Mepps® Aglia Long Spinner
Target Species: Muskie
Also Good For: Northern Pike, Walleye, Largemouth Bass
When it comes to northern climate cold water fishing, the Mepps Aglia inline spinner is a lure made of legends. Many a story have been told of epic battles on this lure with monster Muskie and Northern Pike the size of a grown man. Not surprisingly, they always somehow got away. But one thing that even the most colorful storyteller could never exaggerate - it was always on a Mepps Aglia.
First Impressions
This is an impressive lure right out of the package. I'm already believer in inline spinnerbaits and have used them in both salt and fresh water with great success. What makes the Mepps Aglia impressive is the fact that its big for freshwater. It's meant to catch big fish. Unlike most freshwater inline spinners which are primarily designed for trout, the Aglia is meant for big, toothy fish. The construction is of heavier gauge wire and materials as would be expected if trying to land a 50" Muskie. Most apparent is the treble hook and something you should be keenly aware of when handling this lure - especially when opening the package.
Fishing the Lure
The Mepps Aglia is meant to move. This lure, like most inline spinners, has a specific speed retrieve where it's action is maximized. Once you hit that spot, the blade will throw flash in multiple directions while the oversized bucktail will trail with a shimmy.
I find the Mepps most effective when throwing into and across river channels with moderately moving currents.
Basically, pulling the lure through the currents and trying to catch the attention any Pike sitting in the ruts. I've caught Northern Pike as big as 40" in river water less than 2 ft deep this way. When fishing from a boat another effective technique is to forward weight the lure about 36" - 48" above the tie and troll slowly. Make sure you include some wire leaders, you might be surprised how big some of those Muskie get!
Review Summary
We rate the Mepps Aglia a 74 or Excellent. It's a legendary inline spinner and has a proven track record. A variety of colors and sizes are available which will allow you to fish a range of weather conditions. If you fish for predator fish, no matter your locale, saltwater or freshwater the Mepps Aglia can be counted on to trigger strikes from big fish!
