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Spinnerbaits look like open safety pins. One end has a large hook hidden by strips of material (often vinyl), and the other end has blades that spin. Spinnerbaits are most effective for shallow-water fishing, and when used as a search bait (when you cast these into a number of spots to incite the fish).
Throw spinnerbaits into areas of open water between thick weed beds that breach the surface. You can also cast these lures into lily pads. Cast beyond where lily pads breach the surface and bring the lure through them. The blades work to clear a path for the hook, so you can work the baits through without the hook snagging.
Vary your retrieval speed to see what gets a strike from the bass. At normal speeds, a spinnerbait will travel a foot or two beneath the water. Reel in faster and you can make the spinnerbait come right to the top. Conversely, by slowing the retrieve, you will cover the bottom of shallow lakes and ponds. If you realize that bass are chasing this lure but not snapping at it voraciously, switch to something slower, such as a soft plastic worm. -
BuzzbaitA buzzbait is a topwater lure with a hook hidden by a "skirt" that's very similar to a spinnerbait. What differentiates a buzzbait is its propeller-like metal blade. This blade keeps the lure on top and roils the water as you reel it in.
Use buzzbaits in the shallows where weeds are growing. The buzzbait's success depends fully on the talent of the angler. Cast it out, but before it hits the water's surface, flip your bail down on your reel. Begin reeling in furiously before the buzzbait makes its splashdown. Keep your line taut the entire time or you will see the buzzbait sink. (Once a buzzbait goes under, it's difficult to get it back to the surface and moving as it should.)
Bass think a buzzbait is something like a dragonfly struggling on the water. Therefore, be on guard against a quick strike. Bass can often see a buzzbait coming and will bite right after it hits the water, or as soon as it begins to move. Work buzzbaits through and over weeds, especially large lily pads where bass hide in anticipation of ambushing anything that comes by. -
Spinners, or in-line spinners, are cousins of the spinnerbaits. On spinners, the blade is close to where the line ties to the lure; it's followed by a colored "body" and a set of treble hooks. The entire lure is straight, as opposed to the crooked spinnerbait design. Sometimes hair or vinyl strips disguise the hooks.
Cast these lures over weed beds where the weeds are thick but do not breach the surface. Make sure you have room between the water's surface and the tips of the weeds. Bass will look up, see a spinner overhead, and come up to attack it. Vary retrieval speeds as you would with a spinnerbait. Slow down a rapid retrieve or bring the spinner in rapidly after starting it out slow. To avoid line twist---a common problem when using spinners---tie on a ball-bearing swivel and attach the spinner to it. Be sure to clear the spinner of any weeds after each cast so that the blades can turn without interruption.
Comments
judymasse said
on 10/7/2009 Cool beans! You are an excellent writer. Judy