The Basics of Spinnerbait Fishing

Spinnerbaits are one of the most versatile and effective lures in the bass angler’s arsenal. Combining flash, vibration, and a profile that imitates baitfish or crawfish, spinnerbaits excel in a wide variety of situations—from murky backwaters to shallow flats. This article covers the essentials: blade types (Colorado, Willow, Indiana), how blade configurations affect action, single-blade vs. double-blade designs, recommended baitcasting setup, optimal techniques for each spinnerbait style, and a handy chart of popular spinnerbait models.

1. Understanding Spinnerbait Blade Types

Colorado Blades

• Shape & Profile: Rounded, teardrop-shaped.
• Vibration: Generates a strong, low-frequency thump that fish detect through their lateral line.
• Flash: Moderate; the rounded design reflects light in all directions.
• Best Use: Muddy water, deep water, cold conditions, night fishing — where vibration is more important than flash.

Willow Blades

• Shape & Profile: Long, narrow, leaf-shaped.
• Vibration: Subtle, high-frequency pulse that is less thumpy.
• Flash: Excellent; the slender profile produces bright, darting flashes.
• Best Use: Clear water, bright conditions, open flats — when flash is the primary attractor.

Indiana Blades

• Shape & Profile: Intermediate between Colorado and Willow, slightly elongated teardrop.
• Vibration: Balanced—stronger than a Willow but lighter than a Colorado.
• Flash: Good; broader flash than Colorado, less than Willow.
• Best Use: All-purpose blade for mixed conditions; a true “jack of all trades.”

2. Recommended Baitcasting Setup

A properly tuned baitcasting rig maximizes cast distance, control, and hook-setting power:

• Rod: 6'10" to 7’3” medium-heavy fast-action baitcasting rod

• Reel: Low-profile baitcasting reel with a 6.4:1 to 7.1:1 gear ratio

• Line: 12–17 lb fluorocarbon

3. Four General Spinnerbait Techniques

1. Slow-Roll Along the Bottom

   • How: Reel slowly enough that the bait just clears the bottom, keeping constant blade rotation.
   • Why: Maximizes vibration and contact with structure (logs, rocks), drawing reaction strikes from lethargic fish or those hugging cover.

2. Burn-and-Pause

   • How: Retrieve at a brisk pace (“burn”) then stop sharply, allowing the bait to flutter downward.
   • Why: The sudden change in speed mimics a fleeing baitfish stopping or injured, often triggering aggressive reaction strikes.

3. Yo-Yo (Hopping) Retrieve

   • How: Lift the rod tip to lift the spinnerbait off the bottom, then reel up slack as it falls back down.
   • Why: Creates a hopping action that imitates a crawfish or fleeing baitfish, especially effective in stained water or around key transition zones.

4. Burn Across Flats

   • How: Cast across shallow flats or points and reel quickly in a straight line.
   • Why: Covers water fast to locate active fish; high-speed flash from Willow or Indiana blades entices chasing predators in clear, open water.

4. Popular Spinnerbait Models Chart

5. Putting It All Together

Spinnerbaits shine because of their adaptability. Match the blade type and configuration to water clarity, depth, and fish mood:

1. Dirty, deep water → Colorado blades, double-blade setups, slow-roll retrieves.
2. Clear, shallow flats → Single Willow, high-speed burns with a subtle pause.
3. Mixed structure → Indiana blades for balanced flash/vibration, hopping retrieves.