Spinnerbaits offer anglers versatility, potential for big fish

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Early season, mid-summer or late season, cloudy or sunny day, river, lake or pond -- there is one lure type that will catch some species of sport fish under any of these conditions.

If an angler had to concentrate on one specific type of artificial lure to become proficient with, familiarizing yourself with the ins and outs of the spinnerbaits world would prove fruitful.

Here is an overview of the more popular and widely-used spinner models and their most appropriate applications:

* In-lines (examples include Panther Martin, Mepps, Shyster, Roostertail) -- These versions are the most varied in size of all the different spinnerbait types. These run from 1/32-ounce sizes, designed for panfish and stream trout, up to 1-3 ounce freshwater monsters, aimed at northern pike and muskie.

No matter what the size, these baits share the need for a ball-bearing swivel at the end of the line to attach them to. This addition potentially provides three major pluses to the angle.

First, it severely reduces the potential line twist that these baits tend to produce

Second, it adds that little bit of extra weight that helps facilitate longer casts with the tinier models.

Lastly, it enables enhanced blade rotation, which is critical at slower speeds.

* Weight-forwards (Erie Dearie, Pa's, Golden Nugget) -- Once the go-to bait for Lake Erie walleye anglers, these baits feature "jigheads" of various weight lead bases from 1/8 to 2 ounces.

These are essentially live bait delivery systems, as their single large hooks regularly garnished with nightcrawlers.

Although these lures will occasionally call up other species, they are unique as spinnerbait in that they are aimed at one species -- walleye.

They are best used in a vertical jig and retrieve manner, unlike all other spinners.

* Buzzbaits (Lunker Lure, Obie's, Triple Wing) -- The only spinnerbait type that is specifically designed to be fished on top of the water. Sizes vary from 1/16 ounce up to 1 and 2 ounce versions.

These are applicable in lowlight conditions and/or when baitfish are visibly active on or near the surface. A major plus is their inherent ability to cover water while gauging fish activity levels.

Using buzzbaits is great fun and should always be your first choice under the above conditions. Color and blade sizes vary, with black being a viable nighttime option.

Tie these on directly and work weedline edges and shoreline cover thoroughly -- and hang on.

* Vee-arm spinnerbaits (Booyah, Terminator, Lazer Eye) -- When most anglers think of bass spinnerbaits, this popular style is what they envision.

Among the many variations are double blades (best for shallow-water fishing), single blades (best for deep water), and some new models with more blades.

Blade options include Colorado (rounder), Indiana (teardrop), and willow (larger profile) and are often mixed.

Always to be attached directly, as use of an additional swivel causes the blades to work against themselves, severely limiting any potential success. Additions of "extras" like trailer hooks, plastic trailers and different colors are worth experimenting with.

Not only are spinnerbaits outstanding for covering water, they are often a tournament angler's first option to increase his overall weight after getting a limit with other methods.

Such is the spinnerbait's longtime reputation as a "big fish bait."

Editor's note: Readers can reach Jack Kiser through his Web site at www.buckeyeangler.com.

E-mail: stowsports@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3113