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Spinners...make your own
JAL 
    02/01/2005 13:14
Steelhead
Posts: 106
 

SPINNER MAKING

Introduction to basic spinner construction, equipment and supplies.

An Internet search will provide a number of companies which have supplies and equipment…order catalogues.
Judy’s rule # 1 Order as many catalogues as possible, each company will have different components, prices, and descriptions! These are great resources……and they have lots of good fishing stuff!

Tools. Small pliers and wire cutters

Good small pliers are a must. You will need at least one smooth, one with the usual gripper teeth and one that is a nipper, this one is indispensable….. You will be cutting good, hard, stainless steel wire those tools take a beating. My recommendation is find tools that have lifetime guarantees. Why pay the price more than once?

Tackle maker tool will make all the various bends and twists needed to fabricate any spinner. There are
several on the market…prices vary with complexity. This one single item will enable you to construct uniform spinners easily and in a timely manner.

Components:

Small metal bearing beads
Clevises
Blades
Bodies
Colored beads (Optional -contrast, and balance)
Solid metal beads (optional, used for weighting a lure or
making bodies)
Hooks appropriate to blade and body size (trebles or singles, your choice) Hooks may be dressed prior to attachment.

Wire…
Comes in various diameters, use a relative light wire for most
small game fish. Stainless wire comes in rolls and precut lengths…straight and with one end preformed. I
prefer using the preformed end type. Saves time and you already have one good clean eye at the head of the spinner.

BODIES
There is a large variety of shapes, styles and weights.…machined brass, lead , painted,
anodized, nickel plated and probably several that I have not mentioned. Look at the pictures and then make some choices, I suggest you buy in small lots until you learn what you like and are happy with.

BLADES
Here again there are many different blade styles. French, Willow, Colorado and inline to name a few, you have different weights and textures as well as finishes.
After you make the choice of blade styles, then you must also decide on finish: choices include blades that are polished brass, nickel, silver plated, gold plated, copper plated, lacquered, unlacquered, and painted. Generally speaking keep the blades as small as you can and still have the spinner work properly. I never use a blade that is longer than the body…this prevents the blade from interfering with the strike.


Light reflection, blade color and type is important. Something to remember is the nickel blade even though it is shiny and metallic loses its bright flash quickly in water. In just a few feet they actually seem black. If you want bright shiny blades spend the little extra for silver, gold or copper plated blades. For the softer look, polished brass is the choice.

Blade flash is also different with blade shape, French or willow style of blade will produce a big wide flash, where as a Colorado blade will have a ‘light bulb’ type of flash.

Judy’s rule #2 If you are building an unfamiliar type of spinner - have a production sample for comparison.

Spinner assembly
Wire with head eye formed
One small bearing bead
Clevis with blade mounted
One small bearing bead
Bead(s) optional for balance, color, or length adjustment of body
Body
Form bottom eye
Place hook and finish eye

This is a simple manufacturing process.

Judy’s Rule #3 Take your new spinners fishing!

I have included several companies and their urls, these companies have a good supply of components and in most cases print catalogues. There are other companies which sell these items but I have dealt with these companies in the past and had no problems.
Fisherman's Shack http://www.fishermanshack.net/

Stamina Quality Components http://www.staminainc.com/whatsnew.html

E. Hille Company http://www.anglersupplyhouse.com/



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Re:Spinners...make your own
WingNut 
    02/01/2005 18:38
Admin
Posts: 910
 

Thanks Judy. I've been using a LJ T-Spinner in front of a spoon for the last few years on days when the fish prefer a little more flash and thump. Catching fish on a spinner that you made yourself sounds like even more fun. It's a good time of year for tackle making. Catalog perusing too.


Jim...I Fish Therefore I Am
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Re:Spinners...make your own
JAL 
    02/01/2005 21:25
Steelhead
Posts: 106
 

Yes, sometimes bright and flashy helps...and it is a kick to catch fish on
your own spinners. It is a fun and easy to kill time when winter stops the fun.

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Re:Spinners...make your own
t3pt6k 
  Port: Grand Haven, MI   02/03/2005 10:17
Admin
Posts: 2447
 

excellent job JAL - and my bass skills may be useful for salmon fishing - got to love spinners.


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