In the hands of a skilled angler, a spinning rod is deadly for bass fishing. Spinner lures flash, splash and dazzle the bass into striking. But without a spinner rod, you can't get the necessary control over the lure. Spinning rods are thin, springy and usually less than 7 feet long. That gives them added flexibility. Follow a few tips and you'll see your bass fishing catch rate improve.
Mimic Fish in Distress
You control how fast, at what depth and how erratically your spinner moves. From the bass's perspective, a spinner that moves in a jerky fashion looks like an injured fish. Yank your spinning rod in short, whipped bursts. Let the spinner sink for a moment, then try reeling fast for a few yards. The variation and commotion will attract the attention of nearby bass.
Aim for Bass Lairs
Use a sharp, accurate cast with your spinning rod to hit popular bass territory. For example, aim near piers, under logs or beneath dock walkways. Bass patrol these areas for small fish and lie in wait to ambush struggling prey. Pull your bait over the top of mats of grass and weed on the lake or river bed. Dropping the spinner onto a lily pad with a light cast, then pulling it into the water can prompt a bass take, according to David L. Moeller, Fisheries Supervisor at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Cast Well
Whip your rod to cast the lure for 50 to 75 yards if possible, according to expert bass guide Mike Gerry writing on Fishin.com. The longer the lure is moving in the water, the more chance it has of attracting a bite. Practice casting with your spinning rod. The closer you can get to structures without hitting or getting tangled, the more chance you stand of hitting the waiting bass.
Experiment
Bring a selection of lures and spinners to try with your spinning rod. Different weather conditions, water temperatures, light levels and water coloration all affect ideal lure selection. Base your fishing on a few reliable lures, then vary according to the conditions. For example, bass fisherman Wayne Hartt from Hunting, Fishing & Outdoors online magazine claims his favorite lure bait of all is a 3/8-ounce white spinner with attached willow leaf blade.
Customize Your Lures
Hartt suggests dabbing a blob of red nail polish on the head of your lure in spring as an added attractant in the murkier water. The red also mimics blood on an injured fish. Mike Gerry suggests trying a Colorado leaf blade if you want to make more of a splash and attract the bigger fish. Add two large blades to the spinner to get maximum noise and motion in the water.
Member Comments