In-line Spinners for Bass

Hey guys. Just looking to start up some more conversation here as we get closer to spring to get the blood flowing. Who else out there uses inline spinners for bass when the fishing gets tough? Some people consider it wimpy or whatever, but I have had days where you can catch a limit on the inlines, but nothing else will work. My dad and I found this out a couple falls ago. We worked wood structure with in-lines and spinnerbaits. Not only did the inlines seem to catch many more fish, but we also had the keeper bites we were looking for. I think inline spinners such as a mepps no. 2 or 3 can really portrait what a small baitfish looks like. The bass sure seem to love them!
I know I’m not the only one that does this, but some people seem to throw odd looks or comments when I say that I’m using a mepps. My 2nd biggest bass ever was caught on a mepps no. 2 though

Here are 2 pics of some bass My dad and I caught in October ’04 on a blue skies, tough high pressure day

chunky 2-1/2 lbers like these won’t shy away from the good old mepps!! Mike Iaconelli would back me up on that statement

The very first tournament I ever fished, I drew a partner that had plenty of tricks up his sleeve for early spring bass. One of then was an inline spinner To be honest, I was wondering what the heck was he doing with one of those when fishing for bass. That question soon faded when he proceeded to catch quite a few fish So, they do work, even though it is considered out of the norm

I’ve been a fan of inline’s for years, particularly the largest of the Worden’s Rooster Tail type. I’ll use 1/4 & 3/8 oz a lot in yellow, chartreuse and black.
I’ve also started making a lot of my own in-lines. I got into making these when I was making large Muskie bucktails.
What I like about making my own is the greater selection I can add to my arsenal.
On the Mississippi I will single hook some inlines with a twister tail and bump the blade over rocks and wood.
The only problem I’ve had with inlines is the more fragile nature—bend the main shaft and it can be tough to get them tuned to start quickly. Another reason for making by own- multiple blade selections and a big ole colorado blade will almost always start upon retrieve.
I wouldn’t ever leave my inlines at home because they definitely can be another tool on a tough day.

My formative years getting into artificials were spent chucking Mepps 2 & 3 spinners. We caught tons of northerns, bass, and a few walleye, too. I’m sure they work now just as good as ever, even though I never throw them anymore. The only downside is some line twist.

Mepps and Panther Martins. Smallies can’t resist them.

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Mepps and Panther Martins. Smallies can’t resist them.

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Tom – we know you’d never throw them in the river…

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Mepps and Panther Martins. Smallies can’t resist them.

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Tom – we know you’d never throw them in the river…

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Or on a pond

Sorry, I thought I was in the Trout Forum.

It was a Dark-Dark day when Mepps took the White blade-White skirt #2 off the market.

It makes me sad………Thanks for bringing it up Cade.