Bass 101 - Lures 1 Spinnerbaits

Bass 101 The Basics © 2006 Bass411.com

Section 1 – Bass Fishing Lures

	1.1 Spinner baits

		1.1.1 Introduction

			The spinner bait is one of the most versatile lures in existence and also one of the most productive. It can be fished in a number of ways, in multiple levels of the water column, and is very easy to use. Many bass fishermen get started in the sport fishing the spinner bait. It comes in a variety of colors and configurations and can be used in nearly all fishing conditions.



		1.1.2 Physical Description and Rigging

			In its most basic configuration, the spinner bait consists of a wire bent into the shape of a “V”. At the bottom of the “V”, there is a lead head and hook, which is covered by a rubber skirt. At the top of the “V”, a metal blade is attached which spins as the lure is retrieved through the water.

			Several configurations are available commercially, including single and tandem blade models and different blade shapes, such as the Colorado blade and the willow leaf blade. Sizes and weights also vary. See figure 1.


						The top is a single blade model featuring a Colorado style blade. The center and bottom pictures show tandem blade models with a combination Colorado front blade and a trailing willow leaf type blade. Note the open wire design where the line attaches to the lure on this version. This is especially helpful to prevent line twist around the eye of the lure.
			Figure 1
			The inline spinner differs from the traditional spinner bait in that the blade is mounted on a single straight wire, with the hooks and skirt behind. The inline spinner is less popular as a bass fishing bait, but still has its place in the tackle box. See figure 2.


					Inline Spinner


			Figure 2
			Rigging the spinner bait is very simple. Simply tie the line directly to the loop or eyelet provided on the bait. Generally no split rings, clips, or leaders of any kind are used when fishing for bass. Keep an eye on the line near the knot, as your line will wear at this point due to twisting around the bait and from rubbing against cover during the retrieves. A medium to heavy bait casting rod and reel is most suitable for spinner baits.




		1.1.3 Fishing Techniques

			The basic fishing method for the spinner bait is a simple cast and retrieve. This is what makes the spinner bait such an easy bait to use. The standard retrieve will be a steady speed which keeps the spinner bait about a foot or two below the surface of the water. Varying the speed will vary the depth it will run.


			Another popular method is to “burn” the spinner bait. This method causes the bait to run just below the surface, creating a ripple above the blades. It is accomplished by retrieving the bait very quickly and holding the end of the rod high.

			It is also sometimes useful to pause the retrieve periodically, allowing the bait to flutter down, and then resume the retrieve. Often strikes will occur while the bait is falling.
			One other method is to slow roll the spinner bait. This involves retrieving the bait as slowly as possible while still getting the blade to turn. This will create more of a thumping vibration, and will run the bait nearer to the bottom, an often effective technique.
			Fish will generally grab the spinner bait aggressively, and may often self hook, but a robust hook set is always in order to drill the large barb of the hook into the fish. Once hooked, few fish seem to escape during the fight, as the large single hook keeps them on quite well without offering excessive leverage to shake out, like some crank baits and other longer baits.

		1.1.4 Applications

			The spinner bait is effective throughout the year, and can be especially useful for catching big fish in the fall as the water cools to temperatures in the 50’s. It is generally not considered a spawning bed bait, as these fish will generally not chase a lure that passes the nest and keeps going.
			The spinner bait is by design extremely weedless and therefore in its key element when fished in and around cover, including weeds, lily pads, and brush and timber. It can also be an effective method for fishing over the tops of deeper weedlines near their edges.

		1.1.5 Summary

			The spinner bait’s versatility makes it one of the top bass baits and one that every tournament fisherman has plenty of in his or her arsenal. Perhaps its only drawback is that it is attractive to numerous other fish as well, and often the recipient of an aggressive Northern Pike. Of course, if you like catching fish, any fish, this isn’t much of a drawback, but when using typical bass tackle, this can result in a few “bite offs” and lost lures, but that just comes with the territory. The spinner bait is simply a “must have” lure. Don’t be caught without one, or you may find you haven’t caught any.

			Author's Ratings:
				Versatility - 9.0 Ease of use - 10.0 Effectiveness - 6.5 Big Fish Factor - 4.0

	1.2 Buzz baits