Spinnerbait Basics

Spinnerbait Basics


Introduction:

Ever since the inception of this revolutionary and somewhat awkward looking fishing lure its impact has been repeatedly noted. They work! And work well they do. In fact, the spinnerbait is one of the most versatile lures period and has been credited with the ability to catch several species of fish in both fresh and salt water. Bass, pike, pickerel, perch, crappie, muskellunge, fluke, mackerel, bonito, striped bass and bluefish are among the many. Point in fact - the spinnerbait is the number one money-winning lure in bass fishing history, just ask Kevin VanDam  (aka Kevin Van Damage). Kevin VanDam is a master at using the SpinnerBait and has won many of his tournaments using the SpinnerBait.

Types of Spinnerbaits:

The most popular styles of spinnerbaits can be narrowed down to four types:

· R-bend safety pin
· Twist bend safety pin
· Short arm safety pin
· In-line spinner

For the purpose of being thorough and keeping it simple we will refer to the most common spinnerbait in production and use, the R-bend safety pin style which you would find in the production of LIV-O-LURE, Strike King,Stanley and several other spinnerbait manufacturers.

One of the reasons that the r- bend is so popular is it offers a great amount of vibration potential and tune-ability. Two aspects of spinnerbait properties which we will be examining in greater detail.

Balancing Tackle for Spinnerbait Fishing:

Spinnerbaits can be fished on both spinning and baitcasting tackle. Although the preferred tackle would be baitcasting due to its greater ability towards casting control and accuracy, a critical point in successful spinnerbait fishing. Bait casting tackle will also allow you the ability to fish a wide range of different weights from a ¼ ounce to whopping 1 ½ ounce spinnerbait. Where as with spinning tackle you begin to lose your ability to control and finesse cast with lures above ½ ounce.

This having been said, the ideal for both types of reels should look something like this:



· Spinning Tackle:

A medium spinning reel filled with a good quality monofilament ranging between 8-12 lb.Test mounted on a 6 to 6 ½ ft. graphite medium action spinning rod. This type of outfit should be ideal for fishing anywhere from the smaller ¼ ounce models to the larger ½ ounce models.

· Baitcasting Tackle:

A good quality baitcasting reel with a reliable drag system and a capacity for 100 to 120 yards of 12 to 17 lb test monofilamentand featuring either a magnetic cast control or centrifugal braking system. Mounted on a 6 to 6 ½ ft. graphite medium-to-medium heavy action baitcasting rod with a fairly flexible tip. This outfit should be able to easily handle spinnerbaits ranging from ¼ to ¾ ounce with no problems.

Terminal Tackle:

When fishing spinnerbaits no terminal tackle is needed. Always tie directly to the lure using either an improved clinch knot or overhand palomar knot.

Where To Fish Spinnerbaits:

Spinnerbaits are in my opinion one of the most proficient lures period when applied to different types of structure, water clarity and depth with the appropriate tactic.

One of the more common applications for spinnerbaits is fishing shallow visible cover. This is due largely in part to the spinnerbaits weedless properties. It is in this application where most fisherman find the spinnerbaits hard to beat for covering a variety of structure, cover and depths thoroughly in a short amount of time. Spinnerbaits can be fished in and around stumps, different types of vegetation, rocks, blow downs, and brush piles with great success. Spinnerbaits are also deadly in open water when fished properly. We will explore this technique in one of several advanced spinner bait tactics, which will soon follow this article.

How To Fish Spinnerbaits:

Spinnerbaits in comparison to other lures are fairly easy to get started with. However, like with any lure or tactic, practice experimentation and patience are all necessary to become proficient in spinnerbait fishing.

Speaking in general terms, you should sight your target and cast several feet beyond it then begin your retrieve working your lure back towards your target and making contact with it whenever possible during the retrieve. The main thing to remember is to be creative and experiment with different retrieval methods such as stop and go or cast the bait into weed pockets and let it flutter down before retrieving it.

However you decide to fish them, with a little practice they will continue to provide angling excitement and fish catching ability on all of your fishing endeavors using Spinnerbait Basics.

Until next time, good luck and good fishing!

Respectfully,
LIV-O-LURE


Phil Livo
Research & Development Specialist