan-o]

We still use buzz bombs. 

Just tie on a 1/0 hook.

[BigGoonTuna]

They used to sell single octopus hooks made for them, with a 90 degree bend on the eye so the point wouldn’t hang off to the side.  Not sure if they still make them.

[jay.sharkbait]

Thanks everyone.

I never would of thought to tie two opposing hooks.

[BigGoonTuna]

i looked up their website, while it looks like they no longer make the special hooks, they make a special bumper that looks like it's made to use with any octopus style hook:

https://www.buzzbombtackle.com/product/single-bumpers/

[jay.sharkbait]

i looked up their website, while it looks like they no longer make the special hooks, they make a special bumper that looks like it's made to use with any octopus style hook:

https://www.buzzbombtackle.com/product/single-bumpers/

Ok, i have some teflon tube from the 3d printers I can cut.

[jackelope]

Use some sort of bumper for sure. The buzz bomb will definitely weaken and/or break your knots without the bumper.

[hawks33]

Those little salmon egg looking beads work great for bumpers

[Caseyd]

Just snip the other two off 

[metlhead]

Not sure those things work anymore. Fish dont seem to bite them, rather slap them with their tails or other fins.

[jay.sharkbait]

Not sure those things work anymore. Fish dont seem to bite them, rather slap them with their tails or other fins.

I can’t believe that the fish have changed that much.

BTW a point Defiance Spoon from the early 80’s works just as well as a coho killer.

[h20hunter]

Take a look at the rotator brand....

Last humpy season they outfished the traditional buzz bombs.

[h20hunter]

http://www.deepstinger.com/rotators.html

[jay.sharkbait]

Take a look at the rotator brand....

Last humpy season they outfished the traditional buzz bombs.

I will, but I’ve been trying to stay with stuff from the 80’s. It’s kinda fun to do just as well with gear thats older than most of the people on the boat.

Next year I may try to use stuff from the 60’s.

[h20hunter]

I got yah, cool

[jeffro]

I always have one rigged up, ready to cast on board.
Usually blue/white for kings and coho
If I see a bait ball on the surface while trolling...It’s getting wet.
And it’s almost a guaranteed fish (85%)
Single barbless circle hook with bumper

[WSU]

http://www.deepstinger.com/rotators.html

Which rotators worked well?  Did you put a squid or anything else on them? I'm going to order a few.

[h20hunter]

Yes to the squid. Pink and white and mixed for humpies....buddy uses them for coho in traditional greens.

[jay.sharkbait]

Yes to the squid. Pink and white and mixed for humpies....buddy uses them for coho in traditional greens.

And casting them like buzzbombs?

[WSU]

Yes to the squid. Pink and white and mixed for humpies....buddy uses them for coho in traditional greens.

What size?

[h20hunter]

Smaller.... sorry It's been awhile! 

[WSU]

Smaller.... sorry It's been awhile! 

I ordered a few in 2 and 2.5 inch, so we'll see if it matters.  I doubt it.

I'm not sure why I bothered other than to try something new?  Two summers ago I just jammed a white squid on a jig head and got bit whenever I put it in front of a fish, and often multiple times per cast. 

[7mmfan]

Yes to the squid. Pink and white and mixed for humpies....buddy uses them for coho in traditional greens.

And casting them like buzzbombs?

Yes to the squid. Pink and white and mixed for humpies....buddy uses them for coho in traditional greens.

What size?

I like 2" or 2.5". For Pinks I'm not sure it matters a whole bunch. You can definitely cast the 2.5" further, but you have to work them faster.

Adding a little squid to the back allows you to fish them a little slower, it increases their size and movement, a big plus for coho. I like contrasting colors so I frequently fish the chartreuse ones with pink squid or pink ones with chartreuse squid. Pink/Purple, Purple/black, black/white, and Blue/white are other highly productive color combos.

My preferred technique is to lob them out there the desired distance, let them sink the desired amount,(this may be 0 seconds, it may be 5 or 10 seconds, just depends on how deep you think the fish are), and then just reel them in at a fairly quick pace. I don't jig them or twitch them or try to add movement to them. When you reel them in at a quick pace, they have a very appealing wiggle/swimming motion to them. The strikes are vicious. If you are fishing off the beach, make good and dang sure that you fish that thing right through the waves onto the gravel. I can't tell you how many fish I have seen bite them next to the beach, and how many I've seen turn away literally on the gravel.

Pro tip: Stand back from the waters edge about 10' or however long your rod is so it forces you to fish it right to the beach.

[CP]

Humpy slayer.  I like to just drop it over the side of the boat about 30 feet down and then just stick the rod in a pole holder.  Pinks will hammer it.

[Sutherland]

Nice setup, will have to give this a try. I haven't fished with buzz bombs for a while.

[7mmfan]

Humpy slayer.  I like to just drop it over the side of the boat about 30 feet down and then just stick the rod in a pole holder.  Pinks will hammer it.

The auto-jig feature is very nice. And effective.