The Home of the Mighty Murray Cod

Introduction

Over the January school holidays 2005, we had the pleasure of fishing with the Cod Legend, Rod Mackenzie. Within two hours of Rod showing us how to use spinnerbaits correctly, I landed this nice cod shown on the right.

There are dozens of different spinnerbaits brands you can purchase. However, if you are after quality spinnerbaits you cannot go past the Bassman range. These Australian made and manufactured spinnerbaits use only the best components including, one of the world's best spinnerbait ball bearing swivels, allowing the spinnerbait to be retrieved at extremely slow rates. Slow retrieving ability makes them great for all fish species and perfect for Murray Cod and Yellow Belly.

Blades

There are three main types of spinnerbait blades used; the Colorado, the Indiana and the Willow.

As a rule of thumb, the less visibility (due to dirty water, low light, or no light), the more the fish depend on sensing vibrations caused by the spinnerbait. Consequently, the Colorado style blade is more suited to this situation because it displaces more water then the other blades and produces the most vibration.

Willow blades are the thinnest and longest of the three blade types. They produce the least vibration and reflect light well in clear water.

The Indianan blade is a mixture between the above two blades. Its vibration is between the Colorado and the willow. It is a good choice to use in somewhat stained water or in clear water during low light conditions.

Spinnerbait blades come in many colours and reflective finishes. Generally, dark blades are used at night; a gold or copper-coloured blade is used in stained water; gold is good on a cloudy day in clear water; and a silver blade is used on sunny days in clear water.

Skirts, soft plastics and stingers

Skirts add to the attractiveness of your spinnerbait as well as giving your spinnerbait “life” during the retrieve. You can also add skirts to suit different conditions and scenarios. Generally clear water calls for more natural looking colours (green etc) and dirty water calls for darker colours (purples and blacks etc).

“Stingers” or trailer hooks are another very important part of a spinnerbait. Used with a soft plastic they add “bulk” to the spinnerbait and have more “fish attracting power”. They can help turn those miss-hits into hook-ups, especially when the fish are moving extremely slow.

The soft plastic or “trailer” also helps slow the decent of the spinnerbait especially in conjunction with Colorado blades.

Fish that follow the spinnerbait, but do not take it can be enticed by simply changing the colour and/or shape of the trailer.

Spinnerbait weight

The spinnerbait head weight ranges from as little as ¼ oz right up to 2 and ½ oz. The choice of weight depends once again on the situation and personal preference.

In shallow water the lighter heads are used, while in the deeper water heavier heads are used to get the spinnerbait down and to keep it there.

Heavier weights are also used if the conditions involve heavy or gusty winds.

In conjunction with an electric trolling motor, spinnerbaits can be trolled. Head weights as light as 5/8 oz can be used for trolling, although some people prefer heavier.

Three-eights, ½ and 5/8 oz is usually all the weight you will need in slower flowing rivers and lakes in normal casting conditions.

Retrieving

Once you have the correct spinnerbaits and set ups for the water you fish, the next step is learning how to retrieve them correctly. Different retrieves can be the difference between that “fish of a lifetime” and no hits at all.

Slow rolling – One of the most common and successful type of retrieves. This is where you cast the spinnerbait out and let it sink to the bottom. You retrieve it extremely slowly and let it bump and crash in the structure where the fish are hiding. Making sure that the spinnerbait stays as close to the bottom as possible. Make sure you keep the rod tip nice and close to the water (to keep the spinnerbait down) - as shown on the right.

Yo-yoing – Is a modified slow roll retrieve. Once the spinnerbait hits the bottom, give it a quick, sharp jerk. Let it sink and repeat, maintaining a slow retrieve. This technique can sometimes entice the fish just that little bit more to hit your lure.

Bulging – This is a surface technique used when the water is warm and the fish are moving or near the surface. Cast the spinnerbait out (past the target usually) and quickly click the reel into gear. Allow the spinnerbait to cause a “bulge” on the surface, but not breaking the surface (the blades should still be working).

Experiment with different techniques in different conditions and find out what works for you.

Equipment

What you fish for and how you fish determines what gear you will need. If you are targeting Murray Cod and Yellow belly you need to have gear sufficient to land the fish, but not too light as to dangerously wear the larger fish) out. You have to also remember when targeting Yellow belly you may catch Cod and vice versa.

Bait casters make fishing with spinnerbaits a lot easier, a lot more efficient and more productive. Graphite rods are not “a-must”, but again, help with making things easier.

Low profile reels help by being easy to hold onto and are generally lighter then the bigger bait casting style reels. Gear ratios of around 5:1 work well.

Common set ups usually comprise of 25-35lb braided line with a 30-45lb mono leader. Rods are generally 2-4kg or slightly heavier and around 5'6" to 6'6".

Conclusion

If you spend as much time (or casts) with a spinnerbait or a lure in one spot as you would with bait you will out-fish bait astronomically. Pump enough casts into one spot to be sure that a fish is not there, or does not want to attack. Try different colours, types and techniques. Continue to cover the structure thoroughly from all angles and trying different things.

Spend the time and give it the hard work and you will produce excellent results.

Good luck!