Spinnerbait
A wire-arm lure with one or two rotating blades and a skirted jig head. The blades produce flash and vibration that triggers reaction strikes from bass that may not be actively feeding. Exceptional in low-visibility water, around grass edges, over submerged structure, and during cloudy or windy conditions.
Setup & Gear
| Rod | 7'–7'3" medium-heavy casting rod, moderate-fast action |
| Reel | 6.4:1–7.1:1 baitcaster |
| Line | 15–17 lb fluorocarbon or 30 lb braid |
| Weight | 3/8–3/4 oz (lighter in shallow, heavier for deeper retrieves) |
Best Conditions
Stained to muddy water, wind, overcast skies, grass edges, spring pre-spawn, post-cold-front recovery, shallow flats
Seasonal Tactics
Best season for spinnerbaits. Slow-roll a 1/2 oz through shallow grass and over submerged timber in pre-spawn.
Slow-roll deep along grass edges and main lake points at first light. Night fishing with black spinnerbait is excellent.
Match shad patterns — white/chartreuse with willow blades. Cover water fast along shoreline transitions.
Slow-roll a heavy (3/4 oz) spinnerbait along steep banks and points at the slowest possible retrieve.
Trailer hook is not optional in open water — bass swipe at spinnerbaits and miss the main hook constantly. Add a #4 trailer hook always.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rod and reel do I need for Spinnerbait?
7'–7'3" medium-heavy casting rod, moderate-fast action. Pair it with a 6.4:1–7.1:1 baitcaster, spooled with 15–17 lb fluorocarbon or 30 lb braid. Use 3/8–3/4 oz (lighter in shallow, heavier for deeper retrieves).
What conditions are best for Spinnerbait?
Stained to muddy water, wind, overcast skies, grass edges, spring pre-spawn, post-cold-front recovery, shallow flats
When is the best season to fish the Spinnerbait?
Spring: Best season for spinnerbaits. Slow-roll a 1/2 oz through shallow grass and over submerged timber in pre-spawn. Fall: Match shad patterns — white/chartreuse with willow blades. Cover water fast along shoreline transitions.
What is the biggest mistake anglers make with the Spinnerbait?
Trailer hook is not optional in open water — bass swipe at spinnerbaits and miss the main hook constantly. Add a #4 trailer hook always.
More Techniques
Want to know when to throw this?
Ask Hank about your specific lake, water temp, and conditions — he'll tell you exactly what to tie on.
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