Spinnerbait Question

[mathnerdm]

So I'm a newbie, and went out with 3/8 ounce spinnerbait for my first time tonight (I lost one first cast when I tried to set the hook...) And before I go on, lemme say, fishing with spinnerbait compared to plastic worms is ridiculous, feels like I got a fish on it the whole time!  The one big thing I noticed was, if I start to reel it in quickly or pull my rod back (kinda like simulating setting a hook) the rod has a decent amount of bend.

1)Does that mean my rod is to light and I need a heavier action rod? Or is this normal with spinnerbait?

 

2)Another question, since I didn't manage to catch anything with the spinnerbait, how do you detect hits with a lure like that? Do you just feel it? Because when I'd drag it on the bottom, I couldn't really distinguish if it was just getting snagged on a rock, or actually being bit. Maybe if I actually got more than one definitive bite I'd understand, is it just something you'd know when it happens?

 

3) One more thing somewhat related to my second question. Is it a good idea to watch for hits by watching the tip of the rod when the sun goes down? That's about all I could see was the tip of the rod against the moonlit water, so that's what I just watched for sudden movement. Good idea? Or would I not detect it that way?

 

Sorry if this is poorly written, but needed to type it up quick. Thanks and PLEASE any of your guys' advice would be awesome!

[Jigs 4 Pigs]

I use a medium heavy casting rod, War Eagle 3/8oz spinnerbait with a colorodo and willow blade in white or white/chart most of the time.

 

Usually for me, when they bite it, they kill it. But if the blades stop or it feels heavy, set the hook.

 

I guess you can drag it on the bottom and fish it like a jig, but I usually slow roll it close to the bottom.

You gotta experiment with your retrieve fast, slow, steady, reel and stop, few jerks here and there. The fish will let you know!!

[mathnerdm]

Usually for me, when they bite it, they kill it. But if the blades stop or it feels heavy, set the hook.

 

That's good to know! And when you're reeling in your lure, does your rod flex like I was describing mine? Or is that a sign of too light of an action rod?

[Jigs 4 Pigs]

That's good to know! And when you're reeling in your lure, does your rod flex like I was describing mine? Or is that a sign of too light of an action rod?

What power and action are you using?

I think it's more of a personal preference thing and people will suggest different things, but I like more of a stiffer rod with a fast tip. But If it feels like your reeling a fish in the entire time, your rod might be under powered.

I throw 3/8oz on rods rated at at least 5/8oz, I've thrown 3/8oz on 1/2oz rated rods and it didn't feel right to me.

[Fishes in trees]

You're not saying what kind of gear you're using.  Baitcasting?  Spinning?  Spin-casting?  Makes a difference what kind of answer you're going to get.

[Smallmouth Hunter]

When you get a fish, you will know it. Instead of your line/rod-tip vibrating, you will feel a heavy weight and the bass will head shake. It only takes one fish to learn the feeling, so just catch that first bass and you will have a better understanding of what im talking about.

[smalljaw67]

I may be wrong but from the way you are describing what it is like for you to fish a spinnerbait I am guessing you are using a medium powered spinning rod, maybe even a medium light, possibly an ugly stick. I say that as a 3/8oz spinnerbait on a medium heavy rod is fine, you will get some flex in the tip but it doesn't take over the rod like you describe. As for feelong a bite, if you reel a 3/8oz spinnerbait at a normal speed you will not have to wonder if you have a bite, you will feel it pull away, there are times when you will just feel weight but not this time of year, if one hits it you'll know it.

[mathnerdm]

My apologies, it was late and I just wanted to post that before I went to bed lol... Yes, I'm using a cheapo Spin-cast medium action ugly stik but plan on getting a new rod in the next few days. I'm actually just posting another thread about a few rods I'm looking at so if you wanna check that out, please do!