Deprecated: mb_convert_encoding(): Handling HTML entities via mbstring is deprecated; use htmlspecialchars, htmlentities, or mb_encode_numericentity/mb_decode_numericentity instead in /home/y059riaj/domains/lureschool.com/public_html/wp-content/themes/acabado-1/functions.php on line 2160
Spinnerbaits are perhaps the most versatile lures an angler can have in their tackle box. These baitfish-imitating lures can be used to target a wide variety of fish species, making them a great choice for anglers who want to increase their chances of success on the water. But what kinds of fish do spinners actually catch?
Spinnerbaits are primarily used to catch large, predatory freshwater fish, though they can also be used to target salt water species in some cases. The most common fish that are caught with spinners include bass, trout, walleye, pike, bream, and golden perch. However, anglers have also had success using spinners to catch salmon, flounder, coral trout, and even mulloway.
When used properly, a spinnerbait can make a world of difference in the quality of your fishing experience. And let’s face it, everyone likes to show off a big fish every now and then. So, if interested in learning how to catch more fish with spinners, keep reading. We’ll also recommend some of our favorite spinners on the market! Let’s go!
What Spinners To Use for Different Kinds of Fish?
You might be thinking “Great, now I know what kind of fish spinners catch. Let me go ahead and throw my spinnerbait into the water and start reeling them in!”. But wait! Just like with any other type of fishing lure, using the right spinnerbait for the job is crucial if you want to be successful.
We’ve compiled a handy little table to help you choose the best spinner for your next fishing adventure, based on the fish species you’re targeting. Check it out below:
Freshwater
| Type of Fish | Spinners to use |
|---|---|
| Bass | Single Colorado Blade. |
| Trout | Silver Spinner Blade, Fly/Blade Combo. |
| Walleye | Any small-medium spinners with colorful string beads attached. |
| Pike | Classic In-Line Spinners, dressed with a skirt and tail. |
| Bream | Soft plastic or rubber skirt Spinners in size 1/8th or 1/16th. |
| Golden Perch | 1/2 or 3/8 ounce Spinners with small metal blades. |
Saltwater
| Type of Fish | Spinners to use |
|---|---|
| Salmon | In-Line Spinners. |
| Flounder | Any slow rolling Spinners, designed for salt-water use. |
| Coral Trout | Slow rolling Spinners with light, bright colored Barramundi-style lures. |
| Mulloway | Any salt-water use Spinners with bibbed soft-plastic/hard body lures. |
How To Use A Spinner To Catch Fish
Now that we know a little bit more about spinners and what they’re used for, it’s time to learn how to use them. After all, there’s no use in having a spinner if you don’t know how to properly use it to catch fish.
Follow these steps to become a spinnerbait master:
1. Select the Right Spinner
As we mentioned before, there are many different types of spinners available on the market. And each type of spinner is better suited for certain types of fish and fishing conditions. So, the first step in using a spinner is to select the right one for the job at hand.
Here are our recommendations:
- For murky, dark water: Colorado spinners.
- Near thick vegetation: Willow-leaf spinners.
- Near the surface of the water: Tandem spinners.
2. Setup a Light-Weight Line
The next step is to set up a light-weight line. We recommend using a 4-12 pound test line for most spinner fishing applications. This will help you throw your lure farther and will also make it easier to detect bites.
Note: Depending on the type of fish you’re targeting, you may need to use different lines. For small freshwater fish, go with 4 lbs. test lines. If you’re looking to snag some bass, go with 6-8 lbs. For saltwater fish, you can use test lines weighing anywhere between 12 lbs. to 20 lbs.
3. Attach the Lure
Once you have your line setup, it’s time to attach the lure. This is a pretty straightforward process and can be done by simply following the instructions on the package. However, we’ll give you a quick overview here.
To attach the lure, first thread the line through the eye of the spinner. Then, tie a knot at the end of the line to secure it in place. Next, tie on a swivel to help prevent the line from getting twisted. Finally, add a leader to the other end of the swivel and attach your chosen lure.
4. Cast the Bait
You now have everything you need to cast your bait. Don’t forget to cast at least 25-30 feet away from the shoreline to give yourself enough room to work with.
To cast, simply hold the rod in your dominant hand and use your other hand to release the line. As the lure enters the water, it should start spinning automatically. If it doesn’t, you can give it a little tug to get things started.
