Bass Sized Spinnerbaits for SKI?

[jlong]

I'm looking for some small spinnerbaits (1/2 to 3/4 oz.) to use for muskies. I've been using the cheap bass spinners, and they simply get destroyed after one or two encounters. Anyone making a bass size spinnerbait with musky components (heavy wire, larger hoooks, etc.)???? If so, where can I get one?

I've been eyeing up the Grim Reaper Little Hot One... but I prefer a SINGLE blade design. Any ideas?

jlong

[B420]

I have done very well with Musky Candy by Fudally, they are basically a beefed up bass spinner,with bucktail instead of rubber. I believe they are all tandem spinners with colorado blades though at this time.
B420

[Finbar]

I just cut the small blad and clevis off the muskie candie spin--works great.

[tomyv]

take a look at terminator spinnerbaits, you can get the smaller sizes, and they will hold up to muskies because they're titanium.

[DanKlis]

Jason,

I have (I think) 6 Esox Spinners, these were made about 12 years. I have never used them. You are welcome to have them if we can set-up a trade. I will be in Waukesha on friday night in Ty Sennett's booth and part of Saturday.

Dan

[jlong]

Dan,
I'm sure we can work out a trade, however, I will NOT be attending the Waukesha show. Email me if you want to "negotiate". I'm sure I have something of interest to trade.
jlong

[snaggletooth]

Hey,

I'm interested in bass spinnerbaits for musky too. Now, after a very humbling experience in Canada.
My partner and I spent almost an entire week fishing Sabaskong Bay on LOTW last August and never had any musky action whatsoever. We caught many pike up to 35 inches, but not even a musky follow. Other anglers in camp were getting muskies, but were tight lipped about presentations.
Because it was my 3rd trip to the lake, I stayed with my game plan that had worked there before; casting black & silver bucktails, surface baits, jerk baits, and large crankbaits like Jakes or Depthraiders in and around mid-lake island and reef complexes as described in Mr. Pearson's book. (Yes, I read the whole book too)
At the end of the week, while paying our bill at the resort office, another group that had lots of musky action was there, and one of their guys told me the hot baits all were "bass-sized". In particular, he said a black & silver terminator spinnerbait was hot for him. He CPR'd a 50 incher on it.
Since the trip, I've spent lots of time trying to decide what I should have done differently. Sure, the bass bait "size thing" is obvious now. Going in, I never thought I needed small baits for musky; it's Canada !!
But, I also believe I should have tried probing deeper water around the complexes for suspended fish, perhaps trolling.(but I get bored quickly when trolling)

Jlong, have you had a similar experience ?
Chuck C.

[Steve @ G & S Guide Service]

Tom,

Unless Terminator has changed their wire, don't bet on them not breaking.

My kids got me 3 of them for Father's Day a couple of years ago. I broke all of them bass fishing within the first week. I must admit that Terminator stood behind their products and shipped me 3 for every one that broke.

But after all of those broke as well, I gave up on titanium and went back to steel wire. They might bend up on a fish but they can be straightened several times before they break.

Since then, I've gone to using Secret Weapons and don't be fooled by using a small bait. The 1/2 and 3/4 oz. lures work great!

Steve @ G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods. http://www.herefishyfishy.com

[Murph!]

Mike McCullen of Fudally Tackle previously used bass spinner baits especially when fishing tournaments. That is why he came of with the Candy Spins. Heavy wire and hooks yet small in size. Take a look at them Mike will have them at all the Muskie Expos and Waukesau this week end.

Good luck, Murph!

[MuskyTom]

I agree with Steve. I really like the Terminator spinnerbaits for bass, however three have broken on the cast. The company stands behind their product and replaces them, however I would hate to lose a fish to a shattered spinnerbait.
Tom

[Jim R]

Georgo Wahl, maker of Eagle Tails used to make a bass/pike size single hook spinner bait. I have one and the quality is good. Not sure if he still makes them but maybe?

[Angus]

Take a look at the MSB-125 on www.fishtek.com. We can make a 5/8 oz and a 3/4 oz. using the same hooks and wire. It would be a custom bait with your choice of skirt, blade, and trailer colors (not just the 3 stock colors of the 1 1/4 oz).

Angus

[jlong]

Great feedback so far. Just bringing this back to the top to see if I can get a few more ideas. Thanks for those that already responded.

jlong

[Waterwolf]

Jlong,
Give Mike Ruff a call, he could probably make you some custom Rad Dogs in smaller sizes.
Mike Ruff- (320)253-3261
Have a good one!
The Wolf

Have a good one!
The Wolf

[kmon]

Dang, wish I'd known terminator would replace broken spinners for free. My wife gave me two for my birthday and they didn't last more than a few days. I wonder if titanium isn't too notch sensitive to make an effective lure material.
I've been using fundally spinners and they work great. Jlong, I find double blade designs catch more fish. But you might want to check that with the rest of the musky hunters as my experience is limited.
It was a big spinner two years ago that got me hooked on musky fishing. Tossed it into a weedbed opening and boom, 25 lb musky. Two days later, same spot, same reaction. This musky threw the hook as it leapt a couple feet into the air. Been a musky fisherman ever since.