September 17, 2013
By In-Fisherman Online Staff
Spinnerbait options may have lost favor in some circles in recent years, but these versatile multispecies lures remain standout selections in many situations. Snag-resistant, spinnerbaits shine in thick cover yet perform equally well in open water. And their multi-faceted fish-attracting portfolio — which includes flashing, thumping blades, a sashaying skirt, and whatever trailer you choose to tip — trips the triggers of gamefish from largemouth bass to northern pike. Since spinnerbait options abound, we selected a sampling of 10 top baits for a variety of different species.
Johnson Beetle Spin 'R Bait I kid you not, I caught a bass on my first cast with one of these fine new variations of Virgil Ward's legendary Beetle Spin. My bassin' skills notwithstanding, I credit the hard-thumping, deep-cupped Colorado blade on the version I was throwing. It is also available with a willow-leaf for times when a soft sell is better. Other attributes include an extremely flexible skirt, which replaced the original's soft body, plus colorful spinner-arm beads and three-dimensional eyes. It's offered in a rainbow of color patterns, and sizes from 1/16- to ¼-ounce.
berkley-fishing.com Lindy M/G Muskie Tandem A veteran of the muskie wars for more seasons than it cares to count, the M/G also appeals to gator-class pike and other top-end predators. Flash and thump are assured, thanks to tandem Colorados, in size 5 and 8. The 9½-inch, 1-ounce bruiser also features a 6/0 main hook and 7/0 trailer. Available in nine patterns.
lindyfishingtackle.com Northland Reed-Runner Magnum Among the Reed-Runner clan, the Magnum stands out for its beefy ¾-ounce proportions, dual Limber-Legs silicone skirts — which give it a tail action without a trailer — and twin willow-leaf blades. The hammered metallic willows are personal favorites for bass, pike, and muskies, but the painted versions have applications as well. Anchored by a sturdy Mustad Ultra Point hook, the bait comes in six color patterns.
northlandtackle.com Booyah Pond Magic Real Craw Part of the Pond Magic family that includes an 1/8-ounce little brother and standard 3/16-ounce twin, both in a range of forage-imitating patterns, the Real Craw raises the bar in spinnerbaiting sleight of hand with matching head, blade, and skirt designs. Available in Sunrise, Moss Back, and Okie Craw patterns — plus the villainous Nest Robber — it sports premium components including a 2/0 Mustad Ultra Point hook and 60-strand silicone skirting. Another plus, it slings tandem blades, specifically a size 0 mid-shaft Colorado teaser and size 3 willow attractor.
booyahbaits.com Sebile Pro-Shad Finesse With its similarly shaped blades and body, the Pro-Shad mimics a pint-sized pod of baitfish, much like a downsized A-rig. The bait's a study in realism, too, featuring fine detailing on the blades and a plastic-encased bismuth body. Plus, the blades flutter seductively on the fall, taking helicoptering to new heights. Available in ½- and ¾-ounce sizes in six colors.
sebileusa.com Strike King KVD Finesse Spinnerbait When power-fishing legend Kevin VanDam requested a small-profile spinnerbait sporting natural color schemes for tackling pressured bass, Strike King complied with this finesse wonder. Available in 10 of KVD's pet patterns, in ½-ounce double-willow and 3/8-ounce Colorado-willow configurations.
strikeking.com Terminator Titanium Twin Spin No spinnerbait rundown would be complete without at least one twin spin, and Terminator's take on this versatile design is noteworthy for several reasons. First, its beveled Oklahoma blades yield unique flash patterns, and the dual SnapBack titanium arms on which they ride dutifully stand up to maulings from bass, pike, and other predators. Bonus features include a fiendishly sharp VMC Needle Point hook and QuickSkirt exchangeable silicone skirting. Available in ½ and ¾-ounce sizes, in a variety of patterns.
terminatorlures.com Cabela's Fisherman Series Muskie/Pike No-Roll Spinnerbait It's not the sexiest spinnerbait on the block, but this 1-ounce bait's head design — which prevents it from rolling on the retrieve, even at warp speed, sets it apart from the pack. Don't let the name fool you, either, it's deadly on big bass and other broad-shouldered predators besides muskies and pike. Amenities include a 6/0 nickel hook, molded eyes, and sturdy .050-gauge wire frame. Comes in six color combos.
cabelas.com Law Lures Death Shimmer If you want to make a scene in low-vis or heavy cover situations, the Death Shimmer is a standout. Its funky upper arm — marked by a series of U-shaped bends — increases underwater drag, thereby boosting flash and vibration. Choose from a handful of stock sizes and colors, or mix and match head, skirt, and blade options to
create your own on the company's website, in ¼-, 3/8- and ½-ounce weights.
deathshimmer.com MegaStrike StrikeBack In-Fisherman editor Steve Quinn offered the StrikeBack as a worthy candidate for this list, thanks largely to its jointed mid-section, which allows the tail to swing 180 degrees, making it easier for fish to inhale — and harder to shake free during the fight. Other notable features include a 5/0 Mustad Ultra Point hook, faceted, jewel-quality blades, and lifelike eyes. Look for willow-Colorado combos and double Colorado options in three sizes and a variety of colors.
megastrike.com
