War Eagle Finesse Spinnerbait (5/16) - What is the actual weight?

[ABrugs]

I've read that a lot of spinnerbaits come out to about double the weight listed on the package. I'm interested in the War Eagle Finesse Spinnerbait in 5/16 and am curious to hear the actual weight from someone who has one. Have any of you put one on the scale? The rod that will be throwing this will most likely be an 842c MBR rated up to 5/8. Thanks!

[WRB]

Most buzz & spinner baits weight is the head only less hardware.

2 power rod could have a problem with hook sets for most buzz baits heavy hook.

Tom

[GReb]

@Siebert Outdoors makes a great 1/4 oz compact spinnerbait. 

[ABrugs]

@WRB - The only buzzbait I’ve seen so far that might work is made by Accent and is 1/4. Since it’s branded a ‘finesse’ version, I’m hoping the hook isn’t as heavy. I’m also hoping the same logic would apply to the War Eagle finesse spinnerbait and the Z-Man Sling Bladez finesse version.

 

^ I’m just curious from owners of either of these spinnerbaits if they’re truly double their package weight or not.

[WRB]

Picasso Buzz Saw Jr is 1/8 oz....TW

Tom

[ABrugs]

Regarding buzzbaits, I was looking in the wrong section on TW and actually found several within the 1/8 - 1/4 range. Thanks for bringing that to my attention, @WRB.

[CountryboyinDC]

21 hours ago, ABrugs said:

The rod that will be throwing this will most likely be an 842c MBR rated up to 5/8

I throw these on a St. Croix LTB spinnerbait rod rated for 5/8 oz (I think this rating is a little light IMHO) and a Falcon Finesse Jig rod that's rated for the same weight, but is definitely a little faster action.  I don't dress mine these spinnerbaits with any type of trailer, and I trim the skirt slightly (doubt that affects the weight much).  Both of those rods work fine.  Just got a new one in my TW order, here's the actual weight.

[ABrugs]

Wow, is that the 5/16? It’s actually more than 5/8 then. I appreciate the picture!

[CountryboyinDC]

12 minutes ago, ABrugs said:

Wow, is that the 5/16? It’s actually more than 5/8 then. I appreciate the picture!

Yep, it turns out it's a hair over 5/8. Surprised me. I think they make a lighter one, but where I fish they just blow out and tumble in the current.  I feel like both of those rods are about the right power for that spinnerbait.

[WRB]

Typical of jig, spinner baits and buzzers, the rated weight is the head content content only.

Tom

[ABrugs]

Do you know why that is the standard though, Tom? That can be really confusing when you’re looking for lures rated to a specific rod and I would think these manufacturers would be able to simply weigh these once complete w/ all components and then list the real, accurate weight. I’m just curious if you know the logic behind those decisions.

[rtwvumtneer6]

On 9/22/2021 at 1:18 PM, ABrugs said:

842c MBR rated up to 5/8

This is one of my favorite spinnerbaits when water temps drop, or thaw out.  I throw it on 2 different rods, both 7'.  A Dobyns 703 (1/4-3/4) and the other is a Medium/Fast (1/4-5/8).  More often than not I add a Zoom Fat Albert to it, and both rods work just fine.  

[Catt]

7 hours ago, ABrugs said:

Do you know why that is the standard though, Tom?

 

It is the amount of lead required to fill the cavity in the mold. If you look at it from that perspective it's quite simple. 

 

If it were the actual weight of the assembled spinnerbait we would have all kinds of crazy numbers.

 

 

[ABrugs]

Thanks, @Catt. That makes sense and I understand it’s easier for them to do it that way.

 

So, in general, is it fair to say that the actual weight of a spinnerbait will be double the listed weight? How does it work generally speaking w/ swim jigs? I would imagine they aren’t double the listed weight as there aren’t as many add-ons. Would that be accurate?

[J Francho]

4 minutes ago, ABrugs said:

So, in general, is it fair to say that the actual weight of a spinnerbait will be double the listed weight?

No, due to variability in hardware and trailers, it's fair to say that if you have a question about a bait's mass, put it on a kitchen scale and get a measurement.  I prefer the $20 price point, since they're usually waterproof.  There are less expensive options.

