Increasing Spinner Blade Action

[Laker1]

Just tried out a couple of newly made bucktail spinners at the lake. Found myself casting the musky lures inbetween the ice chunks melting at my dock. Noticed I had to jerk the lure at start to get the blades spinning. Not very satisfied with this! I want to increase the action so the blades will start spinning on their own when the lure hits the water.

Thought I could reduce my learning curve by asking for suggestions.

Should I

1) Use a smaller bead (reducing friction) as my bearing before my clevis?

2) Should I use a smaller clevis and if so what is the recommended size for .051?

3) Could my blades I am using be too light in weight and maybe too thin?

4) Is there anything else that I should take into consideration?

Any input would be most appreciated!

[psv]

Hi Laker

Let me ask couple questions to make it more clear:

1) Use a smaller bead (reducing friction) as my bearing before my clevis?

What size of bids are you currently using?

2) Should I use a smaller clevis and if so what is the recommended size for .051?

Size #4 works just fine for .051

3) Could my blades I am using be too light in weight and maybe too thin?

What gauge of blades do you use ? 0.18 & 0.25 should work with no problem.

4) Is there anything else that I should take into consideration?

I'd suggest to use quality ball bearing sviwels to increase front blade rotation to maximum.

If you can post a picture of your spinnerbaits it'll help .

Let us know.

[ROWINGADUBAY]

I had the same problem when I started making bucktails to I will try to answer your questions

1 I wouldn't think this would matter but I would use a solid bead right behind the clevis

2 I use a size six for inline musky spinners and have never had a problem even with smaller size 4 french blades but I would check the clevis to make sure it is shaped right I have had them come from the factory mis shaped

3 I am not sure this is true but I have heard the thinner the blade the easier it will start spinning

4 I found the to biggest factor is the space between the blade and the bucktail the try adding a couple of beads one at a time inbetween the bucktail and the blade balance would be the next thing I would check if you have I have also read in a popular musky magazine that bending the line tie and1/4" wire 90 degrees

I hope this helps

George

[Griffond]

So first question what kind of blades are you using? Colorado, French, Willow, Indiana?... I just recently made some small inline spinners... with different kinds of blades... the willow blades I used didn't work at all even with jerking it... the indiana and colorado blades I used work great thou... except one... not enough space from the blade to the body... couple beads fixed the issue.

[Laker1]

I would like to say thank you to all of you, PSV, ROWINGADUBAY & GRIFFOND. You have really helped! In answer to a few questions I think I should both add more beads and reduce my clevis size to a 6 as suggested. Think I have been using 8s. I am using both willow and indiana blades. Separately of course! I think I will upload a picture(s) as PSV has suggested as soon as I understand the process. (I am a practicing Luddite when it come s to computers.)

Thanks again

jim

[psv]

Jim,

You can use clevise size # 4 on .051 wire. 3 beads, size 3/16, should provide enough space between back and front blades.

[spinman]

Jim,

Sounds like the guys have given sound advice. I use some big blades on my salmon stuff and have found, especially on my big skirted patterns, that the bearing surface is key. I use a #4 clevis and just beneath that is a 3/16 hollow brass bead (nickel plated). That and making sure you have sufficient space between your blade and skirt are the keys in my book. Hope you get 'er figured.

[BBK]

If it takes a jerk to start you either have too much weight, not a big enough blade, or your clevis is too small. #4 or bigger for musky baits.

Usually the blade/weight ratio is the problem. For instance I can put a #5 french on a 3/4 oz body and it will have to be jerked to start, but if I put it on a 1/8oz body it will start right away.

[ING]

If it takes a jerk to start you either have too much weight, not a big enough blade, or your clevis is too small. #4 or bigger for musky baits.

Usually the blade/weight ratio is the problem. For instance I can put a #5 french on a 3/4 oz body and it will have to be jerked to start, but if I put it on a 1/8oz body it will start right away.

Why blade/weight ratio could create a problem? If is because position angle of lure in the water became more vertical, problem IMHO could be resolved by bigger backtail or by increasing distance between weight and backtail.

Edited May 18, 2012 by ING

[BBK]

the bait does not want to ride level, not enough lift generated by the blades from the start to get it to plane in the water.

If you put more resistance on the back (bigger bucktail) it can help, but you will be adding more weight (the hook) so you need to increase the drag more than you increase the weight.

With the smaller body weight the blade can generate lift and get the bait to plane from the start.