How to Rig a Spinner Bait

Rig a spinner bait using a Trilene knot.

Spinner baits are one of several lures typically found in the tackle box of a largemouth bass angler. Typically featuring an "L"-shape wire, spinner blade, skirt and jig head hook, spinner blades are effective lures in ponds, lakes and rivers. Spinner baits replicate small minnows or larger toads and frogs and are especially productive when the wind comes up and the water is choppy. Rigging a spinner bait is a simple knot tying process.

Things You'll Need

• Rod and matched reel
• Monofilament fishing line
• Spinner bait

Instructions

1. Attach the spinner bait to your monofilament line with a Trilene knot. This knot is designed to help ensure the integrity and strength of monofilament fishing lines by wrapping the line around the eye of the hook two times.

2. Feed the free end of the line through the eye of the spinner bait. Pull enough line through the eye of the lure so that 5 to 6 inches of line extends past the lure. Wrap the line around the eye and feed it through the eye once again. Do not pull the line tight, leave the two loops open and accessible as they will be used later on.

3. Wrap the free end of the line around the main line for three turns. Begin forming the turns just above the two loops and work your way up the line keeping the loops concentric.

4. Turn the free end of the line down and feed it through the two loops initially formed when tying the knot. These loops pass around the eye of the lure twice.

5. Moisten the knot slightly and pull the free end to tighten the knot down around the eye of the spinner bait. Trim the excess line from the free end of the knot with sharp scissors.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave 1/8 inch of line on the free end exposed from the knot to allow an extra measure of security when fishing should the knot slip slightly.

References

• Animated Knots by Grog: The Trilene Knot