Tuning Single Colorado Blade Spinnerbaits

[rkg]

I've just started making a few spinnerbaits because I can't find the colors locally that I've had good success with. I've tried to copy a single Colorado deep cup 3/8 oz. spinner bait and everything seems to be fine but I'm not sure about the torque factor. The bait runs very smooth until I speed it up then slowly tips from side to side just a little bit. I used a #5 Colorado blade because I saw that on a website somewhere. Should I change to a smaller blade or should I shorten the arm? It does look like the upper arm is longer than some of the others I've seen.

Thanks,

Ron Greenbank

[CountryKat]

You can fix the problem by doing what you suggested. Use either a smaller blade or cut off the wire shaft in 1/8" increments until you get the results you are looking for.

[Mr B]

The #5 Colorado is about as big as I would go on a 3/8oz bait. A blade that size on a bait that weight is a slow roll bait. If you need to speed it up I would go to a 1/2oz bait. When I need a deep slow roll bait I use a 5/8oz bait with a #6 Colorado. If I need to slow it down like in muddy water i go to a 1/2 oz bait w/ a #5 or #6 Colorado or if it is shallow a 3/8oz w/ a #4 or #5.

The blade arm should not be too long or too short. Single colorado blade baits should be able to be used as a drop bait also. When you stop the bait the bait should fall straight down perpendicular to to bottom as if it were still running forward. The blade will helicopter directly above the head.

If your bait wants to roll it is probably not the right blade/weight combo for that speed. If it wants to roll to one side even at slow speeds bend the arm in the opposite direction.

Hope this helps

Mr B