How to Fish a Spinnerbait in Early Spring: Tips and Techniques


If you’re an angler looking to up your game, you’ve probably heard of the spinnerbait. This versatile lure can be used in a variety of situations to catch a variety of fish. But, as with any fishing technique, there are some tips and tricks that can help you get the most out of your spinnerbait. And if you’re looking to fish a spinnerbait in early spring, there are some specific things you should keep in mind.

Early spring can be a tricky time to fish. The water is still cold, and the fish are still sluggish from the winter months. But, if you know how to use a spinnerbait correctly, you can still catch some great fish. In this article, we’ll go over some tips and techniques for fishing a spinnerbait in early spring. We’ll cover everything from the best colors to use, to the best places to fish, to the best retrieval techniques. So, whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, read on to learn how to fish a spinnerbait in early spring.

Understanding Spinner Baits

Spinner baits are one of the most versatile and effective lures for catching bass in early spring. They are designed to mimic baitfish and create a lot of vibration and flash in the water, which can trigger a predatory response from bass. Here are some important things to know about spinner baits:

Types of Spinner Baits

Spinner baits come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. Some common types of spinner baits include:

TypeDescription
Colorado BladeLarge, round blade that creates a lot of thump and vibration
Willow Leaf BladeNarrow, teardrop-shaped blade that creates a lot of flash and vibration
Indiana BladeMedium-sized, rounded blade that creates a balance of thump and flash
Colorado
Double Willow
Double Indiana

Choosing the Right Spinner Bait

Choosing the right spinner bait can make a big difference in your success on the water. Some factors to consider when selecting a spinner bait include:

  • Water clarity: In clear water, use natural colors and smaller blades. In murky water, use brighter colors and larger blades.
  • Depth: Use heavier spinner baits to fish deeper water and lighter ones for shallower water.
  • Baitfish: Match the size and color of the spinner bait to the baitfish in the area.
  • Fishing style: Experiment with different retrieves, speeds, and depths to find what the bass are biting on.

By understanding the different types of spinnerbaits and how to choose the right one for your situation, you can increase your chances of catching more bass in early spring.

Fishing Techniques for Early Spring

Location and Water Temperature

When fishing a spinnerbait in early spring, it is important to pay attention to the location and water temperature. Spinnerbaits work best in water temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Look for shallow areas that warm up quickly, such as coves, flats, and shorelines that are protected from the wind. These areas will attract baitfish and, in turn, bass.

It is also important to pay attention to the water clarity. In muddy or stained water, use a spinnerbait with a Colorado blade for maximum vibration. In clear water, use a spinnerbait with a willow leaf blade for a more subtle presentation.

Retrieval Techniques

There are several retrieval techniques that work well when fishing a spinnerbait in early spring. A slow and steady retrieve is often effective, especially in colder water. This allows the bait to stay in the strike zone longer and gives the bass more time to react.

Another effective technique is the lift and drop retrieve. This involves lifting the spinnerbait off the bottom and allowing it to fall back down, mimicking the movement of a wounded baitfish. This technique can be especially effective in areas with submerged vegetation or other cover.

Casting Techniques

Casting accuracy is important when fishing a spinnerbait in early spring. Look for areas with cover, such as fallen trees, rocks, and weed beds, and cast the spinnerbait parallel to the cover. This will allow the bait to stay in the strike zone longer and increase your chances of getting a bite.

It is also important to vary your retrieve speed and depth when casting. This will help you determine what the bass are looking for and increase your chances of getting a bite. Start with a slow and steady retrieve, and gradually increase the speed until you find what works best.

Tips and Tricks

Using Trailers

One way to increase your chances of catching fish with a spinnerbait in early spring is to use a trailer. Trailers are small pieces of soft plastic that are attached to the hook of the spinnerbait. They can help to make the bait look more realistic and can also add some extra action to the bait. Some popular trailers for spinnerbaits include grubs, worms, and crawfish.

When selecting a trailer, it’s important to consider the water conditions and the type of fish you are targeting. For example, if the water is murky or stained, you may want to choose a trailer with a lot of vibration and movement to help the fish locate the bait. On the other hand, if the water is clear, you may want to choose a more subtle trailer that won’t scare the fish away.

Adjusting the Spinner Bait

Adjusting your spinnerbait can also make a big difference in your success when fishing in early spring. One important adjustment to make is the blade size. In colder water, smaller blades tend to work better because they create less resistance and can be retrieved more slowly. As the water warms up, larger blades can be more effective because they create more vibration and movement.

You should also experiment with the color of the spinnerbait. In general, darker colors like black and blue tend to work better in murky water, while lighter colors like white and chartreuse work better in clear water. However, every body of water is different, so it’s important to try out different colors and see what works best.

Reading the Water

Finally, one of the most important tips for fishing a spinnerbait in early spring is to pay attention to the water. Look for areas where the water is warmer or where there is cover like logs, rocks, or weed beds. These areas are likely to hold more fish, especially in the early spring when the water is still cold.

It’s also important to vary your retrieve speed and depth until you find what works best. In colder water, a slower retrieve with pauses can be more effective, while in warmer water, a faster retrieve with more movement can work better.

Check out this video too. Great info.

Conclusion

Fishing a spinnerbait in early spring can be a productive and exciting way to catch bass. With the right equipment, techniques, and knowledge, you can increase your chances of success on the water.

Remember to pay attention to water temperature, cover, and baitfish activity when selecting your spinnerbait and presentation. Experiment with different retrieves and blade sizes to find what works best for the conditions you are fishing in.

Make sure to use the appropriate gear for the size and weight of your spinnerbait, and always practice proper catch and release techniques to protect the health of the fish population.

By following these tips and putting in the time and effort, you can have a great time fishing spinnerbaits in early spring and hopefully land some trophy-sized bass.

You may also want to check out some other techniques here.


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