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!

 

 

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

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. 

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 . 

Spinnerbait, spring, wood, yes please.

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 .

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!

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).

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.

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.

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 . 

6 hours ago, michaelb said:

spring lure

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

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. 

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

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...