Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine

The versatile spinnerbait family

By Jack Kiser

Early season, mid-summer, late-season, cloudy day, sunny day, river, lake or pond, there is one lure type that in some form or configuration will catch some specie of sport fish under any of these conditions. If you had to concentrate on one specific type of artificial lure to become especially proficient with, you surely could do a lot worse than familiarizing yourself with the ins and outs of the spinnerbaits world. Here is a handy overview of the more popular and widely used spinner models and their most appropriate applications.

IN-LINES
(Panther Martin, Mepps, Shyster, Roostertail):
These versions are the most varied in size of all the different spinnerbait types, running from 1/32oz. panfish and stream trout sizes up to 1-3oz. freshwater monsters aimed primarily at those toothy creatures atop the food chain, namely northern pike and muskie. No matter what the size, these baits share in common the need for a ball-bearing swivel at the end of the line to attach them to. This critical addition potentially provides three major pluses to the angler: 1) severely reduces the potential line twist that these baits tend to produce; 2) adds that little bit of extra weight that helps facilitate longer casts with the tinier models, and 3) greatly enables enhanced blade rotation, especially critical at slower speeds.

WEIGHT-FORWARDS
(Erie Dearie, Pa’s, Golden Nugget): Once the go-to bait for Lake Erie walleye anglers, these baits that feature “jigheads” of various weight lead bases from 1/8 oz. to 2oz. are essentially live bait delivery systems, their single large hooks regularly garnished with nightcrawlers. Although these lures will occasionally call up other species, they are unique as spinnerbait variations in that they are aimed at one specie and are best used in a vertical jig & retrieve manner, unlike all other spinners.

BUZZBAITS
(Lunker Lure, Obie’s, Triple Wing):
The only spinnerbait type that is specifically designed to be fished topwater. Sizes vary from 1/16oz. up to 1 and 2 oz. versions. Especially applicable in lowlight conditions and/or when baitfish are visably active on or near the surface. Buzzbaits’ major plus is its’ inherent ability to cover water while gauging fish activity levels. Color and blade sizes vary, black a viable nighttime option. Tie on directly and work weedline edges and shoreline cover thoroughly and hang on.

VEE-ARM SPINNERBAITS (Booyah, Terminator, Lazer Eye):
When most anglers think of bass spinnerbaits, this popular style is what they envision. Among the many variations are double blades (best for shallow-water fishing), single blades (best for deep-water), and even some new models with even more blades. Blade options include Colorado (rounder), Indiana (teardrop), and willow (larger profile), and are often mixed. Again, always to be attached directly, as use of an additional swivel causes the blades to work against themselves, severely limiting any potential success. Additions of “extras” like trailer hooks, plastic trailers, different colors, etc. are worth experimenting with.
Not only are spinnerbaits outstanding for covering water, they are often a tournament angler’s first option to increase his overall weight after getting a limit with other methods, such is the spinnerbait’s long-time reputation as a “big fish bait”.