I was kinda bored this weekend so I decided to mark the weights of my new spring spinnerbaits on the blades. Just for grins I got out my digital scale that I use for measuring powder charges for rifle bullets I reload. The scale is very accurate but reads out in grains. 1 ounce = 437.5 grains. I weighed the folowing right out of the manufacturers packaging.

3/16 Booyah 140 gr (approx. 5/16 oz)

1/8 Strike King Mini King 104 gr. (approx. 1/4 oz.)

1/8 Stanley Small Fry 161gr (almost 3/8 oz.)

I did a couple of jigs as well

1/2 oz Outkast R.T 287gr. (over 5/8 oz.)

1/4 oz. Outkast Pro Staff 201 gr. (over 7/16 oz.)

I had no idea there was that much variations. What are they weighing?

I did the same thing last year and got the same results you did. The best answer I can think of is the weight is just based on the weight of the head of the spinner before all the blades, beads , and swivals are added.

The weight of most artificial baits are based on their weight before adding hooks, split rings, swivels, skirts ect.  

Interesting - So when a rod is rated for, say, 1/8 - 5/8 oz baits, what are they assuming? If I want a balanced rig it seems I need to pay attention to the actual weight of the terminal tackle.

It would seem that way but that's not the way it is. Every thing is based on the original weight of the bait before all the extra's are added. Keep it simple , don't over think it.

Keep it simple , don't over think it.