The spinnerbait: a versatile and time-tested lure that has enticed countless bass (and other gamefish) for decades. Its flash, vibration, and overall profile make it a go-to choice for anglers of all skill levels. But is the spinnerbait’s inherent appeal enough? Or can adding a trailer significantly boost its effectiveness? This article dives deep into the world of spinnerbait trailers, exploring their benefits, drawbacks, different types, and when and how to use them to maximize your fishing success.
Understanding The Spinnerbait’s Allure
Before we delve into the intricacies of trailers, let’s briefly recap what makes the spinnerbait so effective in the first place. Spinnerbaits are essentially safety-pin shaped lures featuring a wire frame, a weighted head, a skirt, and one or more spinning blades. The blades rotate as the lure is retrieved, creating flash and vibration that mimics fleeing baitfish or other prey.
This combination of visual and auditory stimuli is highly attractive to predatory fish, triggering their predatory instincts. The weedless design also allows spinnerbaits to be fished effectively in areas with heavy cover, where other lures might snag.
Spinnerbaits shine in various scenarios, including clear and stained water, around structure, and even in open water situations. Their versatility is one of their greatest strengths.
The Trailer Effect: Why Add One?
Now, let’s address the million-dollar question: why add a trailer to your spinnerbait? The primary reason is to enhance the lure’s overall profile and action, making it even more appealing to fish. A trailer adds bulk, alters the swimming motion, and can even introduce additional colors or scent.
Enhanced Profile: A trailer makes the spinnerbait appear larger and more substantial, which can be particularly effective when targeting larger fish or when fish are feeding on bigger prey.
Modified Action: Trailers can significantly impact the spinnerbait’s action. Some trailers cause the lure to run deeper, while others create more lift and allow it to be retrieved higher in the water column. Certain trailer types impart a subtle wobble or kick, further enticing strikes.
Added Attraction: Trailers offer the opportunity to add extra color, flash, or even scent to your spinnerbait. This can be particularly helpful in murky water or when fish are being finicky.
Increased Hook-up Ratio: A larger trailer, especially a soft plastic one, can extend the target profile for short-striking fish, leading to more solid hooksets.
The Downsides Of Using A Trailer
While trailers offer several advantages, they also come with potential drawbacks. It’s crucial to consider these before adding a trailer to your spinnerbait.
Increased Weight: A trailer adds weight to the spinnerbait, which can affect its castability and retrieve speed. You may need to adjust your rod, reel, and line to compensate.
Reduced Action: In some cases, a trailer can dampen the spinnerbait’s action, especially if it’s too large or stiff. The trailer can hinder the free spinning action of the blades or prevent the skirt from pulsing effectively.
Snagging Potential: Depending on the type of trailer, it can increase the spinnerbait’s snagging potential, particularly around heavy cover.
Cost: Trailers add to the overall cost of fishing, as you’ll need to purchase and replace them regularly.
Types Of Spinnerbait Trailers: A Comprehensive Guide
The world of spinnerbait trailers is vast and varied. Understanding the different types and their specific applications is essential for making informed decisions on the water.
Soft Plastic Trailers: These are the most common type of spinnerbait trailer, offering a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some popular options include:
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Grubs: Grubs are versatile trailers with a curly tail that provides a subtle swimming action. They are effective in both clear and stained water.
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Paddle Tails: Paddle tails create a strong thumping vibration as they swim, making them ideal for attracting fish in murky water or when you need to call fish in from a distance.
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Chunks: Chunks are shorter, thicker trailers that add bulk and a subtle kicking action to the spinnerbait. They are often used when targeting larger fish.
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Craws: Craw trailers mimic the appearance and movement of crayfish, a common food source for bass. They are particularly effective in rocky or weedy areas.
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Creature Baits: These are complex, multi-appendage trailers that offer a unique profile and action. They can be highly effective when fish have seen other trailer types and become wary.
Live Bait Trailers: While less common, live bait trailers such as minnows or nightcrawlers can be extremely effective, especially in clear water or when fish are pressured. They provide a natural scent and movement that can be irresistible to fish. Consider local regulations regarding the use of live bait.
Spinner Blades: Adding a smaller spinner blade as a trailer can provide extra flash and vibration. This can be particularly effective in murky water or when targeting highly active fish.
Skirts: Some anglers add a second skirt to their spinnerbait to increase its profile and add extra color. This can be a simple and effective way to customize your lure.
