Spinnerbaits in Spring

[Glenn]

I often see people struggle with spinnerbaits.  But I've been slaying fish on the for decades. So I made this video in the hopes it will help others.  Enjoy!

 

 

[jimmyjoe]

   The analogy of the kitten with string is absolutely perfect.    jj

[fishballer06]

Great video, Glen. The spinnerbait has been key for me around here this spring. We've gotten a ton of rain and our waters are really muddy. This is when a spinnerbait shines for me. 

[scaleface]

Even though the spinnerbait resembles nothing while looking at it , in the water those blades are   flashing like baitfish and the body is just a skirted jig . I always thought it imitated baitfish more than anything . 

[Junger]

Spinnerbait, spring, wood, yes please.

[scaleface]

I went last monday with high muddy water with temps in the low 50's . I think it was the only time in decades that I didnt even pick up a Texas rig . This was spinnerbait  water and I stuck with it . It took awhile to figure out where active fish were but managed thirteen,  mostly  next to wood,  near the mouths of small coves . I  rely heavily on spinnerbaits , especially this time of year and late autumn .

[Cdn Angler]

Thanks for the video. Interesting that you note that bass will often hit this as soon as it hits the water. This has happened to me a bunch of times and it was always a bit confusing. Just a reaction thing I guess as I can't imagine a spinnerbait looks like anything before you even get the blades turning. Nice to know it is something I should expect though if I'm casting too a high value target. 

 

I caught my PB LMB like this and it occurred to me that I was using the type of cast you recommended here, but only because of low hanging trees and necessity.  I should be doing this all the time - thx!

[michaelb]

I love spinnerbaits but don't think of them as a spring lure, so thank you for reminding me of that. Plus you don't mention the fun of catching Pike (which is often why I throw spinnerbaits).

[Junger]

41 minutes ago, Cdn Angler said:

Thanks for the video. Interesting that you note that bass will often hit this as soon as it hits the water. This has happened to me a bunch of times and it was always a bit confusing. Just a reaction thing I guess as I can't imagine a spinnerbait looks like anything before you even get the blades turning. Nice to know it is something I should expect though if I'm casting too a high value target. 

It happens to me a lot too. If you drop a spinnerbait into the water the blades will turn while free failling. Spinnerbaits also don't make a big thud when hitting the water so I don't think they spook fish as much, and actually draw attention IMO. Combine those two and I think that's why you get the strikes when they hit the water.

[OnthePotomac]

A go to bait on the Potomac in spring for sure with murky water. Two colors are effective: white with chartreuse and white with a few skirt strands colored red with a marker. Blades are just something you have to determine when you get on the water.  Usually a willow Colorado combo is a good place to start.

[scaleface]

3 minutes ago, Junger said:

If you drop a spinnerbait into the water the blades will turn while free failling.

Which is why I never use baits with cheap ball bearing swivels like the Wal Mart   dollar ones . I want those blades turning at all times . 

[roadwarrior]

[Grim_Reaver]

6 hours ago, michaelb said:

spring lure

I think of them as a year round lure. Love me some spinnerbaits ?

[CountryboyinDC]

19 hours ago, OnthePotomac said:

Two colors are effective: white with chartreuse and white with a few skirt strands colored red with a marker

It may be my imagination or something else, but since moving to the area, I've been using a War Eagle skirt color called 'cole slaw' in the tidal Potomac.  I always thought that the blades were much more important, but if it's coincidence, it's profound coincidence. 

[swhit140]

I always have a spinnerbait tied on all year round. White, Chartruese, Bluegille, Black are my choices.

[MIbassyaker]

I'm chomping at the bit to get out, but it will be another week before I'm able to escape my to-do list for work (transition to remote work has lengthened, not shortened, that list unfortunately).  With weather warming nicely, I expect a spinnerbait will be the first thing that goes in the water after my kayak, so I've got a nice assortment of silver, gold, and copper double willows sitting the bag, waiting impatiently...