Fishing Inline Spinners for Late Winter Bass

Fishing inline spinners is a popular and effective technique for catching late winter bass. Inline spinners are versatile lures that mimic the movement of a fleeing baitfish and trigger a predatory response from bass. They are available in various shapes, colors, and sizes, and are a go-to option for many anglers looking to target bass in late winter.

Late winter is a crucial time for bass, as they are starting to feed as they prepare for the spawning season. During this cold water period, bass tend to be sluggish and less active, making them a little harder to catch. However, fishing inline spinners can still be productive, as the subtle spinning action and vibration of the lure can attract bass when other baits fail.

A quality rod and reel combo is key to effectively fishing inline spinners. To start, you will need a 6.5' to 7' medium-light to medium power, fast action spinning rod and matching reel to balance the outfit. The reel should be spooled with 8- to 10-pound test braided main line, as it provides good sensitivity and casting distance. A fluorocarbon leader of 4- to 8-pound test is recommended, since it provides low visibility and abrasion resistance.

Inline spinners come in a variety of sizes, colors, and blade styles. For late winter bass, select inline spinners that mimic small baitfish or crawfish. Silver or gold blades are good starting choices for clear water, while copper, chartreuse or painted blades are better for stained or murky water. A size 1/8 to 3/8 oz inline spinner is a good starting point, as it allows you to fish at a variety of depths and retrieve speeds.

To get the most out of fishing inline spinners in late winter, it is important to understand the behavior of bass and the environments they prefer. In late winter, bass tend to congregate in near deep water drop-offs, points, bluffs, and other structure in close proximity to shallow flats and bays. These areas enable the bass to access food when conditions warm yet still retreat to deeper water for shelter after cold fronts pass.

Start fishing your inline by casting your inline spinner to the deepest part of the structure and retrieve it slowly and steadily. Pay attention to the feel of the spinner through the rod tip, as this can give you an indication of when a bass has taken the lure. You can also vary your retrieve speed and action (straight, stop and go, twitched rod tip) to trigger a reaction strike from the bass. Pay attention to any bumps, changes in the feel of the line or direction of retrieve, as these could indicate a bite.

Bass are often object-related so always note the location of cover (logs, rocks, deep water docks, rip-rap, or weed beds) related to the structures bass are using. Cast your spinner towards the available cover, retrieve it by the cover, and pay attention as a bass is likely to strike around the object being fished.

Fishing with inline spinners is an effective method for catching late winter bass. Choose the right size and color to match the local forage, vary your retrieve speed/action/depth, and target areas near structure and cover for the best results. With a little patience and practice, you'll be on your way to landing not only more bass but sometimes even a late winter trophy bass.