Inline Spinners

[Olbrownfish]

Hi all first post hailing from West Virginia. I chase river smallmouth and was wondering if you guys could lead me in the right direction for making inline spinners in the mepps agila 3 and the terminator spinners class. I currently have no gear to make them with so all info is greatly appreciated. I would like to make quality spinners so would like to start out with good equipment. thanks for any help.

[A-Jay]

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~

There's quite a few - but here a couple to get you started.

 

http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/lure-making-parts/

 

https://www.barlowstackle.com/Default.aspx

 

A-Jay

[Olbrownfish]

Thanks man..

[Steveo-1969]

Welcome to Bass Resource @Olbrownfish! I don't fish inline spinners and don't have a clue how to make them, sorry. Just wanted to say welcome from a fellow West Virginian!!

[ClackerBuzz]

I fished shallow creeks for years and lost many a Mepps. A single treble hook simply snags too easily.  as I got more into lake fishing I learned the benefit of double bladed spinnerbaits from shore:  a single hook is bent upward so you can bounce off the bottom/cover without getting snagged.  i applied that to creeks by switching to a small 1/16-1/8 oz crappie jig with a 2" crappie plastic like a bobby garland 2.25" Baby Shad Swim'R.  the rig is equally as effective on trout, bass, panfish etc and is virtually snag free compared to an exposed treble hook.  jump on flea bay and buy a few jigs and generic crappie swimmers.  you won't be sorry.

 

Edit: basspro has free shipping now with no minimum.  don't let the color selection overwhelm you.  For trout grab something with pink.  Smallmouth/panfish= chartreuse.  Largemouth=white and/or green.

 

http://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bobby-garland-itty-bit-swimr

 

http://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bobby-garland-strollr

 

if you really feel like you need the flash of a blade try a roadrunner.  the same upward single hook principle applies.

http://www.basspro.com/shop/en/road-runner-crappie-thunder

[Olbrownfish]

thanks Stevo and clacker for the welcome and advice..

 

[Deleted account]

Bend and spin up some rooster tail type ones too. If you are just making a few for yourself, a round nose (or half round nose) pliers is all you need. If you plan to make a bunch, have OCD, or just like to play with tackle, The Twist Tech, and Cabelas are nice. 

[Olbrownfish]

Thanks alot brother, I will start out with round nose pliers i think then maybe if I find the need step to the twistech or cabelas bender. 

[islandbass]

You can find round nose pliers in the crafts section of your local Walmart. It’s where I got mine. That really is the only “bare minimum” tool you need to make inline spinners. I’ve made them in the past and love the simplicity of this non-rocket science lure that you can troll, chuck and wind, or let the current guide it. It’s universal appeal to many species doesn’t hurt either. 

[WRB]

I would buy Luhr Jensen Shyster, Panther Marten, Mepps Angila and Blue Fox inline spinners in fire tiger color and try them all out before making them. When you know what design works best for you, then buy components and make your own if you think that is something you prefer doing.

Tom

[Olbrownfish]

Good advice wrb I have some mepps coming in the mail.

[frogflogger]

I believe I have a wire bender that clamps onto a table - I'm also in almost heaven and would give it to you if you want - pm me.

[Olbrownfish]

Wow Frog thanks alot!! 

Quote

 

 

[Scott F]

On 12/14/2017 at 6:31 PM, Olbrownfish said:

Hi all first post hailing from West Virginia. I chase river smallmouth and was wondering if you guys could lead me in the right direction for making inline spinners in the mepps agila 3 and the terminator spinners class. I currently have no gear to make them with so all info is greatly appreciated. I would like to make quality spinners so would like to start out with good equipment. thanks for any help.

I sent you a PM about a box of all the needed hardware I have for sale to make nearly 100 inline spinners (no hooks or wire though). Let me know if you are interested.

[Olbrownfish]

Pm sent sir.

[Spankey]

Welcome aboard also. I'm a river rat like yourself. There was a time years ago that it seemed like that was all I was throwing was inline spinners. Great smallmouth bait. I've never built my own. Have a good selection of Mepps and Panther Martins. Good luck with your new hobby and hope the best for a few nice ones on them.