Swimbaits: Small swimbaits, like a Keitech Easy Shiner or similar, can be rigged as trailers to provide a more realistic baitfish profile. These are great when targeting bass feeding heavily on shad.
Choosing The Right Trailer: Factors To Consider
Selecting the appropriate trailer for your spinnerbait depends on various factors, including:
Water Clarity: In clear water, smaller, more subtle trailers like grubs or paddle tails are often effective. In murky water, larger, more vibrant trailers like paddle tails or creature baits can help the spinnerbait stand out.
Target Species: If you’re targeting smaller fish, a smaller trailer is generally more appropriate. For larger fish, a larger trailer can help increase your chances of a hook-up.
Water Temperature: In colder water, fish tend to be less active, so smaller, more subtle trailers may be more effective. In warmer water, fish are more active, and larger, more aggressive trailers can trigger more strikes.
Cover: When fishing around heavy cover, a trailer that is weedless or snag-resistant is essential. Trailers like chunks or craws are often good choices.
Fishing Pressure: If you’re fishing in an area that receives a lot of fishing pressure, fish may become wary of common trailer types. Experiment with different colors, shapes, and sizes to find what they haven’t seen before.
Baitfish Profile: Try to match the profile of your trailer to the prevalent baitfish in the area. If the bass are feeding on shad, a swimbait-style trailer would be a good choice. If they are feeding on crawfish, a craw trailer would be more appropriate.
Trailer Rigging Techniques: Getting It Right
Properly rigging your trailer is crucial for ensuring it performs as intended and doesn’t negatively impact the spinnerbait’s action.
Stinger Hooks: A stinger hook is a small treble hook attached to a short piece of line or wire and added to the bend of the spinnerbait hook. This is a great option if you are missing short strikes.
Hook Size: Match the hook size to the size of the trailer. The hook point should be exposed enough to ensure a solid hookset.
Secure Attachment: Make sure the trailer is securely attached to the hook. Use a trailer keeper or super glue to prevent it from sliding down or falling off.
Alignment: Ensure the trailer is aligned correctly with the spinnerbait. A misaligned trailer can negatively impact the lure’s action.
Trailer Hooks: Use an offset shank worm hook to rig soft plastic trailers, ensuring the hook point is exposed to maximize hook-up ratios.
When To Ditch The Trailer: Simplicity Is Key
While trailers can be incredibly effective, there are times when it’s best to stick with a spinnerbait on its own.
Clear Water: In extremely clear water, a trailer can sometimes spook fish. A smaller, more subtle spinnerbait without a trailer may be more effective.
Weedless Presentations: When fishing in heavy cover where snagging is a major concern, a trailer can increase the lure’s snagging potential. A bare spinnerbait can often be fished more effectively in these situations.
Matching the Hatch: If the fish are feeding on very small baitfish, a trailer may make the spinnerbait too large and intimidating.
Experimentation Is Key: Finding What Works
Ultimately, the best way to determine whether or not to use a trailer on your spinnerbait is to experiment and see what works best in your local waters. Pay attention to the conditions, the fish’s behavior, and your own personal preferences. Don’t be afraid to try different trailer types, colors, and rigging techniques until you find what consistently produces results. Keep detailed notes on what you’re using and what the conditions are, so you can repeat your successes.
Fishing is a constant learning process, and the more you experiment and adapt, the more successful you’ll be. So, grab your spinnerbait, a selection of trailers, and head to the water. You might be surprised at what you discover.
FAQ 1: What Exactly Is A Spinnerbait Trailer And Why Is It Used?
A spinnerbait trailer is any additional soft plastic or skirt that’s added to the hook of a spinnerbait. Its primary purpose is to enhance the bait’s profile and action in the water. This allows anglers to attract larger, more wary fish by offering a more substantial or enticing target. Furthermore, trailers can add color variations and vibrations that are not present in the standard spinnerbait configuration.
Trailers can also serve a practical purpose by preventing short strikes. Often, fish will nip at the end of the spinnerbait without getting hooked. Adding a trailer, especially a longer one, gives the fish more to grab onto, increasing the chances of a solid hookup. Different trailer types also allow you to fine-tune the spinnerbait’s buoyancy, sink rate, and overall presentation to match specific fishing conditions and fish preferences.
FAQ 2: What Are The Different Types Of Spinnerbait Trailers Available?
