A Tackle Shop Guide to Trout Spinners
Inline spinners (like the famous Celta or Blue Fox) are deceptively simple. A metal blade spins around a wire shaft, creating flash and a rhythmic "thump." However, using them effectively requires understanding how blade shapes, weights, and colours interact with the current and light conditions. This guide covers the technical details to help you get more out of these metal lures.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"In the shop, I often see anglers ignore the old-school trout spinners in favour of the expensive Japanese minnows. But if I'm heading down to Goulburn and Crookwell or up to the Southern Highlands, I’ll often ensure I take some Celtas.
The reason is versatility. You can fish a spinner shallow, deep, moderately fast, or slow. Some days, trout may ignore every $30 hardbody in the box, but may smash a cheap gold spinner on the first cast. It's not about being fancy; it's about giving the fish a vibration they can track in the flow. Just make sure you manage your line twist, or your session will end in a tangle."
- Ben Czulowski, Owner, Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm)
Blade Colour: Matching Light and Water
The blade is the engine of a trout spinning lure. Choosing the right colour isn't about what looks pretty; it's about physics and light reflection.
- Gold & Copper Blades: These are the top choice for Australian alpine conditions. Many of our trout streams are "tannin-stained" (tea-coloured). Gold and copper reflect light better in this dark water and stand out clearly on overcast days.
- Silver Blades: Best for bright, sunny days and crystal-clear water. They produce a high-intensity flash that mimics the scales of a small baitfish like a galaxias.
- Black / Matte Blades: The "stealth" option. In high-pressure streams where fish are spooked by bright flash, a black blade relies on silhouette and vibration rather than reflection to trigger a bite.
Technical Focus: Managing Line Twist
The single biggest frustration with spinners is line twist. Because the blade rotates around the shaft, it transfers torque to your fishing line. If you don't manage this, your line will coil up and tangle.
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The Swivel Solution: Trout spinners can be run using a lure clip; however, if you experience line twist, it is best to swap over to a high-quality
swivel. A cheap barrel swivel often locks up under pressure. We recommend a high-grade swivel attached about 30-50cm up the line to absorb the spin, or using a snap swivel directly on the lure. Be careful not to use an oversized swivel to avoid killing the action.
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Keel Weights: For trolling, an anti-kink keel (a weighted vane) placed ahead of the lure physically prevents the line from twisting.
Pro-Tips for Stream Fishing
- Cast Upstream: Trout face into the current to watch for food. By casting upstream and retrieving the spinner back down with the flow (slightly faster than the current), you bring the lure naturally into their face. Casting downstream brings the lure up from behind them, which often spooks them.
- Weight Selection: In a shallow stream, a heavy spinner will snag the bottom instantly. Use lighter 2g-3.5g models for streams and save the heavier 7g+ models for long casts in lakes and dams.
- Single Hook Upgrade: If you are fishing a catch-and-release area or a snaggy river, snip off the factory treble hook and replace it with a single hook. It snags less and is much easier to remove. You may also need a small split ring to complete the swap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use an 'old-school' trout spinner over a modern hardbody minnow?
Spinners offer a mechanical advantage: the blade starts rotating the instant it moves, creating immediate flash and vibration. This continuous "thump" calls fish in from a distance in dirty water or low light, often better than a subtle hardbody. They are also significantly cheaper to lose in snaggy terrain.
How do I choose the right weight for a stream versus a lake?
It's a trade-off between depth and casting distance. For lakes (like Lake Eucumbene), a heavier 7g to 13g spinner allows you to cast further and get down deep. For streams, a heavy lure will snag the bottom. A lighter 1.5g to 4g spinner allows you to work shallow runs without fouling up.
Do I need to strike when fishing a trout spinner?
Generally, no. Because the fish is usually chasing a moving lure, they tend to hook themselves on the impact. A sharp lift of the rod is fine, but a violent strike can often pull the small hooks out of a trout's soft mouth.
What is the best speed to retrieve a spinner?
The golden rule is "as slow as possible while keeping the blade spinning." You should be able to feel the rhythmic "thump-thump-thump" through your rod tip. If you wind too fast, the lure will lift to the surface and look unnatural. If you wind too slow, the blade will stall. Find that sweet spot where you can just feel the vibration.
