In addition to the operational considerations of spinnerbaits, the aesthetics of the lure can also help your cause. For example, Johnston likes the Platinum Series Cyclone spinnerbaits, in part for their faceted blades. With multiple angles reflecting light, the blades offer a higher level of flash.
Colored blades, while more common for smallmouth, will also tempt the big green fish. Tournament pro Dustin Grice has embraced this concept to the point of modifying many of his stock spinnerbaits with chartreuse and white blades that work especially well in low visibility.
“A lot of people look at me kind of funny at the dock when they see this spinnerbait on my deck, but when the water’s dirty, those largemouth eat it,” he said.
If you’re not the tinkering type, some baits like Strike King’s Redeye Special add lifelike baitfish features to blades for added appeal, while Persuader’s Imaged Blade Spinnerbait features actual forage fish images applied to its blades.
Also, don’t overlook gluttony’s impact on bass decision-making — especially in the fall. When a fish opens that big mouth, feeding follows a “more-is-better” motivation. That’s why long-arm spinnebaits sporting four willow leaf blades — i.e. the Strike King George Cochran’s Quad Shad or Booyah’s Super Shad — maximize the flash and present an irresistible image of a bait cluster.
Whatever your choice of spinnerbait, success hinges on open-minded experimentation. When the tried-and-true produces as expected, give thanks for a great day on the water.
But when the bite is tough, get the wheel of creativity turning like those flashing blades and you’re bound to come up with a winning formula.
