Never used trailers much on my spinnerbaits. Just hasn't been something I've done when chasing smallies. Mainly directed towards you river guys, do u add a trailer and if so, are there specific conditions you do it in. Whats your go to. I wouldnt throw a jig without one, but very rarely put one on my spinnerbaits.

We do not have smallmouth bass in Florida.  I never throw a spinnerbait without a trailer or a trailer hook.  If you don't use a trailer hook, you will never know how many fish you are missing.  My goto trailer plastic is a Zoom split tail trailer.  

 

 

^i have been thoroughly out fished by people throwing these trailers on a spinnerbait. 

Spinners are supremely effective alone.  Add anything that has some body  shape of a fish. All the better. Flash vibration shape. Bite time.

 

Why do people eat Pizzas ?  They LOOK GREAT !!

I've fished a split tail trailer like above and a paddle tail trailer. I've caught fish with both kinds of trailers and also with no trailer. Never use a trailer hook.

 

I mostly fish rivers, including yours and feel if they are on a spinner bait bite they are keying in on those blades and that skirt. I think i prefer no trailer or maybe that split tail if anything.

 

Times to add a trailer would be to add more bulk, slow the fall, maybe a paddle tail in muddy water for more thump, maybe that split tail to look like a minnow tail kicking in clearer water.

 

I think the correct weight spinnerbait, blade configuration/size and how you work the bait are more important than a trailer. jmo....

A chartreuse split tail trailer on a white spinnerbait is my #1 smallmouth spinnerbait combo. 

A fish one trailer on my spinnerbait anymore, Strike King Blade Minnow.

19 hours ago, Captain Phil said:

We do not have smallmouth bass in Florida.  I never throw a spinnerbait without a trailer or a trailer hook.  If you don't use a trailer hook, you will never know how many fish you are missing.  My goto trailer plastic is a Zoom split tail trailer.  

 

 

When I use one, this is my choice also. I do use a salty tube bait when throwing into fish feeding on schools of shad. I let the spinnerbait drop through the bait ball.

A small swimbait Like an Easy shiner is decent 

and a Blade Minnow works for higher speed applications

My PB Brown Bass ate this one . . .

A-Jay

My standard spinnerbait trailer is a 3 inch curly tail grub.

My old standby trailer is a Pit Boss - whether jig, chatterbait or spinnerbait.

I will give you my results. A single Eagle Claw Snelled spinner about 3 feet above the weight. about 2 ' above the weight is a bait holding hook with a strip of fresh perch about 1" X 6" .

 

If they are around ?  Catch & release time.