Confidence lures are a must-have for any angler\u2019s tackle box. And for more than two decades, one of my go-to trout lures has been the Panther Martin spinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spinners are a popular choice for many anglers, especially in the trout world. Many models catch fish\u2014I have plenty of Rooster Tails and Blue Fox models in my tackle box, too\u2014but 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many anglers in my fishing classes<\/a> have asked me what, exactly, a spinner is supposed to look like. Why are fish attracted to a spinning hunk of metal? It\u2019s a good question, but like many lures, a spinner takes on a different profile when it\u2019s retrieved through the water: it looks like a fleeing baitfish. I mostly lean toward Panther Martins that resemble rainbow trout, brown trout or perch\u2014common prey items for big trout\u2014but I\u2019ve also had success on unconventional color patterns including bright yellow, red, and black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In most scenarios, spinners work best as a \u201ccast-and retrieve\u201d lure. Simply cast them and reel them in at moderate speed. In moving water, it\u2019s best to cast downstream, or at least across and downstream at a 45-degree angle, and retrieve upstream, since that\u2019s the way fish naturally swim. Keep in mind these lures are made of metal and will sink quickly if you\u2019re 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<\/em> well in alpine lakes<\/a>), you can allow the spinner to sink a bit before beginning your retrieve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a fun little trick I\u2019ve learned about fishing Panther Martins: Sometimes, the fish follow the lure, but are hesitant to commit. If you see this happen, try \u201ckilling\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n