Spinnerbaits now vs 10 or more years ago

[mheichelbech]

Does anyone know of major differences in effectiveness between spinnerbaits marketed nowadays versus those from 10-15 years ago or more?  Or are the differences just general fishing marketing hype?

[Hammer 4]

I have a few spinnerbaits that are about 15 yrs old. They fish just as well as a few of the new (2019) spinnerbaits I bought. Is there a difference..? Can't say for sure, the components look very similar to me.

[mheichelbech]

27 minutes ago, Hammer 4 said:

I have a few spinnerbaits that are about 15 yrs old. They fish just as well as a few of the new (2019) spinnerbaits I bought. Is there a difference..? Can't say for sure, the components look very similar to me.

This is my thinking.  I’ve had some break after a lot of use but I have some the old terminator titanium’s that are still doing well.  

[diehardbassfishing]

No basic diff over 10 yrs.

Only diff I can pull out is "popularity" tungsten over lead. In some areas around the country, fisheries have banned lead use. Thus, availability of a tungsten option is greater than "X" yrs ago.

 

Karl

 

[papajoe222]

The biggest difference, IMO, is that they just aren't used as much as they were. Bladed jigs and swim jigs have turned away a big chunk of spinner bait anglers and the companies target the remaining diehards with adds and marketing ploys aimed at justifying their higher price tag.

[Derek1]

I don’t know if there’s any thing different in them. All I know is I just started using them last year, and it is hands down my favorite way to fish. 

[Michigander]

31 minutes ago, papajoe222 said:

The biggest difference, IMO, is that they just aren't used as much as they were. Bladed jigs and swim jigs have turned away a big chunk of spinner bait anglers and the companies target the remaining diehards with adds and marketing ploys aimed at justifying their higher price tag.

I guess I'm in the big chunk you mentioned. I do throw them and catch some fish on spinnerbaits but it feels like most of my limits are coming off of swim jigs when they want a skirted, horizontal presentation.  And I can't seem to buy a non-pike bite on a bladed jig. Also, the price tag on spinnerbaits that aren't made with junk components is a bit much for a bait I don't have a ton of confidence in.

[Columbia Craw]

Fifteen years ago?  None.  Thirty five years or more ago, definitely.  There was a time when some pros made a living with a spinnerbait but not anymore, but it's a must have bait.

[Bluebasser86]

5 hours ago, mheichelbech said:

This is my thinking.  I’ve had some break after a lot of use but I have some the old terminator titanium’s that are still doing well.  

Titanium spinnerbaits are going to outlast any stainless steel spinnerbait unless there's a flaw in the metal somewhere.

 

I've never had a spinnerbait survive long enough to say they're still the same.

[Catt]

Stanley's are still as deadly now as ever...if it ain't broken quite trying to fix it!

 

[J Francho]

If anything, there was an explosion of weird designs ten or fifteen years ago.  It's kind of settled back into quality designs with proven blade shapes and configurations.  I use three or four head styles, depending on cover and retrieve.  Everything I need for spinnerbaits is out there still.  When I'm lost on the water, this is a comfortable, go to bait to get bites that lead to unlocking the puzzle for the day.

[jimmyjoe]

7 minutes ago, J Francho said:

If anything, there was an explosion of weird designs ten or fifteen years ago.

   Like the Bumblebee Chopper Bee.   That's the only one I miss. It was the "King of Thump".       jj  

[KDW96]

1 hour ago, jimmyjoe said:

   Like the Bumblebee Chopper Bee.   That's the only one I miss. It was the "King of Thump".       jj  

I have about 2 dozen of the original bumble chopper blades,with the bumble stamp on them. They are silver,and copper ones. Bought at a local shop for 10cents apiece many years ago. For the size, they really put out a solid thump.

[gim]

Those titanium frame terminators can take a beating.  They hold up for a while even when pike smash them.

[Oklahoma Mike]

I don't think there is much difference in the ones produced today versus 10-15 years ago. As for effectiveness, still one of my top go-to search baits.

[Mobasser]

I think most of the really good improvements to spinnerbaits were made well over 10yrs ago. Wire thickness, blade types, skirts, better swivels and skirts have been around for a while now. Always a good bass lure. Very versatile

[Preytorien]

I'm guessing tried and true designs have prevailed. There are "new" twists on the design from time to time, like the YoZuri 3DB Knuckle, but it's not likely the same level of effectiveness for me, as my spinnerbaits need a good deal of thump for dirty water. Titanium wires are the real deal. I've been using the same several Terminators for 8 years now. Replace the skirts and they're good to go. 

[Tizi]

The older ones I have use barrel swivels rather than ball bearing, vinyl skirts rather than living rubber, and they came with single blades.  Almost all newer spinnerbaits come with two blades.

 

Give me 3/8 ounce white spinnerbait with a single Colorado blade and it will catch fish anywhere.