Confidence lures are a must-have for any angler’s tackle box. And for more than two decades, one of my go-to trout lures has been the Panther Martin spinner.
Spinners are a popular choice for many anglers, especially in the trout world. Many models catch fish—I have plenty of Rooster Tails and Blue Fox models in my tackle box, too—but if I could only throw one, it would be a Panther Martin. The blades give off just the right combination of flash and thump, and they come in dozens of durable, attractive paint jobs.
Many anglers in my fishing classes have asked me what, exactly, a spinner is supposed to look like. Why are fish attracted to a spinning hunk of metal? It’s a good question, but like many lures, a spinner takes on a different profile when it’s retrieved through the water: it looks like a fleeing baitfish. I mostly lean toward Panther Martins that resemble rainbow trout, brown trout or perch—common prey items for big trout—but I’ve also had success on unconventional color patterns including bright yellow, red, and black.
In most scenarios, spinners work best as a “cast-and retrieve” lure. Simply cast them and reel them in at moderate speed. In moving water, it’s best to cast downstream, or at least across and downstream at a 45-degree angle, and retrieve upstream, since that’s the way fish naturally swim. Keep in mind these lures are made of metal and will sink quickly if you’re not reeling. A fast retrieve is typically required in moving water like the Boise River. If you use them in deeper water (they work very well in alpine lakes), you can allow the spinner to sink a bit before beginning your retrieve.
Here’s a fun little trick I’ve learned about fishing Panther Martins: Sometimes, the fish follow the lure, but are hesitant to commit. If you see this happen, try “killing” your retrieve for a quick second. This will send the lure fluttering downwards, disrupting its pattern. This method has triggered countless strikes, either on the pause, or immediately after I resume reeling.
Panther Martins come in several sizes. Most of mine are the size 4 (1/8 ounce) or size 6 (1/4 ounce). These lures are effective, easy to use on light spinning gear, and relatively affordable, usually starting out around $4. Mae sure to grab a few the next time you visit your favorite tackle shop. Tight lines!