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The Basics of Fishing Inline Spinners: A Complete Guide

Inline spinners are among the most classic and versatile artificial lures ever invented, capable of catching everything from tiny panfish to trophy trout, bass, and even northern pike. Known for their unique spinning blade and wire construction, these lures are easy to use and produce irresistible flash and vibration that attract predatory fish in almost any environment.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this guide covers the essentials of fishing inline spinners: the types available, when and how to use them, the best rod/reel/line setups, and a breakdown of popular brands and models.

What Is an Inline Spinner?

An inline spinner is a lure built around a straight wire shaft, with a spinning blade that rotates around the shaft when retrieved. A weighted body is attached to the shaft, usually ahead of or behind the blade, and a treble or single hook is fixed at the tail. When retrieved, the blade spins, flashing light and producing vibrations that mimic fleeing baitfish or insects—making it a deadly presentation for a huge range of species.

Inline spinners excel in moving water (streams, rivers), but they're equally effective in lakes, ponds, and even shallow saltwater. Their simplicity and proven effectiveness make them a staple for anglers worldwide.

Why Inline Spinners Catch Fish

Inline spinners trigger strikes through three main attractors:

• Flash: The spinning blade throws off bright flashes that mimic the glint of small fish scales.
• Vibration: The spinning motion sends out vibrations felt by fish through their lateral line, especially effective in stained water or low light.
• Profile: The compact, often brightly colored body and pulsing hackle/feathers can imitate insects, minnows, or even young-of-year gamefish.

When and Where to Use Inline Spinners

Best Times

• Spring: Early spring is classic spinner time, as fish are active after winter and looking for easy prey.
• Fall: Cool water temperatures and hungry fish make autumn another prime season.
• Anytime: Spinners can produce year-round, especially in current, shallow lakes, or when fish are targeting baitfish.

Best Conditions

• Moving Water: Rivers and streams, especially in riffles, runs, and eddies.
• Weed Edges and Open Water: In lakes, cast parallel to weedlines or over submerged vegetation.
• Clear to Stained Water: The flash and vibration help fish locate the lure even in less-than-perfect visibility.

Choosing the Right Rod, Reel, and Line for Inline Spinners

Rod Length and Action

• Length: 6’0” to 7’0” is ideal for most spinner fishing. Shorter rods (5’6”–6’0”) are great for tight streams and overgrown banks, while longer rods (7’+) give you extra casting distance in lakes and larger rivers.
• Action: Light to medium-light power with a fast or moderate-fast action is best. The lighter tip helps cast small spinners accurately and absorb strikes from aggressive fish.

Reel Speed and Type

• Spinning Reels are the go-to choice for inline spinner fishing, especially for lighter sizes (#0–#2). They handle light lines and lures with ease.
• Reel Size: A 1000 to 2500 size spinning reel is perfect.
• Gear Ratio: Look for a gear ratio in the 5.1:1 to 6.2:1 range. This gives you a good blend of speed and torque for a steady, controlled retrieve.

Line Choice

• Monofilament (4–8 lb test): The classic choice, especially for trout, panfish, or in streams. Mono floats and provides a little stretch, which helps keep small hooks pinned.
• Fluorocarbon (4–8 lb test): Sinks and is less visible underwater—great in clear water.
• Braided Line (8–15 lb test): Use braid for bigger spinners (#3+) and larger species (bass, pike). Always add a 2–3 ft fluorocarbon or mono leader to prevent line twist and increase stealth.

Techniques for Fishing Inline Spinners

Basic Retrieve

• Steady Retrieve: Cast out, let the spinner sink to the desired depth, and reel in steadily. The blade will spin and vibrate, attracting fish.
• Stop-and-Go: Pause occasionally to let the spinner flutter and sink, then start reeling again. This imitates a wounded baitfish and can trigger strikes.
• Upstream or Across Current: In streams, cast slightly upstream or directly across and retrieve just fast enough to keep the blade spinning. Let the current add action to the lure.

Tips for Success

• Match the Size: Use small spinners (#0–#2) for trout and panfish, and larger sizes (#3–#5) for bass, pike, and big river trout.
• Bright Colors in Stained Water: Silver, chartreuse, or orange blades stand out in murky water, while gold, copper, and more natural patterns excel in clear water.
• Control Your Depth: Let the spinner sink to different levels and vary your retrieve speed to find where fish are holding.

Chart: Common Inline Spinner Brands and Models

Below is a quick-reference chart of popular inline spinner brands, including typical weights and standout features.

Final Thoughts

Inline spinners are legendary for a reason. Their simple design belies their deadly effectiveness on a huge range of fish species. With the right rod, reel, and line, plus some basic techniques, anyone can have success with inline spinners—from wild mountain streams to your local lake. Keep a few in your tackle box, experiment with size and color, and you’ll soon see why these classic lures never go out of style.

Tight lines!