Inline Spinners: The most versitile lure?
Top Inline Spinner Brands for Fishing: Mepps, Rooster Tail, Panther Martin, and Blue Fox
Inline spinner fishing lures are a staple for many anglers. Their simplicity, versatility, and effectiveness make them a must-have in any tackle box. In this post, we'll explore four of the top inline spinner brands—Mepps, Rooster Tail, Panther Martin, and Blue Fox—that consistently deliver results.
1. Mepps
Mepps is often the first name that comes to mind when talking about inline spinners. Their legendary Aglia and Black Fury spinners have been helping anglers land fish for decades. Mepps lures are renowned for their high-quality components and precision-engineered blades, which create irresistible vibrations and flash in the water. Whether you’re targeting trout, bass, white bass, or even sunfish, Mepps offers a wide range of sizes and colors to match any fishing condition.
2. Rooster Tail (Yakima Bait)
Rooster Tail spinners, produced by Yakima Bait, are iconic in the world of fishing. Their unique design, featuring a pulsating tail and a spinning blade, mimics baitfish movement, making them particularly effective for white bass and black bass (large mouth, spotted bass etc) and even trout too. The feathered treble hook adds another level of attraction, often triggering strikes even from wary fish. With a variety of colors and weights, Rooster Tail spinners are a go-to for many freshwater anglers.
3. Panther Martin
Panther Martin spinners stand out thanks to their specially designed blades that spin directly on the shaft. This feature produces a unique vibration and flash. While these are mostly known for their use on trout, they are great in warm water creeks and streams and ponds for sunfish (bluegill), small bass, and even white bass. Their concave-convex blade design creates a faster spinning action, which helps attract fish from greater distances. Panther Martin's spinners are trusted by anglers for their ability to get deep and stay in the strike zone longer.
4. Blue Fox (Rapala)
Blue Fox spinners, particularly the Vibrax series, are another top choice for many anglers. The Vibrax design incorporates a two-part body that reduces line twist while emitting low-frequency vibrations, which attract predatory fish like bass, white bass, and large sunfish. The high-quality finish and premium blades ensure that these spinners perform well even in tough conditions. Blue Fox lures are great for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Off-Brand Inline Spinners: Are They Worth It?
While the big-name brands dominate the market, off-brand inline spinners can sometimes offer great value at a fraction of the price. Many lesser-known companies produce spinners that may not have the same premium components but can still catch fish effectively. For budget-conscious anglers or those just starting out, off-brands can be a great way to try out different sizes and styles without breaking the bank.
Ozark Trail (Walmart brand) produces a reasonable off brand inline spinner that works very effectively and is very budget friendly. Alternatively, the in-house brand from Scheel’s is, in this author’s opinion, not worth buying, even at their discounted price.
That said, the main trade-off with off-brands is durability and consistency. The blades may not spin as reliably, or the hooks might rust more quickly. Still, they can work well in situations where you don’t mind losing a lure or experimenting with different colors and patterns.
Conclusion
Inline spinners from top brands like Mepps, Rooster Tail, Panther Martin, and Blue Fox have stood the test of time, delivering consistent results for anglers across the globe. While off-brand options can be effective, investing in a few quality spinners from these trusted names is often worth it for better performance and longevity on the water.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting started, adding these proven spinners to your tackle box is sure to boost your success on your next fishing trip.
