Fishing Tail Spinners for Late Winter Bass

Fishing during late winter can be a challenging task, but it can also be an excellent time to catch some big bass. One effective lure for late winter bass fishing is a tail spinner. 

A tail spinner is a lure that imitates a struggling or dying small baitfish and is designed to create a combination of vibration and flash that attracts bass.

Here's some of the basics about tail spinners and how to fish them for late winter bass.

What is a Tail Spinner?

A tail spinner is a lure that has a metal blade on the back that spins as you retrieve it through the water. The spinning blade creates a flash and vibration that mimics a small baitfish or other forage. The lure's body is often made of lead and it typically has at least one treble hook on the bottom of the metallic body. Popular tail spinners include: Mann’s Bait Little George, Savage Gear’s Fat Tail Spin, Lunker Hunt’s Big Eye Tail Spin Jig, the Molix Trago Spin Tail, and the Duo Realis Spin.

Tail spinners typically range in size from 1/4 oz to 1 oz as well as a variety of colors, so it's important to select a color pattern matching baitfish found in your local waters.

In late winter, when the water is still cold, it's best to choose the lightest weight possible so that it will be easier to keep the bass from throwing the bait. Silver, gold, and natural patterns are good color choices when using tail spinners in clear water, while brighter color patterns are often more effective in stained or dirty water conditions.

How to Fish a Tail Spinner for Late Winter Bass

When fishing a tail spinner for late winter bass, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Retrieve Speed: Start by casting the tail spinner out and letting it sink to the desired depth. Then, begin a slow, steady retrieve, keeping the lure at the same depth. You can speed up or slow down the retrieve as well as trying a yo-yo action during the retrieve to see what the bass prefers.
• Depth: During late winter, bass will often be in deeper water with ready access to shallower feeding areas, so you'll want to choose a tail spinner weight that can be fished at the desired depth. Pay attention to your depth finder or use the countdown method to help you get your lure to the right zone once the bass’ holding depth is determined.
• Water Temperature: Late winter water temperatures can be cold, so you'll want to use a slow, steady retrieve to keep the lure in the strike zone for a longer period. You can also try pausing the retrieve to let the lure sink and then start again. s always, never hesitate to vary the retrieve and let the bass tell you how they want it during that outing.
• Location: Look for areas with structure, such as drop-offs, points, and ledges. These are prime late winter locations where bass will be feeding on small baitfish. If you are fortunate enough to have decent sonar equipment, you can also try fishing near schools of baitfish to increase your chances of catching a bass.
• Weather Conditions: Late winter weather can be unpredictable, so it's important to pay attention to the conditions on the day you plan to fish. If it's a bright and sunny day, bass may be more likely to hold in deeper water. On cloudy or overcast days, they may be more active and willing to move into shallower water to feed.

Overall, a tail spinner can be a highly effective lure for late winter bass fishing. By choosing the right size and color pattern, using the correct retrieve, varying the depth, focusing on structure, plus paying attention to the weather, you can increase your chances of success and have a great day on the water. 

As always be patient and persistent; you may just be rewarded with a late winter trophy!