Are you an avid angler outdoorsman looking for the best lure for this weekend’s fishing? Well, spinnerbait is probably one of the best options for you.
Suppose you’re unfamiliar with this particular bait. In that case, you’re in luck because this article has everything you need to know about spinnerbaits, especially a guide on how to tie a spinnerbait.
So, don’t wait and start reading to learn more!
What is a Spinnerbait?
A spinner bait is a type of lure used in fishing. It is made up of a heavy head, a skirt, and an attractive blade and is designed in such a way as to look like an injured fish when it travels across the surface of the water.
It is called a spinnerbait since it has one or more metal blades that spin like a propeller when the lure is in motion. This creates varying degrees of flashing and vibrations that mimic the behavior of small fish or other prey.
Spinnerbait is mainly used to catch predatory fish such as perch, pike, and bass.
What are Spinnerbaits Made Of?
Before we explain how to tie one, you must understand the parts of spinnerbait.
Blade
The spinner blade of a spinnerbait is the main feature that makes it successful on the water. It is a piece of metal that is usually stainless which reflects light. This is especially helpful in murky water as it helps fish see the lure better. Some spinnerbaits even have blades that rattle.
There are four different types of blades:
- Willow: A willow blade has a point at both ends and has two blades attached to the wire. They have limited range and are mainly used to reflect light into fish’s eyes.
- Colorado: A Colorado blade has an oval shape and is attached to a swivel. The swivel allows the blades to spin around, creating an attractive lure for fish.
- Indiana: This blade is a hybrid between Willow and Colorado. It has an oval shape with a point at the end.
- Willow-Leaf: This blade is similar to the willow blade but is more rigid and narrow. It is designed to cut through the water better and sink faster.
Wire Frame
The wireframe of spinnerbait is the essential piece that holds the lure together. The jig head is attached to one end of the lure, and the blade is attached to the other. Apart from holding everything together, the wire also helps cut through the water.
It is best to use a light wire frame, though, as spinnerbaits tend to get caught in weeds, and the more lightweight lure will glide through the water instead of sinking too deep and possibly get caught in the weeds.
Eye
The eye of a spinnerbait is the part where you attach the fishing line. They are usually in an R shape, meaning you’re not running your fishing line through a hole. Although some eyes have a complete circle to keep the line more secure, it should not be a problem if you know how to tie a line with a proper knot.
Jig
The jig is the head of the spinnerbait, which is attached to an end of the wireframe. Its main purpose is to add weight and balance to the lure.
The head of a spinnerbait should help the lure sink slightly below the surface as they are typically surface lures. This makes them a great summer bass lure as they near the surface.
Hook
Most spinnerbaits have a skirted jig to cover the hook. This helps in countering weeds. The hook of spinnerbait is pretty standard. It’s a straight hook with a barb at the end.
Check Also: How to Set Up a Fishing Rod
How to Tie a Spinner Bait – a step-by-step guide
There are three main methods of tying fishing lines to spinnerbaits. Here we will be going through them step by step.
Palomar Knot
- Measure out a 30cm or 12-inch length of fishing line
- Grab one end of the line between your fingers and then fold the wire to halve it in size effectively. Hold both ends, and you will have a 15cm or 6-inch length of double line.
- Next, you have to make a small loop at one and pass it through the eye of the lure. Run your fingers down the line until it is completely flat apart from the loop at the end. The loop needs to be big enough to latch onto the hook. Having a 1cm loop should give you enough slack. Pass the line through the eye of the lure until halfway and then grab both ends of the line and let the lure dangle.
- Now you need to tie an overhand knot on the line. Make an overhand knot using the double line with the spinnerbait dangling while holding the line. Next, tighten the knot while leaving enough slack to let the entire bait pass through.
- The next step is to bring the entire lure through the overhand knot loop. Gently bring the loop over the bait and ensure not to tighten too much.
- Tighten the knot with the loose ends. Pull the loose ends firmly so that the knot begins to tighten. Keep pulling until the loop over the spinner bait secures onto the eye.
- Next, cut one of the loose pieces of the line. Since you have a double line, if you have followed the steps correctly, you only need one line to tie to your rod, so cut the other as short as possible.
Trilene Knot
- Measure out a 30cm or 12-inch length of fishing line. The more line you have, the easier it will be to tie the knot.
- Pass one end of the line through the eye of the lure twice. Run through most of the line, leaving enough to keep the loops visible. Next, loop it around the eye and thread it through once again. Remember to keep the loops loose for later.
- Next, you need to wrap the looped end around the standing line. At this point, the rest of your line is called the standing line and should be around 25cm or 10-inches. Take the end of the line loped through the bait’s eye, and loop it around the standing line 6 times.
- Run the end of the line through the loops. Make two loops for the end of the line to pass through. Pass the end of the line through both while keeping careful track of the loops.
- Pull the knot. Take the end of the line and pull it to tighten the whole line to the bait eye. You should be left with a pretty firm braid over the top.
Improved Clinched Knot
- Cut a length of a fishing line, roughly 30cm or 12-inches. You can use a ruler, but if you don’t have one, cut a healthy amount as you can always cut away the excess.
- Thread the line through the bait eye by first laying the spinnerbait on a flat surface. Keep the line parallel to the lure and then thread through most of the line.
- Loop over the standing line six times. Using the end of the line that entered through the eye of the bait, wrap it over the standing line, which is the part that hasn’t entered through the eye.
- Pass the end of the line through the eye. There should be a loop next to the eye of the bait. Pass the line through this line.
- Pull the knot tight. Once the line has been passed through the loop, pull the line taught until there is no slack left
Conclusion
Spinnerbait has quickly become one of the most popular lures out there due to its unique features and ease of use. Hopefully, this article has armed you with the skill you were looking for to become the best angler in town.
FAQ
How do you rig a spinner bait?
Spinnerbaits can be tied at the center of their wireframe design, forming the eye.
What is the best knot to tie on a spinnerbait?
There is no clear ‘best’ knot for a spinnerbait, but if you’re looking for more stability, it is best to use the improved clinched knot.
How do you set up a spinner?
You can look up guides online on assembling a spinner, but it is best to buy one already made.


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