SPINNER BAITS

Spinnerbaits are deadly against the saltwater bass! The whirring blades thumping through the water along with a big billowing skirt - there's something in that mix that makes bass go crazy. It's said that a spinnerbait is made to resemble a small school of baitfish rushing along in formation and this theory holds up. Often times a pursuing bass will strike the blades on top of the bait rather than the bigger body of the lead and skirt combo - occasionally the hook will still jump up and nab the fish but more than likely you'll swing on empty water.

Sizes and colors will vary by confidence levels but proven colors are white, chartreuse, chartreuse and white, black, reds and oranges. For saltwater applications you probably want something at least 1/2 oz, 3/4 is very popular and the big 1.5 oz baits can be dropped to the bottom out in La Jolla or anywhere 100' deep and rocketed back to the surface for some outstanding vertical fishing.

Spinnerbaits are almost perfectly weedless and give you the chance to fish heavy cover without worrying about getting hung up. Throw blades into the thickest eelgrass with confidence and strong fishing line. Generally, for the kayak angler, 10# on your bay rods and 15# out at the kelp forest will be enough to keep you out of trouble. These are expensive little baits ranging from between $5 to $10 EACH so tie good knots, retie after fish and check your line for abraison regularly. The blades themselves can cause line damage if they flip around and hit your line during regular casting.

Like all baits and techniques you want to practice and change up the retrieve form time to time. Some days the bass want a slow roll just enough to turn the blades - other days you can burn this thing at full speed and get t-boned by furious bass.

Good luck!