[fishballer06]

11 hours ago, ABrugs said:

Do you know why that is the standard though, Tom? That can be really confusing when you’re looking for lures rated to a specific rod and I would think these manufacturers would be able to simply weigh these once complete w/ all components and then list the real, accurate weight. I’m just curious if you know the logic behind those decisions.

 

Because every blade combination that spinnerbaits come in changes the weight of a spinnerbait. Material of the beads and hardware changes the weights as well. 

 

If you're that concerned about weights of your baits, I highly recommend you go purchase a small food scale that weighs in grams. They can be had for $15-20 from Walmart/Target/Amazon. 

[ABrugs]

Thanks, guys. I realize that and actually have one. It's more about not every lure being locally available and not desiring to buy several different spinnerbaits to test/weigh, especially w/ current availability and supply chain issues, when there are people on this forum who have them and probably are willing to share their knowledge. @CountryboyinDC and @LCG are two of them who have helped me w/ the original post.

 

I appreciate everyone's perspectives and continue to learn new things w/ every post!

[J Francho]

I think you might be overthinking it a bit.  I tie a bait on a medium power rod, and if it doesn't feel right, I go to a medium heavy.  Or the opposite.  It's nice to have a small selection of rods with various powers and tapers so you can find the one that suits the bait and your casting style.  It's a really subjective feel kind of thing that no accurate measurement will solve.  It sounds like you're on the right track, though.  Good luck.

[jimmyjoe]

4 minutes ago, J Francho said:

I think you might be overthinking it a bit.  I tie a bait on a medium power rod, and if it doesn't feel right, I go to a medium heavy.  Or the opposite.  It's nice to have a small selection of rods with various powers and tapers so you can find the one that suits the bait and your casting style.  It's a really subjective feel kind of thing that no accurate measurement will solve.  It sounds like you're on the right track, though.  Good luck.

 

   Of course, there are some crazy people ? who want to use the lightest line possible to get the greatest distance possible, and then the line becomes the critical part of the equation, not the rod.

 

   I have no idea who some of those people might be. ?         jj

[J Francho]

Line diameter matters little in the world of spinnerbaits.  It just needs to be strong enough.

[GReb]

I select rod and line based on the hook. Weight and blade size just move the bait up and down in the water column. 

[J Francho]

46 minutes ago, GReb said:

I select rod and line based on the hook. Weight and blade size just move the bait up and down in the water column. 

Hook style would be more an taper thing for me.  The bigger and thicker the hook, the faster the rod should be.  I want to tap into the power section of the rod as soon as possible when setting the hook.  This is why I want an extra fast taper for spinnerbaits - no delay in hook penetration.

[Catt]

5 hours ago, ABrugs said:

is it fair to say that the actual weight of a spinnerbait will be double the listed weight?

 

Not really ?

 

Different companies use thinner or heavier wire. Blades vary in weight depending on size, if it's cupped or not, willowleaf vs Colorado vs Indiana. Hook sizes vary in thickness there by they weigh different. Swivels, clevis, beads, all add weight.

[WRB]

4 hours ago, GReb said:

I select rod and line based on the hook. Weight and blade size just move the bait up and down in the water column. 

Good ball park number but not exact, trailers add weight.

I would say for 1/4 to 1/2 oz 2X would be close enough.

The only way to know besides weighing every lure is use it and if it cast effectively and you like how it feels weight isn’t the defining issue. What is important getting a good hook set and landing the bass.

I have used several different rods including my crankbait rod and jig-worm rod for spinnerbaits, very forgiving lure.

Tom

[Munkin]

On 9/23/2021 at 10:16 PM, ABrugs said:

Do you know why that is the standard though, Tom? That can be really confusing when you’re looking for lures rated to a specific rod and I would think these manufacturers would be able to simply weigh these once complete w/ all components and then list the real, accurate weight. I’m just curious if you know the logic behind those decisions.

The unofficial industry standard is what ever weight is listed it is just the weight of the lead itself.  Cast Industries,  Tight line angler, and Southern spincasting all use this standard.  So a 5/16oz spinnerbait should weigh 5/16 just inlead. Hooks, wire,blades,skirts, etc. Are all additional weight.  This is generally true for almost everything in bass fishing? Hell go weight one of your 5" weightless senkos once and see what it says. 

 

Allen