I've been comparing wintertime spinnerbait fishing tactics with a couple of
folks here at ROFB, and Jack Dalzell reminded me of something.... I've
always relied on a short-arm spinnerbait with a single CO blade for cold
water, but I should be open to other ideas. I mentioned my usual setup to
Jack, and here was his reply:

"My experiences with very cold water (35-45 degrees) is, I use a 3/4oz
shad/shiner color (white or white/chartreuse if the water is stained,
chartreuse/blue for mud) with a small Colorado blade in front of the largest
Indiana blade I have (not sure of sizes, but I sure am fond of Indiana
blades, especially during cold water) with a #11 Uncle Josh pork in either
white or chartreuse. I slow roll this bait on any rip rap that I can find,
throwing the bait very shallow and retrieving it out to about 10-15 ft of
water. Most strikes are very subtle, feeling like a leaf on the bait, or the
blades quit turning. One other tip that I have is... I wrap the hook shank
with electrical soldier. The SW baits really are equipped for this because
of the keeper barb which prevents the soldier from moving, and I have
created many a 1-oz. SW using this technique."

Thanks, Jack.... good suggestion. I'm looking at one hanging on the
microphone stuck to my monitor right now.... better toss it on the top of my
sack so I can try it out tomorrow.

Joe
--
Banish winter blahs with a fishing background
at http://secretweaponlures.com/scrsvr.htm
(Got the URL right this time)