Spinnerbait Trouble

[TripDaddy]

I cannot seem to catch a fish on a spinnerbait?  I consistently catch em' on worms and swim shads but I can't seem to do anything with a spinnerbait?  Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[stratosdriver]

We do not have Largemouth here but for smallies try wind swept shorelines or points it can be alot of fun

[volpster31]

one suggestion i can make is to use a smaller spinnerbait....i usually use a 1/8 oz.      & dont be afraid to throw it in the thick stuff...

[captaininsaneo]

its a contact bait.  bang it off of wood, or when the water gets a bit warmer burn it on top.  Chucking and winding usually wont do much, it takes some other sort of action, even ripping it through weeds like a rattle trap

[moby bass]

Speed it up, slow it down. Let it sink a little, then rip it right or left. Try to make it act like a school of

baitfish darting in the water. Try changing colors if you are unsuccessful.  My most productive color

has been the chartreuse and green skirts with painted blades or firetiger inline with black hackle.

[Sam]

Spinnerbiats are complex even though they look simple.

Best in shallow, stained water.

Fish can see the bait better in clear water so it has to be deceptive to get bites.

The fish see the "image" of the bait on top of the water from below and its movement. You want them to notice the flash and that something is swimming around them.

You want to reel in the bait fast enough to break up its outline and create a more deseriable meal. Sometimes you fish it slow; other times fast just below the surface.

Try using two willowleaf blades to get the flash.

Try fishing the lure fast using a heavy bait, such as a 1/2 ounce.

In clear water, consider a 3/4 ounce with two willow leaf blades.

In stained water use either one willowleaf and one Colorado or two Colorado blades in gold or copper.

Try to blend the colors with the background of the surface. Yes, the surface. Remember, they are looking up at the bait as you swim it either just below or somewhat below the surface.  Next time you go swimming in a swimming pool, go to the bottom and look up.  That is what the fish see.

Try skirt colors of shad with silver sparkle.

Remember, try to produce as much flash as possible so the fish can't get a good look at the bait.

A chartreuse skirt on a cloudy day can be good, too.

Always remember that the fish are looking up at the bait with the surface as its background so any shades of silver and white are good and chartreuse is good for cloudy days.

Don't forget to add a trailer hook, too.

And read what the other guys on this site tell you.

[TripDaddy]

Thanks everyone!   Now i just have to go try some of these tips.  If I catch something on it, I'll let you know.

Thanks again!

[Marty]

How often do you use your spinnerbaits? Do you just use them only after your confidence baits have failed to produce, which means you've already established that the fishing is bad? If yes, start out with the spinnerbait in the highest percentage spots at the best times. Catching some fish on spinnerbaits is not rocket science; if you fish them where there are fish, you'll catch some.

[Cajun1977]

ALWAYS USE A TRAILER HOOK

[Shakes]

ALWAYS USE A TRAILER HOOK

This dude knows whats up. Good call. Always have a trailer hook on. Always.

Sam did a pretty good job explaining the basics of a spinnerbait. Once you break the seal and catch your first one, you'll catch 'em again and again.

One thing that really makes a difference in the equipment you use. Spinnerbaits work best with baitcasters, and ok on spinning tackle. You want a decent gear ratio to get your spinnerbait moving at a smooth and quick retrieve.

Good luck and have fun,

- Aaron

[Rebbasser]

What kind of water are you fishing?  If it is clear water I'd go with a double willow setup but only throw it when the wind is blowing.  I fish a lake that has an almost non-existant spinnerbait bite-except when the wind is blowing above 10 MPH.  Then fish the bank the wind is blowing onto and crank it fast.