I wish I could know when to fish a spinner bait. Last time I caught a bass on one was an H & H in high school 40 years ago. I just lost confidence I guess
I guess it's just a confidence thing Patrnflyr...I throw a spinnerbait year round...if the fish are: a) shallow water, or b) high in the water column around cover. I've had days where they would absolutely crush a spinnerbait, particularly in early spring. For me they are always tied on and always being tested if either of those two scenarios are present.
I never used to throw a spinnerbait , then one day , after a frustrating time trying every plastic I could think of -- and only having 3 fish for 6 hours , I decided to change it up and move to a cove that was the size of a football field , tons of weeds throughout . I literally caught approx 20 bass , all 2-3 lbers on a 3/8oz white with willow leaf blades in one hour . It was crazy fun . Now , I always have one tied on. I think they are best when you have weeds , wood and /or dirty water . Once the threadfin shad start to spawn ( april/may ) through late fall seems best for me .
Learning to mix up your retrieve is also helpful , ---slow roll , rise and fall , burn it , etc.....
.