In this article, not only will we look at how to rig a spinnerbait we will also look at other tips and techniques for how to use them for Bass. We shall take a look at things such as, how to fish with a spinnerbait, what colors to use, and what other fish can we expect to catch, among other handy tips and information.
Let’s start by looking at how to rig a spinnerbait. This is pretty much a straightforward affair. Instead of boring you with lots of text on how to tie a knot, here’s a short video on the actual knot I always use. This is a super strong knot that doesn’t disappoint. Take a look at the video then read on for more tips and techniques on using your bait.
How To Fish With A Spinnerbait
Well there you go, that is how simple it is to know how to rig a spinnerbait. There are lots of variations that you may learn over time, but this personally is my favored way. Quick, simple, and easy to do.
You now have your spinnerbait rigged up and ready to go. Now let’s go into how to fish with your bait. We will cover subjects such as colors of the bait, what other fish apart from bass you will catch on a spinnerbait, and sizes of the bait.
What Can I Catch On A Spinnerbait?
If the water you are fishing has got predators in it, then there is a chance of catching them on a spinnerbait.
Bass are probably the most popular fish to target on them, but several other species are quite partial to this type of bait as well.
These include fish such as pike, walleye, muskie, salmon, and perch. All of these fish may strike at your spinnerbait whilst out Bass fishing. All of which can provide great sport on the right tackle.
You will notice the bait in the image opposite is equipped with not one but two blades attached to it.
This is to cause more interference in the water and double the number of flashes the blades cause while being retrieved. Two blades are not uncommon for anglers to use on days when the fish are playing hard to get.
What Types Of Blades Are On A Spinnerbait?
The Willow Leaf Blade
The willow leaf blade is certainly a popular style of blade among bass anglers. The leaf-like pattern is long and slender and has a fast spin to it.
These are designed for a fast retrieve and come in sizes starting at 00 and going up to a size 8 which is the biggest available.
The Colorado Blade
The Colorado blades are shorter in design than the Willow blades and are noticeably wider as well.
They have a spoon-like shape to them that causes them to make more commotion under the water to attract fish such as Bass.
The Indiana Blade
Indiana blades are similar in shape to the Colorado blade and are a cross between them and the willow leaf blades.
The Colorado has the slowest spin, then the Indiana, then the quickest being the Willow leaf.
The Oklahoma Blade
Again the Oklahoma blade is similar in shape to the Colorado but is generally a bit more streamlined and a tad longer than its cousin.
Due to this design, they spin a bit faster than the Colorado, but a bit slower than the Indiana blades.
What Color Spinnerbaits Are Best For Catching Bass?
I find in general all colors can and will catch bass at some stage. I think the main attractant for me is the blade. The commotion caused in the water just seems to bring them in. Saying that in some situations the Bass will be attracted by sight.
In murky waters or cloudy dull days, some anglers assume real bright colors are the way forward. These can and will work but actually the darker the color such as black, purple or dark blues will stand out better.
The reason is, that the silhouette of the darker colors tends to stand out more against the dull background. A lot of people find this hard to believe. Try it for yourself, you may be pleasantly surprised.
On bright sunny days or in crystal clear waters try a white spinnerbait or a good bright color such as yellow. Sometimes in clear water, especially in the warmer months try a slightly faster retrieve. The idea of a bait is to target the bass’ predatory instinct and strike at the bait. If it is retrieved quite slow and the fish can clearly inspect it first, it may be put off.
What Is The Best Size Spinnerbait For Bass?
I generally find that when people target bass with spinnerbaits they favor 3 main sizes. These are 1/2 oz, 3/8 oz, and 1/4 oz. These sizes of bait will cater to most fishing venues and conditions whilst targeting bass. When the fish are being a bit shy and wary try fishing with the smaller sizes to entice them to take it.
Sometimes they prove for a better hook-up rate.
The warmer months are also pretty good for the smaller size weights. You generally want to be fishing high in the water. The smaller weights will sink a lot slower and aid in keeping your bait near the surface.
The 1/2 oz bait comes into its own when you need to fish at distance. For obvious reasons, it is easier to cast a heavier weight rather than one of the lighter ones. A heavier one is also good to use when the bass are lower in the water. The weight of the bait will get you lower in the water quickly to where the fish are sitting up.
The Best Time Of Day For Catching Bass
Bass are predatory fish that like to hunt. For this reason, they prefer dusk and dawn in lower light conditions. Bright sunny days are never a good time for targeting predators.
Although there will always be a few lurking around, this is only a general rule. And in the winter months the cold temperatures will slow the fish’s metabolism down, so when the sun comes out in the daytime they are more likely to wake up a bit.
How Do I Retrieve A Spinnerbait?
Like with all lures for catching predators, the retrieve is vital. As a general rule in the warmer months, the bass will be higher up in the water and in the shallower waters where it will be somewhat warmer. When the conditions are like this the metabolism speeds up and they are full of energy.
So a quick retrieve could be the way to go. The quicker you retrieve the spinnerbait the less likely it is to sink.
On the other hand in the cooler months try slowing the retrieve down as much as you can being sure to maintain the spinner blade still spins. Don’t hold back on trying different styles of retrieves to catch the fish’s attention.
A few pauses, jerks, and tweaks in the retrieve could be the difference between a good day and a bad day.
To Conclude
Fishing for fish such as bass can be hugely rewarding using spinnerbaits. Once you have learned how to rig a spinner bait get out on the water and get casting that bait. Because of all the weights, colors, and styles available you will never get bored swapping and changing them about until you find what works on the day.
On most days, on most venues in most conditions, you can usually find a bait that will work for you. Good luck and tight lines.
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