How to Use a Spinnerbait the Right Way
When it comes to bass fishing, few lures bring as much flash, vibration, and sheer effectiveness as a spinnerbait. Whether you’re fishing in murky water, covering vast areas quickly, or looking to trigger reaction strikes, a well-rigged and properly retrieved spinnerbait can be the ultimate weapon in your tackle box. But using one effectively requires more than just chucking it into the water and hoping for the best. Let’s break it down—setup, rigging, retrieval techniques, and the best conditions for getting the most out of this lure.
What Is a Spinnerbait and Why Should You Use One?
A spinnerbait is a wire-framed lure with one or more spinning metal blades attached to the top arm and a skirted hook on the bottom. The spinning blades create flash and vibration, mimicking baitfish and triggering predatory instincts in bass. The beauty of a spinnerbait? It’s incredibly versatile. You can fish it in shallow or deep water, around cover, or in open water, and in nearly any weather condition.
Types of Spinnerbaits and Their Applications
Spinnerbaits come in several blade styles, each designed to perform differently based on water conditions, depth, and bass behavior. The blades affect both the flash (light reflection) and vibration of the lure, influencing how easily bass can detect it. Selecting the right blade type is crucial to getting bites, especially in varying water clarity and temperature conditions.
The three primary blade types—Willow, Colorado, and Indiana—each serve a specific purpose. Some anglers swap out blades based on conditions, but understanding the strengths of each will help you make the right choice straight out of the box.
- Willow Leaf Blades – Long, slender, and built for speed, these blades produce a tight vibration and high flash, making them ideal for clear water and fast retrieves. The narrow shape allows the blade to spin rapidly, creating flashes similar to schooling baitfish. Because they generate minimal drag, they are perfect for burning (fast retrieves) in warm water when bass are actively feeding. Willow blades also perform well in vegetation, as they are less likely to get caught in grass compared to broader blade styles.
- Colorado Blades – Rounder and slower-moving, these provide heavy thumping vibrations, perfect for muddy water or night fishing. The wider, rounded shape creates maximum water displacement, making them easy for bass to locate in low-visibility conditions. Colorado blades also excel in cold water, as their slower spin and strong pulsing vibration trigger strikes from sluggish bass that aren’t willing to chase fast-moving bait.
- Indiana Blades – A mix between willow and Colorado, offering a balance of flash and vibration, making them an all-around good choice. Indiana blades spin at a moderate speed and generate a mid-level vibration, making them a solid option for stained water or situations where you want some flash without overpowering finesse. This versatility makes them a great choice for anglers who fish varying water conditions and want a reliable blade that works in both clear and slightly stained environments.
The Right Setup: Rod, Reel, Line, and Knots
Your spinnerbait setup matters. You need a combination of power and finesse to work the lure correctly while maintaining sensitivity to detect strikes.
Rod Selection
- Best Choice: A 6’6″ to 7’2″ medium-heavy, fast-action rod.
- Why? The medium-heavy backbone provides the strength to pull fish out of cover, while the fast action helps with solid hooksets.
Reel Selection
- Best Choice: A baitcasting reel with a 6.3:1 to 7.1:1 gear ratio.
- Why? You need enough speed to control your retrieve while maintaining the power to handle big strikes.
Line Selection
Each line type has its advantages. Here’s a breakdown:
| Line Type | Best Use Case | Recommended Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Monofilament | Great for open water; has stretch for forgiving hooksets. | 12-17 lb test |
| Fluorocarbon | Low visibility, best for clear water situations. | 15-20 lb test |
| Braided Line | Best for heavy cover and stained/muddy water. | 30-50 lb test |
Knots to Use
- Palomar Knot – Best for braid and fluoro, offering maximum strength. Learn how to tie a palomar knot.
- Improved Clinch Knot – Works well with mono for a secure hold.
- San Diego Jam Knot – Ideal for all line types, strong and reliable.
When to Use a Spinnerbait (Conditions Matter)
The best results with a spinnerbait come when you match its use with the right conditions. Here’s a breakdown of key factors to consider:
Water Temperature & Seasonal Use
- Cold Water (Below 50°F): Slow-roll a Colorado blade spinnerbait along the bottom to mimic sluggish baitfish.
- Mild Water (50-70°F): A steady retrieve works well, using Indiana or willow blades for a balanced approach.
- Warm Water (70°F+): Speed up the retrieve and burn a willow blade spinnerbait for reaction strikes.
Water Clarity
- Clear Water: Use natural-colored skirts (white, shad, or translucent) with willow blades to maximize flash.
- Muddy/ Stained Water: Opt for bright colors (chartreuse, orange) and Colorado blades for vibration.
Weather Conditions
- Sunny Days: Faster retrieves with willow blades work best since bass rely more on sight.
- Cloudy/ Overcast Days: Slow down with Colorado blades to help bass locate the bait through vibration.
- Windy Conditions: Spinnerbaits shine in the wind. Work them along wind-blown points and shorelines where baitfish get pushed.
How to Cast and Retrieve a Spinnerbait
Casting Techniques
- Short Distance (Precision Around Cover): Use an underhand roll cast to softly land the lure near logs, docks, or vegetation.
- Long Distance (Covering Open Water): A sidearm cast helps keep the lure low, reducing splash and increasing accuracy.
Retrieval Methods
- Steady Retrieve: The go-to method—cast, let the bait sink slightly, and reel it in at a moderate speed. Works in most conditions.
- Slow Rolling: Dragging the spinnerbait slowly along the bottom, ideal for colder water when bass are less aggressive.
- Burning: Fast retrieval to trigger reaction strikes, best for warm water and active bass.
- Yo-Yoing: Letting the bait drop, then popping it up and letting it fall again, imitating an injured baitfish. Effective in deeper water.
Spinnerbait Fishing in Different Depths
- Shallow Water (0-5 ft): Use a lighter spinnerbait (1/4 oz to 3/8 oz) and keep it high in the water column.
- Mid-Depth (5-12 ft): A 1/2 oz spinnerbait with a steady retrieve keeps it in the strike zone.
- Deep Water (12+ ft): Opt for a 3/4 oz to 1 oz spinnerbait and slow-roll it near the bottom.
Final Thoughts
Spinnerbaits are some of the most effective and versatile lures in bass fishing, but using them the right way takes a little know-how. With the right rod, reel, and line setup, combined with the proper retrieval techniques, you can maximize their effectiveness. Whether you’re burning a willow blade bait in warm water or slow-rolling a Colorado blade in the cold, understanding how to match your approach to the conditions will put more fish in the boat. So tie one on and get casting—big bass are waiting.
