To spin or not to spin? That is the question.

Ask fishermen which bait is optimal and you’ll receive a variety of different answers.  Some prefer live bait.  Others prefer dead bait.

At the opposite end of the bait spectrum are jigs and spinners.  Which bait is the best?

Let’s find out.

The Case for Live Bait

The primary obstacle with the live bait option is accessibility.  Search the web for outdoor fishing and live bait shops near you and it might be difficult to find one within 20 miles.

Make the effort to snag live bait and you’ll find attracting fish is surprisingly easy.  In particular, live bait is highly effective in freshwater as the bait makes the water appear lively for predators.

Live bait is also optimal as it appeals to a wide variety of fish.  Factor in the nearly irresistible appeal of live bait’s fresh scent and you’ll find it’s hard to go wrong with this option.

As long as you don’t mind touching slimy and wiggly live worms, take the live bait route and you’ll likely be satisfied with your haul.

Spinners and Jigs

Let’s shift our attention to the more convenient and accessible bait options in spinners and jigs.

Bladed and vibrating jigs are particularly popular for good reason.  Both types of jigs yield impressive hauls in shallow waters.  If you typically fish in especially shallow waters, opt for the vibrating jig.

Those fishing water that is beyond a foot or two in depth are encouraged to lean toward spinnerbaits.  Some bladed jigs also fare well in water with additional depth.

Fishing a Depth of 8+ Feet

Venture to deeper waters beyond 7 to 8 feet in depth and you’ll find spinnerbait is the best option.  Though some bladed jigs attract fish in water that is 8+ feet deep, bait of this size isn’t guaranteed to remain secure at considerable depth.

In contrast, fishermen who use a half ounce spinner bait in fairly deep water find it holds strong even amidst strong current.  Slow roll your spinnerbait down low through the water and you’ll reap the rewards.

Water That is 10+ Feet Deep

Head on out for a fishing expedition on water that is 10 or more feet deep and you’ll find lightweight bait doesn’t cut it.  Heavy bait weighing an ounce or more will be necessary to keep the temptation low and in position.

Both bladed jigs and spinnerbaits will get the job done at water of 10 feet in depth or more.  In general, spinnerbait yields better hauls than larger bladed jigs when fishing water of considerable depth.

In-Water Action

Spinners spin while jigs jig.  Spinning action attracts specific types of fish while the jigging motion draws in others.

The particular fish in the waters you fish should determine your bait selection.

The flash and color of spinnerbait appeals most to bass, bream, pike, perch, chub and walleye.

In contrast, the jigging technique draws in bluegill, salmon, bass and trout.

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