Compact Spinnerbaits for smallies

[Hogsticker2]

Since the OP asked about compact spinnerbaits as opposed to finesse spinnerbaits, I’m going to go away from the lightweights and instead focus on a compact profile. The already oft-mentioned Spotsticker Mini-Me is a good one, as is the War Eagle Screaming Eagle. Honestly, the Nichols Pulsator series has a very small frame, at least through the 1/2 ounce size, and they are among the most effective spinnerbaits I’ve ever thrown. The Strike King Tour Grade Compact Spinnerbait is another. Often, speed is key with spinnerbaits, and even more so with smallies. For many years, from the Great Lakes to Lake Winnipesaukee and all kinds of clear water lakes, guys used to take full-sized 3/4oz baits, chartreuse with painted chartreuse willow leaf blades, and burn them as fast as they could be reeled and stay in the water (and if that wasn’t fast enough, they’d crimp a 1/2oz rubber core sinker to the hook shank), and smallies would come out of 30’ of water to kill them. But baits with compact frames are generally better for burning, just not the little ones.

Perhaps compact wasn't the best description to describe what I'm after. Compact yes, but I also want light weight, preferably around a quarter ounce. Sorry for the confusion.

[Basshunter1955]

I custom build all my Finesse compact spinnerbait in sizes 1/8oz. 3/16oz. & 1/4oz
I use .032 wire forms & .035 wire forms in these 3 sizes I tend to stay with .035 wire forms
I also build 1/32oz finesse compact spinnerbaits using the .032 wire forms but the lighter forms may get distorted fishing for larger bass. I carry a large supply of baits in these sizes in my boat in several colors. I use the best components & hooks along with skirt materials and accent colors.
I fish these finesse compact spinnerbaits on
6'6" medium heavy spinning rods spooled with
6,8,10 lb maxima line.
I build everything in house pouring the baits air brushing or powder coating all my baits I build finesse jigs and reg jigs Spinnerbaits chatterbaits & Buzzbaits
I can build to spec's and choose colors patterns to what Im looking for.

[PotatoLake]

These are pricey so I like to catch them when they're on sale, but I like the OSP High Pitcher, they are compact and come in 1/4oz. Good combo of vibration and sturdiness.

[sarcazmo]

Strike king rocket shad is VERY compact and comes in decent weights.

[Hulkster]

I use the Strike King Mini King ones

they are 1/8 oz.

[Hogsticker2]

I've been successfully running the high pitcher and the cheebeeble. Definitely tossing spinnerbaits a lot more than usual.

[adam lancia]

I'm liking the Damiki TOT Type 1 lately.

[dragon1]

Freedom Tackle Speed Freak SM/smallmouth 3/8 and 1/2 oz is an under the radar bait... excellent hardware, hook, skirt, blades.

[hoohoorjoo]

Strike king rocket shad is VERY compact and comes in decent weights.

^This^

[Drew03cmc]

Honestly, in my neck of the woods, where we fish for smallies, either lake or Ozark rivers, a compact frame is not an issue. I tend to use either a TBC Ozark Flash or a Megabass SV3. In rivers, I prefer double willow, due to the colorado/willow wanting to rise too much for me. I throw weights from 1/4-1/2oz and bang it off of wood, run weed edges, deep pools, etc. I always run a trailer, normally a 3.8 paddletail, sometimes an old school Zoom spinnerbait trailer. Line will vary from 12 fluoro to 17 fluoro or copolymer.

[DirtyD64]

Since my last post, I have done great with the Jackall Deraspin in 3/8. It is a smaller profile, but only also has 1 blade, so the 3/8 version can run fairly deep. They also have a 1/4 version and a lot of good colors.

[Hogsticker2]

Since my last post, I have done great with the Jackall Deraspin in 3/8. It is a smaller profile, but only also has 1 blade, so the 3/8 version can run fairly deep. They also have a 1/4 version and a lot of good colors.

Yep, have a handful of these

[LuS]

I've been throwing Booyah Pond Spinnerbaits for a finesse profile. They're 3/16oz.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Booyah_ ... YPMBB.html

Those are baits have been very productive for years for me with a 3” grub or small keitech trailer. Absolutely love them.