The simple answer is: no, you don’t need a trailer for a spinnerbait to catch fish. Spinnerbaits are inherently effective lures on their own, designed to attract bass and other predatory fish with their flashing blades and vibration. However, adding a trailer can significantly enhance their appeal, increase their effectiveness in specific situations, and give you a greater degree of customization to match the conditions and the fish’s mood. This article, drawing on years of experience and research, will dissect the nuances of spinnerbait trailers, helping you decide when and how to use them to your advantage.
The Base Value of the Spinnerbait
Before delving into trailers, it’s crucial to understand why spinnerbaits are effective solo. Their appeal stems from a few key factors:
- Flash and Vibration: The rotating blades create significant flash and vibration in the water, mimicking the movement of fleeing baitfish. This is especially effective in murky water or low-light conditions where visibility is limited.
- Weedless Design: The wire arm that connects the blade to the hook acts as a weed guard, allowing you to fish spinnerbaits through heavy cover where other lures might snag.
- Versatility: Spinnerbaits can be retrieved at varying speeds and depths, making them suitable for a wide range of fishing scenarios.
These intrinsic qualities often suffice to trigger strikes, particularly when fish are aggressively feeding or when fishing in clear water.
The Advantages of Adding a Trailer
While not a necessity, adding a trailer to your spinnerbait can offer several compelling advantages:
- Increased Bulk and Profile: A trailer adds bulk to the lure, creating a larger profile that can be more visible to fish, particularly in stained or murky water. This bigger target can be crucial for drawing attention.
- Enhanced Action and Vibration: Certain trailers, like paddle tail swimbaits, add additional action and vibration to the lure, further stimulating the fish’s lateral line and triggering strikes.
- Color Customization: Trailers allow you to easily change the color of your lure, matching the hatch or experimenting with different color combinations to see what the fish are responding to. This is especially important when water clarity changes or during different seasons.
- Improved Hook-Up Ratio: Some trailers, particularly those with longer bodies, can help the fish get a better grip on the lure, resulting in improved hook-up ratios. This is especially useful when fishing for short-striking fish.
- Slow Down the Fall Rate: A bulky trailer can slow down the fall rate of the spinnerbait, keeping it in the strike zone longer. This is particularly useful when fishing shallow water or targeting suspended fish.
These benefits underscore the strategic value a trailer can bring, transforming a good lure into a potentially great one.
Types of Spinnerbait Trailers
The market offers a wide array of spinnerbait trailers, each with its own unique properties and applications. Some of the most popular options include:
- Grubs: These are typically single-tailed grubs that add minimal bulk but contribute subtle tail action. They are a good choice for clear water or when you want a more finesse presentation.
- Paddle Tail Swimbaits: These trailers provide significant action and vibration, making them ideal for murky water or when you want to attract attention from a distance.
- Creature Baits: These trailers mimic various aquatic creatures, such as crawfish or insects. They can be particularly effective when fishing around structure or during periods of heavy insect activity.
- Skirts: Some anglers add a second skirt to their spinnerbait to create a larger profile and more erratic action. This can be a good option for fishing in stained water or when you want to imitate a school of baitfish.
- Split Tail Trailers: These are versatile trailers with a split tail that provides subtle action and a realistic appearance. They are a good all-around choice for a variety of fishing conditions.
Choosing the right trailer often involves experimentation and understanding what the fish are keying on in a particular situation.
When to Use a Trailer
Determining when to use a trailer is just as important as choosing the right type. Consider these factors:
- Water Clarity: In murky or stained water, a larger trailer with a lot of action is often a good choice. In clear water, a smaller, more subtle trailer may be more effective.
- Fish Activity: If the fish are actively feeding, a trailer that adds more action and vibration can help trigger strikes. If they are lethargic, a more subtle presentation may be necessary.
- Target Species: Different species of fish may have different preferences for trailer types. For example, largemouth bass often respond well to paddle tail swimbaits, while smallmouth bass may prefer grubs or split tail trailers.
- Structure: When fishing around structure, such as logs or rocks, a trailer that mimics the local forage can be effective.