Note: Try to keep the lure as close to the surface of the water as possible. This is where there is most chance for sunlight to reflect off the spinning blade and attract fish.
5. Retrieve the Bait
Now, it’s time to start retrieving the bait. The speed at which you do this will depend on the type of spinner you’re using as well as the current conditions. In general, though, you’ll want to use a slow and steady retrieve.
As you’re retrieving the bait, pay attention to the way it’s moving through the water. You want the blade to spin as fast as possible while still maintaining a consistent motion. If the blade starts slowing down or if the bait begins to veer off course, simply give it a little tug.
6. Set the Hook
Once you feel a bite, it’s time to set the hook. To do this, simply reel in the slack and then jerk the rod upwards with a quick, sharp motion. This will help ensure that the fish’s mouth is securely attached to the lure.
Now, all you have to do is reel in your catch! And there you have it – shoals of fish, biting at your lure and ending up on your dinner table (or maybe just back in the water, if you’re feeling nice!). All thanks to the humble spinner!
Top 3 Spinnerbaits On The Market Today
By now you know what spinnerbaits are, how to use them, and even what kinds of fish they’re best for. But what about the actual spinners themselves? What are the best ones on the market today?
Here, we’ll take a look at three of our favorite spinners:
1) Strike King Rocket Shad
A single word to describe this particular spinner – speed. The Strike King Rocket Shad is designed to move through the water as quickly as possible, making it ideal for targeting fish that are actively feeding. You can cast it farther than most other spinners, with an even faster retrievable rate.
The reason it’s called the King Rocket Shad is because it mimics its namesake bait – the shad – perfectly. It’s got a unique shape and coloration that’s sure to attract attention, even in the murkiest of waters.
Link – https://www.amazon.com/Strike-King-Rocket-Shad-Spinnerbait/dp/B00019N5RK.
2) Booyah Pond Magic
Booyah is a renowned name in the world of fishing, and their Pond Magic spinner is one of their best products. The cherry on the cake? It’s super budget-friendly when compared to the level of quality it offers.
The Pond Magic is designed for use in smaller ponds and lakes – hence the name. It’s a great choice if you’re just starting out with spinners, as it’s not too big or too small. It also comes in a wide range of colors, so you can experiment until you find the perfect one for your needs
Link – https://www.amazon.com/BOOYAH-Magic-Small-Water-Spinner-Bait-Fishing/dp/B003CTL5HI.
3) Nichols Lures Pulsator
While most spinners emphasize flashy lights and colors, the Nichols Lures Pulsator focuses on another thing that fish love – vibration. This spinner features a unique, patented blade design that maximizes the amount of vibration and sound it produces.
You can take this spinner out to the murkiest of waters and still have confidence that fish will be able to find it. Although it’s a little more expensive than some of the other spinners on the market, we think it’s definitely worth the investment.
Link – https://www.amazon.com/Nichols-Lures-Pulsator-Double-Spinnerbait/dp/B00MK0F0JE.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about spinnerbaits.
Q.1. What is the best time of day to use a spinner?
A. The best time of day to use a spinner is when it’s cloudy, windy, or during low-light conditions. The spinners rely on flash and vibration to attract fish, so they’re not as effective when visibility is high. We recommend early mornings and late evenings, or on days when the weather is less than ideal.
Q.2. Can I catch bass with a spinnerbait?
A. Yes, spinners are an excellent choice for bass fishing. The flash and vibration of the blades mimic the movements of small baitfish, making them irresistible to bass. We recommend using a heavier spinnerbait if you’re targeting largemouth bass, as they’re typically bigger fish.
Q.3. How deep should I use my spinner to fish?
A. Most expert anglers recommend fishing spinners at depths of between 1 and 20 feet. The blades of the spinnerbait create a lot of water resistance, so they’re not as effective at fishing deeper waters. If you’re targeting fish that are feeding near the surface, then a shallower depth is better.
Final Thoughts
We hope that this article has helped you to understand everything you need to know about spinners. Whether you’re trying to catch a trophy bass or just wanting to fill the freezer with some delicious trout fillets, a spinnerbait should be one of the first lures you tie on. We’re sure you’ll thank us later. Tight lines!