I love nothing more than spending a sunny afternoon down by the river casting lures and hoping to hook into a big one. There’s something so satisfying about the tug on the line as a fish takes your bait. Over the years, I’ve tried countless fishing techniques and lures, but a perennial favorite that has caught me more fish than I can count is the simple yet effective beetle spin.

In this post, I’ll share my tried and true method for how to fish beetle spin to help you hook into more action down by the water’s edge. From rigging up your setup to reading the water and making casts, I’ll provide all my best tips to get you spinning your way to more bountiful fishing trips. Let’s get started and get your beetle spins swimming!

9 Best Methods on How to Fish Beetle Spin

1. Choose the Right Rod and Reel:

Before you hit the water, make sure you have the right gear for fishing beetle spin. You’ll want to use a light or medium-light action rod with a fast or extra-fast tip to provide sensitivity and control when casting and retrieving your lure. Pair this with a spinning reel filled with a 6-8 pound monofilament line, and you’ll be ready to go.

2. Rig Your Setup Properly:

Thread your line through the eyelet of your beetle spin, and tie on a swivel to prevent line twists. Then, attach a leader (around 18 inches) with a snap swivel to give your lure extra action and prevent line breakage when reeling in larger fish.  This setup also allows you to easily change out your beetle spin if needed.

3. Understand Your Fishing Environment:

Beetle spins work well in a variety of fishing environments, but I’ve found they are most effective in shallow, weedy areas or near submerged structures. These lures can get caught in underwater debris, so be aware of the terrain as you retrieve your lure. If you’re using a beetle spin with a plastic grub or beetle body, try to match the color and size to what’s in the natural environment.

4. Slow and Steady Retrieval:

Beetle spins have a slower retrieval compared to other lures, but this is part of their effectiveness. Reel in your line at a steady pace, keeping your rod tip pointed down and using small twitches to add action to the lure. This mimics the movement of a real insect or fish, making it more tempting for nearby fish to strike.

5. Use a Stop-and-Go Technique:

Sometimes, slowing down your retrieve and adding some pauses can entice hesitant fish to take the bait. After reeling in for a few seconds, pause your retrieve and let the beetle spin sink for a moment before continuing to reel in. This can mimic an injured or struggling prey item, making it an easy target for hungry fish.

6. Vary Your Retrieval Speed:

While a steady and slow retrieval is usually effective with beetle spins, don’t be afraid to mix it up and vary your retrieval speed. A faster retrieve with some erratic twitches can imitate a fleeing prey, triggering an aggressive strike from predatory fish. This method is especially effective in slightly murky waters where fish rely more on their sense of movement than sight.

7. Try Different Depths:

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different depths when fishing beetle spin, as this lure can be effective at varying levels in the water column. Start by casting near the surface and gradually retrieve your lure deeper until you find success. If you’re not getting any bites, try changing your depth or location until you find where the fish are biting.

8. Keep Your Line Tight:

As with any fishing technique, it’s crucial to keep your line tight when using beetle spin. This allows for better sensitivity and control while also ensuring a better hook set when a fish strikes. Be ready to set the hook as soon as you feel a tug or see your line twitch. This can make all the difference in successfully landing a fish.

9. Be Patient and Persistent:

Fishing with beetle spin requires patience and persistence, just like any other fishing method. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t catch anything right away. Keep trying different techniques and locations until you find success. And remember, even on slow days, being out on the water is a reward in itself.

Following these tips on how to fish beetle spin should increase your chances of hooking into some action and enjoying a fun day out fishing. Whether you’re targeting bass, crappie, or other gamefish, the versatility of beetle spin makes it a great choice for anglers of all levels. So grab your gear, head to the water, and start spinning your way to more fishing success! Happy fishing!

Additional Tips and Tricks to Fish Beetle Spin

1. If you’re not getting any bites, try changing up the color and size of your Beetle Spin. Sometimes fish can be picky and prefer a certain color over another.

2. Experiment with retrieval speeds to find what works best for the type of fish you’re targeting. Some species may like a slow retrieve while others may prefer it fast.

3. If you’re fishing in an area with a lot of vegetation or cover, try using weedless Beetle Spins to reduce snagging and increase your chances of getting a bite.

4. It’s important to vary your retrieve technique when fishing for different species. For example, bass may prefer a more erratic movement while crappie may respond better to a slow and steady retrieve.

5. Don’t be afraid to add a trailer hook to your Beetle Spin for added catching power. This can be especially effective when fishing for larger, more aggressive fish.

6. When fishing in clear water, opt for natural or subtle colors that mimic local baitfish or insects. In murky or stained water, go for brighter and more vibrant colors that stand out.

7. Make sure to check the condition of your line and replace it if needed. A weakened or frayed line can easily break when fighting a fish.

8. When fishing in windy conditions, cast parallel to the wind rather than against it for better control and accuracy.

9. Don’t forget to adjust the size of your Beetle Spin according to the size of the fish you’re targeting. Using too large of a lure can result in missed bites from smaller fish.

10. Lastly, always be aware of your surroundings and follow local fishing regulations to ensure the sustainability of the fish population. 

Following these tips and tricks can greatly improve your success when fishing with Beetle Spins. Remember to stay patient and persistent, as each day on the water is different and may require some adjustments to your technique. Happy fishing! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Beetle Spin?

A beetle spin is a type of fishing lure that consists of a small spinner attached to the eye of a hook. The spinner has two wire arms extending from it, each with one or more plastic beads and a soft plastic grub body attached. This creates an enticing action in the water that mimics small baitfish or insects, making it a popular choice for catching a variety of fish species.

How Do I Use a Beetle Spin?

To use a beetle spin, simply cast it out into the water and then retrieve it back towards you at a steady pace. The spinner will create vibrations and flash in the water, attracting nearby fish. You can also experiment with different retrieval speeds and techniques to see what works best for the fish you are targeting.

What Types of Fish Can I Catch with a Beetle Spin?

Beetle spins are versatile lures that can be used to catch a variety of freshwater and saltwater fish. Common catches include bass, crappie, perch, trout, and panfish. They can also be effective for catching saltwater species such as redfish, flounder, and snook. The type of fish you can catch will depend on the location and conditions where you are fishing.

What Equipment Do I Need to Fish with a Beetle Spin?

To fish with a beetle spin, you will need a fishing rod and reel suitable for the size and weight of the lure, as well as a fishing line with a suitable weight and strength. It is also helpful to have a pair of needle-nose pliers for removing hooks and a small tackle box to store your lures and other necessary fishing equipment.

Are There Different Sizes and Colors of Beetle Spins?

Yes, there are various sizes and colors available for beetle spins. The size of the lure will depend on the size of the fish you are targeting, and the color can vary depending on water and light conditions. It’s a good idea to have a variety of sizes and colors in your tackle box so you can switch them out as needed.

Conclusion

Knowing how to fish beetle spin is a valuable skill for any angler. With its versatility and effectiveness, it’s a lure that can catch a wide range of fish in various conditions. Experiment with different techniques and colors to find what works best for you and have fun on your next fishing trip! Remember to always follow local fishing regulations and practice responsible catch-and-release methods to help preserve the health and sustainability of our waterways. Happy fishing!