Bluegill on a Beetle Spin

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11-09-2020, 02:46 PM
ArthurLK11

Bluegill on a Beetle Spin

The beetle spin used to be my go to lure for panfish. Then around May or June of this year I discovered the Trout Magnet and that thing has taken over. Over the last half year I'd say that if I'm targeting panfish, I'm using the Trout Magnet 4 out of 5 times. On this trip though I decided to go back to the beetle spin and toss that thing around for a little bit. Ended up with a handful of bluegills which I was more than happy with. Hope you like it.

https://youtu.be/co7_U6bOgE4
11-10-2020, 05:32 AM
Spoonminnow

I started using tail-less soft plastics a few years ago but never with the overhead spinner. Will have to try it. But I am surprised you didn't use a Crappie Magnet with it - a classic lure shape similar to the original used with the Beetle Spin when first introduced decades ago. Curl tail grubs are also one of my favorites used with spinners.

Since I make most of my own soft plastic designs, I found that lure size - other than length - can make a difference especially in murky water caused by suspended green algae in late summer.

Theory: the lateral line is like sonar to a fish and it feels the bulk of the lure as well as the vibration of the spinner. The body of your grub (or any grub for that matter) becomes the focus of the attack but not to eat it. Fish get p.o.'d like humans when intruders (lures or other fish) get too close and attack.

Liked the video BTW.

There are thousands of soft plastic designs panfish in general attack including the Crappie Magnet that are worth trying. Various body / tail combinations have silhouettes and actions that cause stikes. In you case the grub can be used without the spinner and still catch most fish species due to the wobble of the lure as you twitch it occasionally on the retrieve. Try it. The action is magic. I came up with these in spring and they and others like them have be producing big time! :
https://i.imgur.com/9zvC6mZ.jpg?1 https://i.imgur.com/qqMWtvs.jpg?1 https://i.imgur.com/zlJgiux.jpg https://i.imgur.com/QIm4gHX.jpg

Variety is the spice of fishing in my book - lure variety that is.

Too bad about the weed spraying. The homeowners had 3500 weed eating carp put into one of my best lakes for fishing years ago and the lack of weeds killed fish quality. It also encouraged the spread of gigantic lily pads that are too thick to fish or get a boat through.
11-10-2020, 08:54 AM
ArthurLK11

Thanks for the reply. Interesting theory on the lure size relating to why the fish bite it, makes sense. Also, I ordered some Crappie Magnets last week and I'm waiting for them to come in. I'm curious how they'll perform, especially compared to the Trout Magnet. I hope they're not too big.
11-10-2020, 10:16 AM
deathb4disco

Dude, get a fly rod.

I just got back from a fly fishing trip in Florida. If I lived in Florida, I might not even own a spinning rod.
11-10-2020, 02:17 PM
ArthurLK11

Quote:

Originally Posted by deathb4disco

Dude, get a fly rod.

A bunch of people have actually told me this over the last couple years. Quite frankly I'm a bit intimidated by it. The set ups and rigging seems way more complex.
11-10-2020, 02:24 PM
deathb4disco

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArthurLK11

Quite frankly I'm a bit intimidated by it. The set ups and rigging seems way more complex.

The fly fishing industry often makes it seem more complicated than it is. Trout guys, in particular, do this. For the bass and panfish you'd be targeting in Florida, a very simple outfit would work perfectly.

I'll look for a good, basic video and PM it to you.
11-10-2020, 03:00 PM
bassnbrain

Very cool beetle spin gets em! I been using a small fly n bobber guess its a float n fly technique!!
11-10-2020, 05:25 PM
BobC

Real nice looking baits, Spoon.
11-10-2020, 05:28 PM
BobC

Quote:

Originally Posted by deathb4disco

The fly fishing industry often makes it seem more complicated than it is. Trout guys, in particular, do this. For the bass and panfish you'd be targeting in Florida, a very simple outfit would work perfectly.

I'll look for a good, basic video and PM it to you.

You are absolutely correct on that, DB4D. Fly fishing for pans is a blast and they are so darn cooperative the action is non stop some days. VERY forgiving of lousy casting while you hone your skills.
Bob
11-10-2020, 07:32 PM
Spoonminnow

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArthurLK11

Thanks for the reply. Interesting theory on the lure size relating to why the fish bite it, makes sense. Also, I ordered some Crappie Magnets last week and I'm waiting for them to come in. I'm curious how they'll perform, especially compared to the Trout Magnet. I hope they're not too big.

You might be surprised how large a lure a sunfish can get its mouth around. Caught gills on these recently:
https://i.imgur.com/P5RLqwp.jpg https://i.imgur.com/W03rCXs.jpg https://i.imgur.com/e07ZYf0.jpg https://i.imgur.com/B22S226.jpg?1

Magnets are fine for all species and the only part of a Trout Magnet I use is the tail for making super small lures. BTW if all you're catching in that pond is small gills, smaller lures may be key. Small plastics need a 1/32 ball head jig with a #8 hook.