Spinnerbaits can be confusing. So many types, colors, blade sizes, wire arms, and head shapes. How do you choose one—and more importantly, how do you fish them effectively?
I was at a tackle shop recently when a gorgeous spinnerbait caught my eye. It was plated with 14‑carat gold. The price? Nearly $70. I wouldn't buy that unless I could wear it. It reminded me of a little shop near Roosevelt Lake where spinnerbaits sat on a carousel for $1.99 each. I bought a handful—including the ugliest spinnerbait you've ever seen: a single Colorado blade and a gaudy dark green and gold tinsel skirt.
The next day was cloudy. I tied on that ugly bait and caught smallmouth all day. Would the $70 gold‑plated lure have worked better? I seriously doubt it.
Why Spinnerbaits Endure
According to the American Sportfishing Association, the sportfishing industry supports 1.1 million jobs and generates $230 billion in economic activity, with 58 million anglers taking to the water each year. A January 2026 Secretarial Order signed by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum expanded fishing access on public lands—reinforcing that anglers participate when rules are clear and based on sound science.
At the 2026 ICAST New Product Showcase, spinnerbait innovation continued with advanced blade coatings and skirt materials, but the fundamentals remain unchanged. As Gary Dobyns has observed, anglers often abandon old techniques for new ones, but that doesn't mean the classics stop working.
An assortment of basic spinnerbaits: chartreuse for cloudy days, black for night or muddy water, white or baitfish color for bright days.
Blades – The Heart of the Bait
The blade is the most important part. It spins and reflects light—and bass feel its vibration through their lateral line.
Willow Leaf Blades – Narrow, pointed at both ends. Spin easily with minimal resistance. Excellent flash, especially hammered finishes. Double willow leaf is a favorite—front blade silver, trailing blade gold.
Colorado Blades – Almost round. Deep cups keep them spinning at slow speeds. Ideal for slow‑rolling along the bottom. My night fishing baits have black skirts with red or black Colorado blades—dark blades silhouette well against the night sky.
Indiana Blades – Between willow and Colorado in shape and resistance. Often used as the front blade with a Colorado or willow behind.
Blade Size affects depth—larger blades create more lift, keeping the bait shallower. Heavy heads overcome that lift for deep running.
Blade Finishes – Silver for sunny days, gold for cloudy days. Dark blades for night and dirty water. In stained water, fluorescent green or orange can trigger strikes.
2025 Tournament Note: At the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series, spinnerbaits accounted for a significant portion of shallow water catches, particularly on windy days. The combination of flash and vibration makes them effective when visibility is limited.
Wires, Heads, and Skirts
Wire – Thinner wire transmits more vibration. Open R‑shaped bends give more action but break more easily. Titanium offers thin wire with strength—ideal for cover fishing.
Heads – Pointed heads punch through cover. Rounder, heavier heads are better for slow‑rolling and bouncing off rocks. The head shape tells you how the bait will move.
Skirts – Silicone skirts dominate—great action, durable, and long‑lasting. Keep spare skirts in your tackle bag to change colours without retying.
Storage and Organization
I keep spinnerbaits in a soft‑sided binder bag with individual zipper compartments—like‑baits with like‑baits. One bag holds 3/8‑ounce white baits with double willow blades; another holds single Colorado blade baits. I can find what I need instantly. Hard boxes work for some, but the bag is my preference.
The Nitty‑Gritty – How to Fish Spinnerbaits
The best way to learn is to do it. Start with basic baits: white, chartreuse, or a combination. Match skirt colours to local baitfish. Use one silver and one gold blade to cover all bases.
Expert Tips from Sam Shattenberg:
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Many fish are within 8‑10 feet of shore—cast close to the edge.
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Mix blade shapes for more attractive presentations.
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If you're not getting bit, change skirt colour.
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Start reeling as soon as the bait hits the water—take up slack and get blades spinning.
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Add red to every bait. One of the best spinnerbait fishermen I know keeps a red marker in his boat and adds a dot about the size of a thumbnail to each blade.
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Point the rod straight at the bait and keep a finger under the line in front of the reel—you'll feel everything.
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First thing in the morning, wake a spinnerbait just under the surface near cuts.
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Flats with drop‑offs are excellent in cool weather.
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Fish a single‑blade bait on points with stair‑step drops down to 18‑20 feet.
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When you hit something—stop reeling and pull by moving the rod up. The action change triggers bites.
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Keep the line taut.
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Jerk straight up and back while reeling for a solid hookset.
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Use a rod with heavy action and a sensitive tip.
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A 5.3:1 gear ratio reel is excellent for spinnerbaits.
Final Thoughts
Spinnerbaits are versatile, effective, and accessible. Start simple. Match your blade to the conditions—willow for speed and flash, Colorado for slow‑rolling, dark for night. Watch the water and adapt.
As the ASA continues to advocate for expanded fishing access and sound fisheries management, techniques like spinnerbait fishing—simple to learn, endlessly effective—will keep new and experienced anglers connected to the water.
