- 1). Equip your reel with 14 lb. test monofilament line. For all of the retrieval techniques, cast your spinner bait far enough so that you have time to work it properly during retrieval. Aim for a 50- to 75-yard cast. You can use a combination of the following retrieval methods with each cast, or concentrate on a single style as you reel in the spinner bait.
- 2). Cast the spinner bait onto the shore and then reel it into the water. This lets the lure move into the water naturally, rather than "plopping" into the water.
- 3). Move the spinner bait constantly, but not at a constant speed. Retrieve the lure slowly, then a little faster, and then slow down again. The spinner bait will rise and fall in the water, imitating the swimming patterns of small fish.
- 4). Retrieve the spinner bait just fast enough so that it glides under the surface of the water. Lift the tip of your rod occasionally so that the spinner bait breaks the surface.
- 5). Allow the spinner bait to sink to the bottom. Jerk the lure up, and then let it fall to the bottom again, reeling it in slightly at the same time. Continue alternating jerking the bait upwards with dragging it along the bottom. According to Alton Jones, the 2008 Bassmaster Classic winner, larger bass will often reflexively strike spinner bait flashing up from the bottom.
- 6). Observe the small bait fish in the water you are fishing. Work your spinner bait so that it emulates the local bait fish's swimming style--jerky movements, up and down, or side to side. As you become more experienced with using spinner bait, work the lure so that it moves like a wounded fish.
- 7). Vary the retrieval technique with every third cast. Switch from reeling in slowly to reeling in faster. Change from pulling the spinner bait just under the surface of the water to letting it bounce along the bottom.
- 8). Change the color of the spinner bait skirt or the style of the blades if you are not getting any hits. Fish will react to different colors on different days and in different weather conditions.
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