Ultimately, the best way to determine whether or not to use a trailer is to experiment and see what works best in your local waters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Spinnerbait Trailers
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the use of spinnerbait trailers:
FAQ 1: What’s the best color trailer to use with a spinnerbait?
The “best” color depends on water clarity and the prevalent forage. In clear water, natural colors like green pumpkin or watermelon are often effective. In stained water, brighter colors like chartreuse or white can be more visible. Matching the local baitfish is always a good starting point. Experimentation is key!
FAQ 2: How do I rig a trailer on a spinnerbait?
Most anglers slide the trailer onto the spinnerbait hook, ensuring the hook point is exposed. Some trailers, like paddle tail swimbaits, may have a slit for the hook to run through, providing a more secure hold. Consider using a trailer keeper to further prevent the trailer from sliding down the hook shank.
FAQ 3: Does a trailer affect the spinnerbait’s action?
Yes, significantly. Trailers add bulk, change the vibration profile, and can alter the lure’s fall rate. A large paddle tail will increase vibration dramatically compared to a small grub. Understanding these changes is crucial for selecting the right trailer for the conditions.
FAQ 4: Can I use a trailer on all spinnerbaits?
Yes, you can use a trailer on virtually any spinnerbait. However, consider the size and weight of the spinnerbait in relation to the trailer. A very small spinnerbait may be overwhelmed by a large, heavy trailer.
FAQ 5: What are trailer keepers, and do I need them?
Trailer keepers are small devices that help prevent trailers from sliding down the hook shank. They are particularly useful with soft plastic trailers that tend to slip easily. While not essential, they can save you time and frustration by keeping your trailer properly positioned.
FAQ 6: How do I choose the right size trailer for my spinnerbait?
The size of the trailer should be proportional to the size of the spinnerbait and the size of the fish you are targeting. Generally, larger spinnerbaits can handle larger trailers, while smaller spinnerbaits are better suited for smaller trailers. Aim for a balanced presentation.
FAQ 7: Can a trailer negatively impact the spinnerbait’s performance?
Yes, an incorrectly sized or rigged trailer can negatively impact performance. Too large a trailer can dampen the action of the blades or cause the lure to run awkwardly. Too small a trailer may not provide any noticeable benefit.
FAQ 8: Are there any disadvantages to using a trailer?
The main disadvantage is added complexity. It requires selecting and rigging another component. Also, a poorly chosen trailer can negatively affect the spinnerbait’s action, as mentioned above.
FAQ 9: Can I use more than one trailer on a spinnerbait?
While possible, using more than one trailer is generally not recommended. It can create an unnatural appearance and potentially hinder the lure’s action. Focus on selecting one trailer that best suits the conditions and your fishing style.
FAQ 10: Does using a trailer improve my hook-up ratio?
Potentially, yes. A larger trailer gives the fish a larger target to strike, increasing the chances of a solid hook-up. However, the effectiveness depends on the type of trailer and the fish’s behavior.
FAQ 11: Are there specific trailers for certain types of spinnerbaits (e.g., willow leaf vs. Colorado)?
While not strictly defined, some trailers pair better with certain blade types. Willow leaf blades, known for their fast retrieve and subtle flash, often benefit from streamlined trailers like grubs or split tail trailers. Colorado blades, which produce more vibration and lift, can be paired with larger, bulkier trailers like paddle tail swimbaits.
FAQ 12: Where can I find more resources on choosing and using spinnerbait trailers?
Online fishing forums, YouTube channels dedicated to bass fishing, and tackle store websites often provide valuable information and reviews of different spinnerbait trailers. Experimentation and personal experience are also key.
Conclusion: The Trailer’s Place in Your Tackle Box
While a spinnerbait can certainly stand alone, understanding the nuances of trailers and their applications can significantly elevate your fishing game. They provide an extra layer of customization, allowing you to adapt to changing conditions and the ever-fickle preferences of the fish. So, while not a necessity, adding a spinnerbait trailer is a powerful tool in the arsenal of any serious angler. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks, you can confidently decide when and how to utilize these versatile additions to maximize your success on the water.