Spinnerbaits used to be called "safety pin" lures, because their shapr resembles that of an open pin. A lead head of varying weight is combined with a wire framework, sharp hook and one or more flashing spinner blades. A soft rubber or plastic skirt is added to cover the hook.

The spinnerbait has a smooth, flowing action that mimics a swimming fish. You can use spinnerbaits in most fishing situations, but they are especially suited to fishing shallow cover.

How To Fish Spinnerbaits

Spinnerbaits work best as a "contact lure", one that is bumped against structure.

* They usually should be fished a a slow to medium retrieve.

* Use a baitcasting reel and a medium action rod.

A heavy, worm type rod often causes you to overreact when a strike occurs, pulling the lure from the mouth of the fish.

Here are several whys to fish spinnerbaits.

* Contact Retrieve:

Locate a shallow creek arm or flat with stumps, grass, brush or weed cover.

Cast well past your target and retrieve the spinnerbait slowly.

Try to knock the lure against the stump, brush or grass you are fishing.

This changes the direction and action of the bait slightly and often triggers a strike.

* Wake Retrieve:

In murky, shallow water, cast past a log jam or other heavy cover and immediately raise the rod tip high and reel quickly.

The spinnerbait will rise to the surface. Slow the retrieve slightly so that the blades do not break the water. The lure will throw a fish-attracting wake.

* Buzz Retrieve:

In the same situation as the wake retrieve, reel quickly with the rod tip held high; let the blades of the bait break the survace, creating a splashing sound.