November 17th

Spinner baits have been used by bass anglers since the mid 1940’s. The lure is made from a V-shaped piece of wire with a lead-head hook adored with a plastic skirt on one end and a blade that spins on the other.
Since the lure is practically weed less, it doesn't (usually) hang up when cast around blow downs, tree limbs, submerged logs, lily pads and dense cover. In addition, the blade vibrates and flashes while being retrieved. The bait is so versatile that it can be bumped along the bottom, rolled over logs, swim at any depth or be buzzed on the surface. Spinner baits come in many sizes, colors and blade types and are a popular lure for pan fish and bass. Saltwater fishermen also use them to catch red drum on the coast.


Photo courtesy of Capt. Gus Gustafson
Photo of a spinner bait with a Colorado blade Colorado.

The two most common blades for spinner baits are the willow leaf and the Colorado. The slender willow leaf maximizes flash and minimizes the vibration as it helps to lift the lure. It is deadly in clear water and on sunny days.

The Colorado blade is best used in muddy water or when casting to heavy cover. Its oval shape and cupped design allow it to lift a slow moving lure off bottom, while producing low level vibrations that attract fish.

When pulled (buzzed) quickly across the water’s surface, the spinner bait creates a wake and make lots bubbles and noise while tempting lethargic fish to strike. But, since the lure was originally designed to fish slowly, it can be a challenge to keep it on the surface. So the buzz bait evolved as the top water cousin to the spinner bait. Instead of a willow leaf or Colorado blade, a buzz bait has a propeller-like blade that helps keep it on the surface.


Points to Ponder

* As rule, use large spinner baits when water conditions are muddy, and the shiny smaller versions in clear water.

* Spinner baits can be fished in deep water much the same way as a soft plastic lure is fished when bumped along the bottom.

* To keep a buzz bait from sinking when it hits the water, engage the reel and begin the retrieve as soon as it hits the surface. Once up and moving, it will stay on the surface, even with a slow retrieve.

* Popular skirt colors are white, yellow, chartreuse and blue.

Tips from Capt. Gus! On days when fish are striking short, add a second hook or “stinger” to your spinner or buzz bait. This is done by sliding the eye of the stinger over the eye of the hook that’s attached to the lure. When fishing in cover, the stinger hook should point upward to keep it somewhat weed