20 hours ago, The Bassman said:

Funny they don't get the press they used to.  Are chatterbaits that much better?

NO!!!

Chatterbaits are just another tool in the box.

 

I made the mistake of moving away from spinnerbaits in favor of swim jigs and chatterbaits the last 4-5 years, thinking those 2 baits would replace the spinnerbait for me....WRONG! After a few times of getting my rear end handed to me in tournaments that had strong spinnerbait bites, I realized the error of my ways, and spinnerbaits are back to being a big part of my arsenal once again.

I have been to several seminars where Hank Parker, Jimmy Huston, KVD and Rick Clunn were guest speakers. Rick Clunn always talks about spinnerbaits, the others are pushing their latest sponsors tackle and may or may not include spinnerbaits. I don't believe Clunn has a canned presentation they are all different and when he is at the podium speaking the other pro's are there listening instead of standing in the back visiting.

The last time Clunn was speaking he discussed blades and how he selects them for specific conditions and baitfish. We think of a willow blade for example only by size and color, Clunn selects willow blades based on how fast they spin, how much water they push, how they lift, how they match the baitfish, flash, hammered vs polished, cup, wedge shapes etc, etc. He spent 30 minutes non stop on just willow blades. Details matter.

Tom

Wow.  I don't know which professionals used spinnerbaits, but it looks like I am in good company. 

 

My 2 biggest bass were on spinnerbaits.  Whenever I am practicing or trying out new gear, a spinnerbait is on the end of the line at least 95% of the time.  I hate losing lures practicing, and it is almost impossible to hang one up.

My first truly amazing day of fishing was thanks to a 3/16oz Strike King Lil Mr Money spinnerbait. Caught my PB LMB of 7lbs on that thing, as well as 40 or so other LMB, good ones and dinks alike. That was nearly 7 years ago. And that's a 7lb North Central Illinois LMB too. Absolutely amazing. That really turned me on to spinnerbaits, and that season that's mostly what I did. For some odd reason, since that day and since that season, the spinnerbait bite has been few and far between for me. 

1 hour ago, Catt said:

I hate to take over @Wurming67 thread but I need to add

You thread hijacker you....LOL

 

Good point none the less

2 hours ago, Catt said:

I hate to take over @Wurming67 thread but I need to add!

 

If I'm throwing a short arm spinnerbait it's at night & around wood. 

 

When I say "slow rolled", I mean it's on the bottom, reeled just fast enough to keep it upright.

 

I do not use a trailer or a stinger hook, I prefer a old school flat rubber skirts, & a #5 Colorado blade.

 

I purposely ricochet it off stumps, crawled up & over logs, & weaved through brush.

 

Yes some of those scratches & missing paint are due to this but the majority aint!

No prob bud!Thanks for sharing!

Catt I fish it in the day time also. Get up in a stand of Cypress trees & bring it thru the Cypress Knee's you had better be paying attention because you might get your arm broke, the shade helps out. Carl showed me that little goodie.

4 hours ago, ww2farmer said:

NO!!!

Chatterbaits are just another tool in the box.

 

I made the mistake of moving away from spinnerbaits in favor of swim jigs and chatterbaits the last 4-5 years, thinking those 2 baits would replace the spinnerbait for me....WRONG! After a few times of getting my rear end handed to me in tournaments that had strong spinnerbait bites, I realized the error of my ways, and spinnerbaits are back to being a big part of my arsenal once again.

Chatterbaits are better for me but it's anecdotal and really a personal thing 

On ‎12‎/‎23‎/‎2018 at 6:23 AM, Catt said:

Lonnie Stanley ?

His spinnerbaits was what I fished 50% of my time when living in Florida many years ago. Lots of bass, jack and BIG mudfish on 'em?

Spinnerbaits are the most versatile lure in your box. You can modify the same lure to do whatever you need. Understanding how different blades produce certain flash, water displacement, vibration, lift/sink, spin speed, etc if a daunting task but is certainly fruitful. Small changes to match your conditions can be the difference in catching a 3 and 20. There’s a reason some of the most successful fishermen are also the best spinnerbait fisherman. They catch fish all 4 seasons, day, night, clear water, and murky water coast to coast. 

I'm glad I saw Rickey Green mentioned! I went to a seminar of his in Little Rock back in 1981. It was informative and he stayed around afterwards and shot the bull with everyone. He was a great guy and sat there for two hours answering questions and telling stories well after the seminar was over.

Jimmy Houston, KVD, and Hank Parker.  KVD's video on spinnerbaits pretty good too.

Can you be a competent & versatile bass angler without being comfortable with spinnerbaits?  

 

How often I throw a spinnerbait has gone up and down over the years, but I simply can't ignore that  (1) about half of my "high-numbers-caught" days were due to a spinnerbait bite, and (2) my current PB is a spinnerbait bass.

Lures go hot and cold for me . Last year   spinnerbaits were hot spring through fall .

I'll always have some spinnerbaits in my box. Like all baits, they have their time and place. When their on- their on! Single or double blade, different colors, they all can be excellent.

9 hours ago, MIbassyaker said:

Can you be a competent & versatile bass angler without being comfortable with spinnerbaits? 

No.