The market offers a vast array of spinnerbait trailers, each with unique characteristics. Common types include soft plastic trailers like swimbaits, grubs, craws, and creature baits. These trailers add bulk and realistic movement to the spinnerbait. Skirted trailers, often made of silicone or rubber, can also be added to enhance the spinnerbait’s existing skirt or provide a different color pattern.
Another popular option is the split-tail trailer. This trailer produces a subtle kicking action that is particularly effective in clear water. Finally, some anglers even use pork rind trailers, though they are becoming less common due to the popularity of soft plastic alternatives. The best choice depends on factors like water clarity, target species, and desired action.
FAQ 3: How Does A Trailer Affect The Spinnerbait’s Action?
A spinnerbait trailer significantly alters the action of the lure. A bulky trailer, like a swimbait or craw, will slow down the spinnerbait’s retrieve and add more vibration and water displacement. This is ideal for murky water or when targeting aggressive fish. Conversely, a smaller, more streamlined trailer, such as a split-tail, will allow for a faster retrieve and a more subtle presentation.
The type of trailer also affects the spinnerbait’s buoyancy. A trailer with more plastic material will increase buoyancy, allowing the bait to stay higher in the water column. This is advantageous when fishing over vegetation or shallow areas. By experimenting with different trailer shapes and sizes, anglers can precisely control the spinnerbait’s action to match the prevailing conditions and fish behavior.
FAQ 4: When Is It Beneficial To Use A Spinnerbait Trailer?
Using a spinnerbait trailer is beneficial in several situations. When fishing in murky or stained water, a trailer can add extra bulk and vibration, making the spinnerbait easier for fish to locate. It’s also helpful when fish are targeting larger prey, as the trailer creates a more substantial profile. Furthermore, a trailer can be a game-changer when fish are exhibiting short-striking behavior.
Another prime scenario is when fishing around heavy cover, such as vegetation or wood. A trailer can help the spinnerbait deflect off obstacles and trigger reaction strikes. Additionally, trailers are valuable when experimenting with different color combinations and presentations to find what the fish are most attracted to on a given day. They allow for quick and easy customization of your lure without needing to swap out the entire spinnerbait.
FAQ 5: How Do I Choose The Right Trailer Size And Color?
Selecting the right trailer size and color depends on several factors. Match the trailer size to the size of the forage the fish are feeding on. If bass are targeting large shad, use a larger trailer. For smaller baitfish, opt for a smaller, more streamlined option. Consider water clarity when choosing trailer colors. In clear water, natural colors like green pumpkin, watermelon, and shad imitations tend to work well.
In murky or stained water, brighter colors like chartreuse, white, and orange are more visible and can trigger strikes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with contrasting colors, such as a black and blue trailer, to create a unique presentation. Ultimately, the best approach is to try different combinations and observe how the fish react to determine the most effective choice for the specific fishing conditions.
FAQ 6: How Do I Rig A Trailer Onto A Spinnerbait?
Rigging a trailer onto a spinnerbait is a simple process. The most common method is to thread the trailer onto the hook, ensuring it sits straight and aligns with the spinnerbait’s body. For soft plastic trailers, you may need to use a bait needle or toothpick to guide the hook through the trailer’s body. Be sure to position the trailer so that it doesn’t interfere with the spinnerbait’s action.
Some anglers prefer to use a trailer hook, a small hook attached to the spinnerbait’s main hook, specifically designed for holding the trailer. This can improve hookup ratios, especially with shorter trailers. Experiment with different rigging techniques to find what works best for the type of trailer you are using and the type of fish you are targeting. Check the trailer periodically to ensure it hasn’t been torn or misaligned by strikes or snags.
FAQ 7: Are There Any Disadvantages To Using A Spinnerbait Trailer?
While spinnerbait trailers offer numerous advantages, they can also have drawbacks. Adding a trailer increases the spinnerbait’s size and weight, which can reduce its casting distance and make it more difficult to work in certain situations. A bulky trailer can also increase the likelihood of snagging on cover, especially in areas with dense vegetation. Furthermore, some trailers may negatively affect the spinnerbait’s balance or action if they are not properly rigged or are too heavy.
Another potential disadvantage is that the trailer adds another element that the fish can target without getting hooked. If you notice that fish are repeatedly striking the trailer but not getting hooked, you may need to adjust your hookset or try a different type of trailer or rigging technique. In some cases, it might be better to remove the trailer altogether and focus on the spinnerbait’s natural action. The key is to assess the situation and make adjustments accordingly.