Fishing is an exciting and rewarding activity, especially for kids. It not only teaches patience and perseverance but also allows young anglers to experience the thrill of catching their first fish. One of the most effective and fun lures for kids to use is the spinnerbait. This versatile fishing lure is simple to use, visually appealing, and effective in catching a variety of freshwater fish, particularly bass, which are abundant in Canada’s lakes and rivers.
If you’re a parent or guardian in Canada looking to introduce your child to fishing, learning how to create a custom spinnerbait fishing lure can be an enjoyable and educational experience. In this tutorial, we will walk you through the process of making a custom spinnerbait, how to use it, and why it’s a great choice for kids. We’ll also include tips for improving your child’s fishing success with spinnerbaits in Canada’s various freshwater environments.
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1. What is a Spinnerbait Fishing Lure?
A spinnerbait is a type of fishing lure that features one or more rotating blades attached to a hook. The blades spin as the lure moves through the water, creating vibrations and flashes of light that attract fish. The spinnerbait is commonly used for targeting species like bass, pike, and walleye, and it’s effective in both clear and murky water conditions.
The lure consists of the following components:
- Wire Frame: This holds the components of the spinnerbait together.
- Blades: The rotating blades are usually made of metal and are the key feature of a spinnerbait, creating movement and noise that attract fish.
- Hook: The hook is typically attached at the bottom and is used to hook the fish once they strike.
- Skirt: A colorful, skirted material that covers the hook and mimics the appearance of baitfish.
2. Why is a Spinnerbait Perfect for Kids?
Spinnerbaits are an excellent choice for kids, especially beginners, because they are:
- Easy to Use: Spinnerbaits require minimal technique and can be used with a simple cast-and-retrieve method. This makes them ideal for young anglers who may not yet have developed more advanced casting techniques.
- Highly Effective: The spinning blades create visual and vibrational cues that mimic the movement of injured prey, making them irresistible to fish. This increases the chances of a successful catch, which is motivating for kids.
- Versatile: Spinnerbaits can be used in a variety of freshwater environments, from shallow lakes to deeper river systems, and can target a wide range of fish species commonly found in Canadian waters.
- Engaging: The flash and movement of spinnerbaits add an element of excitement to the fishing experience, which can capture a child’s attention and help them stay engaged.
3. How to Create a Custom Spinnerbait Fishing Lure for Kids
Creating a custom spinnerbait can be a fun DIY project for you and your child. It allows for creativity while ensuring that the lure is tailored to the specific fishing conditions you’ll encounter in Canada’s lakes and rivers. Here’s a simple step-by-step tutorial on how to create a spinnerbait:
3.1. Materials Needed
To create a custom spinnerbait, you will need the following materials:
- Spinnerbait Wire: This will form the frame of the spinnerbait. It’s available in various gauges, but for kids, a medium-gauge wire is easiest to work with.
- Spinnerbait Blades: Choose from Colorado, Indiana, or Willow blades, which each create different movements and flashes. For kids, a Colorado blade is a great option, as it produces more vibration and works well in murky water.
- Skirt: You can buy pre-made skirts in different colors and materials, or you can create your own using rubber or silicone strands. Bright colors like chartreuse, white, and orange are popular choices for freshwater fishing in Canada.
- Hook: A size 2/0 or 3/0 hook is ideal for bass and other common freshwater fish in Canada.
- Swivel: This allows the blades to spin freely and prevents the wire from twisting.
- Crimping Tools: These tools help secure the hook and blade to the wire frame.
- Beads (Optional): Adding beads to the spinnerbait can add extra weight, which is useful for fishing in deeper water.
3.2. Assembly Instructions
Step 1: Cut the Wire Frame
- Start by cutting about 6 to 8 inches of spinnerbait wire. The length will depend on how large you want your custom spinnerbait to be. For kids, a shorter, more compact size is easier to handle.
Step 2: Bend the Wire
- Using pliers, bend the wire into a “U” shape, leaving a small portion at the top to form the hook attachment. The other end will be used to attach the spinnerbait blades.
Step 3: Attach the Blade
- Slide a swivel onto the wire and then attach the blade. Make sure the blade is free to spin when the spinnerbait is retrieved. Secure the swivel with crimping tools.
- You can attach multiple blades, depending on the design. A single blade is a simple design, but adding two blades (one on the top and one on the bottom) will give the lure extra action.
Step 4: Add the Skirt
- Slip the skirt over the hook, and make sure it covers the area around the hook. The skirt is what gives the spinnerbait its realistic appearance, mimicking the tail or body of a baitfish. You can choose a single color or a combination of colors to match the local forage in the area.
Step 5: Attach the Hook
- Attach the hook to the bottom end of the wire using crimping tools. Be sure it is securely attached and that it faces outward so that fish can be easily hooked.
Step 6: Test and Adjust
- After assembling the spinnerbait, test it in the water to ensure the blade spins properly and creates the desired flash. You may need to adjust the angle of the wire or the position of the blade to achieve the perfect action.
3.3. Customizing Your Spinnerbait
Kids can have fun customizing their spinnerbaits by choosing different colors and patterns for the skirt and blades. For example, if you are fishing in clear water, try using a natural color like silver or white. For murky water, vibrant colors like chartreuse, red, or orange will be more visible and attract fish.
Also, the type of blade used can affect the lure’s action:
- Colorado blades are excellent for creating vibration, making them perfect for murky water or slower retrieval speeds.
- Willow blades produce a lot of flash and are great for clear water, where fish rely more on sight than vibration.
- Indiana blades provide a balanced combination of vibration and flash, making them versatile in various water conditions.
4. How to Use a Spinnerbait Fishing Lure Effectively
Once your custom spinnerbait is ready, it’s time to use it in Canada’s lakes and rivers. Here’s how to get the most out of your spinnerbait:
4.1. Casting and Retrieving
- Cast the spinnerbait near structure like submerged rocks, fallen trees, and weed beds. Bass often hide near these structures, waiting for prey to pass by.
- Retrieve the spinnerbait with a steady, consistent motion. You can try different speeds to see what the fish respond to best.
- Vary the Retrieve: If a steady retrieve isn’t working, try pausing and starting again or speeding up the retrieve to imitate an injured fish.
4.2. Best Time to Fish
The best time to fish with a spinnerbait is typically in the early morning or late afternoon, as fish are more likely to be near the surface during these times. Overcast days are also great for spinnerbait fishing because fish are more likely to feed in low-light conditions.
5. Conclusion
Creating and using a custom spinnerbait fishing lure is an excellent way to introduce kids to the joys of fishing. Not only does it allow them to get involved in the process, but it also provides an engaging way to learn about fishing techniques. Whether you’re targeting bass in one of Canada’s many freshwater lakes or casting in a nearby river, a spinnerbait is a versatile and effective tool that is perfect for young anglers.
Visit Lurebolt.com to explore our selection of high-quality spinnerbaits and other fishing lures, designed to help both kids and adults succeed on their fishing adventures.