[DomQ]

What gauge wire do you all recommend for making inline spinners

[Deleted account]

21 hours ago, DomQ said:

What gauge wire do you all recommend for making inline spinners

I use salt water shark/trolling wire. #6 for #7 for smaller ones, #9 or #12 for larger Pike ones. I think that's .018" or so for the smaller ones, and like .029" for the larger ones. You can google Malin, they have the specs on their site.

 

 

[Olbrownfish]

On 12/20/2017 at 9:40 AM, DomQ said:

What gauge wire do you all recommend for making inline spinners

Im just getting started and reading alot, but from what I can gather for bass alot of people are recommending .031 gauge.

[islandbass]

On 12/21/2017 at 5:11 PM, Olbrownfish said:

Im just getting started and reading alot, but from what I can gather for bass alot of people are recommending .031 gauge.

That’s a good middle ground to start. At this diameter, the wire is still thin enough to shape by hand. 

 

To the OP:

 

When I make my spinners, I will usually incorporate a split ring to hold the hook in the rear and a good small barrel swivel at the front. 

 

The ring enables me to change the hook without having to break my spinner.  In my neck of the woods sometimes a single hook is required in rivers. The split ring allows me to switch a treble for single hook on the fly. The small barrel swivel you can guess is a built in line twist regulator. 

[Spankey]

I know nothing about making inline spinnerbaits. But I use alot of .031 stainless mechanics wire in the line of work I'm in. I will send you a spool if it works out for you. I can send you the specifics of it. Not sure of tinsel strength but probably not that important for river smallies. 

[Olbrownfish]

16 hours ago, islandbass said:

That’s a good middle ground to start. At this diameter, the wire is still thin enough to shape by hand. 

 

To the OP:

 

When I make my spinners, I will usually incorporate a split ring to hold the hook in the rear and a good small barrel swivel at the front. 

 

The ring enables me to change the hook without having to break my spinner.  In my neck of the woods sometimes a single hook is required in rivers. The split ring allows me to switch a treble for single hook on the fly. The small barrel swivel you can guess is a built in line twist regulator. 

That is a good idea islandbass I will be sure to try the single hook as I have had some bad experiences with treble hooks. Ive lost some biguns with trebles and I find myself always nervous when I hook a big fish on trebles.I have a question for you tho on that, what size single hook you use on your inline spinners say #3 in 1/4 oz? I havent fished alot of inline spinners so wasnt aware of the line twist issue and will try the barrel swivel as well. Thank you sir.

 

[islandbass]

I borrowed a book from the library about spinner fishing for steelhead and salmon. I think the author’s name is Jed Davis. I believe it had chart but  since it has been quite some time, I think a good rule is to find a single hook with about the same gap. 

 

This is a link to an article that has recommendations to when changing from treble to single hook. 

 

https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/how-to-replace-treble-hooks/

 

I think Janns also has a hook sizing chart at their web page. 

 

I also like to use siwash hooks for a number of reasons. They’re strong. If they can handle king salmon, they’ll handle any warm water fish. They’re economical and therefore easy on the wallet. You can also buy them with the hook eye open. I like this because all you need to do is press the hole shut with pliers to attach it to your spinner. You won’t have to feed it through the split rings. I like to use Gamakatsu siwash hooks but any reputable hook make like owner probably make decent ones too. 

 

Lastly on the barrel swivel. You don’t need to go too big. I think size 10 will work for inline spinners up to size  5 Blades. There is one exception to this for me and that’s if you are making them for someone who might have trouble tying knots, eg bad eyes, arthritis, etc., then don’t hesitate increasing the size of the swivel for their sake. 

 

[king fisher]

I have not made any spinners that I used  for bass, but have made hundreds for salmon, size #3 and up.  I have had best luck with .031 -.035 size wire depending on spinner size.  The Thicker wire doesn't get bent as much when releasing fish.  I have used wire that came in a roll, but it is impossible to get completely straight.  You can buy pre cut straigt pieces with one end twisted for almost as cheap as buying a bulk roll and they are perfectly straight.  I used to use a wire forming tool, but have found two pairs of needle nose pliers to work as well.  As others have said a small barrel swivel, on the front,  and a split ring on the back helps with line twist and changing hooks.  Making spinners for salmon is very popular in the North West.  Look on line and you will be able to find numerous sites selling more components than you can try in a life time.  Many of them will have charts showing recomended sizes for hooks, weights, swivels, beads, and blades in their catalogs.