MicahCarrick

I've actually caught trout before using spinners, but I was a kid and don't quite remember how. I'm looking for some techniques other than powerbait on the bottom and nightcrawler on a bobber rigs.

I still have about a dozen (Mepps aglias, rooster tails, etc.) spinner lures ranging in size and color.

If I recall, I used to just put them on a snap swivel at the end of the line and toss 'em out and bring them in (I dont' have a boat, this is all about bank fishing rivers and lakes) However, the smaller ones have almost no weight to them and I don't imagine I could cast them very far. I could use some pointers.

Should I...

a) Use the lure connected to a snap-swivel as I belive I used to do as a kid?

b) Use an egg singer above a swivel with 2 feet or so of leader to which the lure is connected?

c) Use some kind of 3-way swivel with a weight going down and the lure being dragged behind like is done when trolling?

Should I only use spinner lures in rivers--not in lakes?

Any techniques or tips for spinner fishing for trout would be much appreciated.

Combat Chuck

Ive really gotten into spinners this year, especially at the winter and springtime stocked ponds. They work good in lakes too, although distance can be limiting. I have never thought about the 3-way swivel and weight... it could work. My favorites are a snap swivel with a blue fox, panther martin and kastmaster. Try a larger kastmaster on the lakes... they cast a mile. Find steeper banks to fish spinners at the lakes, the depth will increase your chances. If your spinners dont have enough weight, you could always start making your own just how you like them .

plunkme

ive been spinning all year with some 1/8 rooster tails i use 4 lb line and throw it as far as i can, the key point is reeling in the spinner slow enough that the blade spins

FishSchooler

I just started using a long piece of lead that is hollow, so you thread the line through, then pinch the ends with pliers. They come in coils, so cut about 6 inches off with wire cutters or scissors. Cut it at an angle too. I can cast a mile with those these weights too.

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Give a man some powerbait, he'll fish for a day, teach the man how to make powerbait, he won't be fishing at all.

Kodiak

I really like spinners in rivers...for EVERY THING!!!! When you are working a spinner in a creek or river try letting them drift through some deeper runs while reeling just enough to make the blade spin. Also try letting them swing in behind rocks and let the blade "stall out" just a little. The eratic flutter can sometimes trigger strikes. Also very your retrieve speed, some days they like it moving slow, others they like it rippin' and smash it. I've use weight above my spinners in deeper water or in lakes. I prefer to use weights on a sliding sinker because you can feel slack bites better and lighter takes much easier. Most important thing though is to read the water and be able to cast acurately.

In lakes I look for points and bays where I can fan cast to cover more water. When you are fishing in lakes don't be afraid to move and find the fish or even better get a float tube and you can troll a spinner behind you.
Good Luck

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chris61182

Ok, so time to play 20 questions, or maybe a few less
What size spinner? A 1/16oz may not cast too far, a 1/8oz shouldn't cause much trouble, anything above that no problem!

If you're having troubles with the larger spinners you may want to look at your line. For monofilament line you might want to look at using 6lb test or lower, and while 8lb test mono is a pretty standard weight may be a little on the large size. Myself, I use 10lb braided line, which claims to have 2lb test diameter, and can cast nearly a country mile with that stuff! I even have a spool of 8lb test braid, with a claimed 1lb test diameter, I'm waiting to put on the next time I have to respool.

A swivel is typically unnecessary unless you happen to be getting a lot of line twist, or you just plain old don't feel like retying your knots for lure changes. Though on occasion a swivel can interfere with the action of a lure, though usually not for spinners.

I might avoid the 3-way swivel for casting and retrieving. It's only a matter of time until that third line causes an ugly tangle. And the egg sinker method has worked for me.


Good god no! Spinners definitely work in lakes.


Seek out structure; weedlines, drop offs, points, fallen timber, submerged islands, scum lines, and yes even somewhat intangible things like the thermocline can be considered structure.


And I've attached some photos of some spinner trout just to get your juices flowing .

Attached Thumbnails

         

MicahCarrick

Much appreciated, thanks!

Troutski

Those area beautiful Fish thanks for sharing, I truly love spinner fishing...so much so I make my own...not that I don't have a collection of Rooster Tails and Blue Foxes.....but there is just something about catching a fish on one of your own creations. I may take it to a higher bar, I test them out in a bath tub with the water running full blast and it makes a nice current and I can tell what the lure will act like when in the wild. I weigh them after all components are assembled and use them accordingly.
When using them on a lake slow trolling and lots of turns, watch the action on the rod when you first cast it out and it will change when you either pick up some grass or a leaf...after a while you can tell when a fish is following it by the way the action on the rod tip changes...I think it is the hydrlics changing the flow around the lure and after a while you can see it...
At least it is my story and I am sticking to it....

Chuck

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Teach a man to fish and he will steal your secret fishing hole...

SDK

Can't add to much to what has already been said. I've been having great success with spinners for trout in rivers and lakes.

I like the small size 10 black snap swivels. They're small enough to not interfere with the lure action and make changing quick and easy. I like fooling around with different lures, and have had a few real good outings by changing up every 20 minutes or so until I find something that the fish are hitting that day.

Scott

Justluck

nice pictures!