With scores of flashy new lures hitting the market each year, it’s easy to forget one that’s been around for more than a century. Most anglers would agree about the simplicity of fishing in-line spinners. They may not be pretty or have the appeal of a $20 swimbait, but their reputation for catching fish is legendary. And there’s no better time to put them to use than in early spring. Bass, pickerel, trout, and a variety of other species are drawn to this basic bait’s vibration as water temperatures climb. Throw in a high hookup percentage and the fact that it’s impossible to fish them wrong, and you have a deadly weapon. Choosing the hottest spinner and fishing it in the best location can pay huge dividends. Here’s how to get it done.
Whether the bass in your region are in pre- or postspawn stage, sometimes an in-line spinner draws more strikes from these notoriously tough spring fish better than the fanciest new crankbait. To target these bass with in-lines, focus on the transition zones adjacent to deeper water and the shallow spawning areas. Look for depths of 5 to 10 feet, preferably with emergent weed growth, and cast a No. 3 or 4 Mepps Black Fury on a medium-action spinning outfit. Vary your retrieve to see how fish react. Some days, a slow, steady retrieve that falls…
