Spinnerbait skirts and blades

[6 lb Smallmouth]

I was recently going through my spinnerbaits. Half of the skirts and blades need to replaced. Does anyone have a brand of skirt that they prefer? What about blades? I need to get some willow blades in order to have a double willow blade presentation. I'm going to be doing some Northern Michigan smallmouth fishing where I'll be either slow-rolling or burning. Anybody have any skirt colors and blade size recomendations for fishing this extremely clear water? Thanks for any tips.  

[Skulley]

I like any thing natural for up north. With the clear water in most places white, chartreuse/Wht/with some blue, shad color or anything along those lines. In spring into summer willow blades. Into fall to late fall Colorado or Indiana blades for more vibration. As far as brand names go for skirts, I have been partial to the Strike King KVD skirt with magic tails. Sexy shad and chartreuse sexy shad have been real good. As far as a Colorado blade goes I like Bugsy's blades. They are a deep cut Colorado blade that throws off more vibration than regular Colorado blades. PM me if you would like to get in touch with Bugsy. I am his union steward so I know where to find him. He makes those blades for the walleye pros for their crawler harness rigs but they work good on spinnerbaits. Bugsy's company is called Great Lakes Angling Products. He caters mostly to the walleye and salmon guys. He has done a few things for me as far as bassfishing goes as he makes jigging spoons. The mainstay of his business has been spoons for walleye and salmonoides. No particular brand favorite for Indiana blades. I hope this helps.


BD.                            

[djkimmel]

Fixed that trailing forward slash mark in the titles.

[jacksonmj]

This is who i use to get my skirts he can make any color you want and his customer service is outstanding.
http://www.blowingupskirts.com/

Mike

[Skulley]

This is who i use to get my skirts he can make any color you want and his customer service is outstanding.
http://www.blowingupskirts.com/

Mike

I'm going to check them out too. Thanks Mike!!   


BD.                           

[6 lb Smallmouth]

Thanks guys for the tips.  UAW- those were the colors I was planning to go with so it is nice to get a 2nd opinion.

Here's one question- what size willow blades do you like?  Do you usually have the 2nd blade a size bigger?   

[Skulley]

The trailing blade is bigger. Since I like to feel vibration in my spinnerbaits, I tend to use an Indiana blade rather than willow in the spring. The rule of thumb is a willow in the spring. If you are using a rod with a fast tip like I do, then you will always feel some vibration. As far as flash is concerned, I think the Indiana blade gives off more than a willow. Sometimes I catch more pike because of the flash, however I have found to have caught better quality bass because of the flashier Indiana blade. As far as blade color, keep it simple stupid, chrome gold or chrome silver. I have experimented a lot with Spinnerbait combinations over the last few years and have built confidence in certain styles and fish them that way almost exclusively. To me being a good Spinnerbait fisherman is to find some designs that work best. You can minimize your tackle to be more efficient on the water. Especially if you don't get as many days out there. You want to catch fish everytime out so only carry lures that work for you. I should really talk. I still carry way too much stuff.....but I'm trying to be better and definitely more efficient.



BD.                               

[Frank]

also try Bassdozer.  I really like the "smallie special", though white with just a bit of red on the bottom is amazing.  McCarter can also custom make them for you.

Frank