Bass Crash Course: When and How to Throw Spinnerbaits for Bass

There's a myriad of lure options for catching bass in shallow cover, but it's hard to beat the old-school spinnerbait — especially under the right conditions.

"I'm pretty sure over the years I've caught more fish on a spinnerbait than any other lure that I own," says Shane Beilue, host of Game & Fish's "Crash Course" video series.

Fact is that even with modern, high-tech bass lures attracting considerable angler attention, the spinnerbait continues to catch bass.

In the "Crash Course" episode entitled, "When and How to Throw a Spinnerbait," Beilue outlines when it's best to pull out the bladed wonder to catch bass in shallow water around cover.

There are three situations in which picking a spinnerbait is a good idea:

Muddy, Off-Color Water

Spinnerbaits always excel in muddy water, with the blade flash and water displacement getting the attention of ambushing bass. Bass are typically shallow and very cover-oriented in muddy water, so a cast-and-pause to the base of the cover, such as a bush or stump, is often a strike-attractor. Use Colorado blades for their ability to displace more water. Add a colorful blade (chartreuse, orange) when the water is muddy or stained.

Low Light & Windy

In both of these conditions, bass are out and away from the cover and actively feeding. A fast retrieve, high in the water column, is a good choice here. Use a spinnerbait with double willow leaf blades for added lift.

When you find muddy waters, wind or low light, it's hard to beat the old-school spinnerbait. Don’t overlook this lure when the conditions are right.

Learn more in the video above

• See more Crash Course videos here