How to Make Trout Spinners

minnow image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com

You know that big trout is there just beneath the big oak log against the bank. The water has washed out the gravel bar under the log, providing just enough room for the monster rainbow to hold in. You have tried all the best spinners that the manufacturers have to offer to no avail. It is time to turn up the heat and make your own trout spinner. Using a few simple parts, you can construct a spinner that will lure the big fish out for a strike.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Stainless-steel wire
Wire cutters
Needle-nose pliers
Spinner blade and clevis
Beads (glass, plastic or metal)
Treble hook

Step 1

Cut a length of stainless steel wire with a pair of wire cutters. The wire should be 4 to 5 inches long, depending on the size lure you are making.

Step 2

Bend one end of the wire with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Form a small loop about 1 inch from the end. This will be used to tie fishing line to the spinner. Wrap the end of wire around the main length twice. Use the cutters to trim any leftover wire.

Step 3

Attach the clevis to the spinner blade. Slide the horseshoe-shaped clevis through the hole in the spinner blade so that the blade is centered between the holes on both ends of the clevis.

Step 4

Thread the spinner bait wire through both clevis holes. This will close the clevis opening and secure the spinner blade.

Step 5

Slide two or more beads onto the spinner bait wire. The number, size and type of beads will be determined by personal preference and the size of the lure.

Step 6

Form a U-shaped bend just below the last bead on the wire. Leave enough room for the beads to have a degree of movement and to allow for wrapping the wire to secure a hook. Slide a treble hook onto the wire and secure by making two turns with the wire end around the main spinner wire.

Tips & Warnings

Instead of a treble hook, consider adding a dry or wet fly to the spinner setup. This can often add another dimension to the trout spinner.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...