Wordens® Rooster Tail® Inline Spinner

Target Species: Trout
Also Good For: Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike

The Rooster Tail inline spinnerbait from Worden's is a classic lure that is cheap and effective against a variety of species. Simple in design and often overlooked, we recently pulled this lure out of the tacklebox to remind ourselves how it became a classic in the first place.

First Impressions

Calling our experience with the Rooster Tail a first impression would be more of a false impression. There's not one member of our review team that has not used this lure in their past somewhere. The Rooster Tail is usually one of the first artificial lures introduced to a youngster just starting in the sport. Design simplicity, cheap cost, and the variety of colors available make it an early favorite in one's fishing career. Plus, it catches fish!

Fishing the Lure

For the most part, the Rooster Tail is a staple in top water or streams and is especially effective on several trout species and largemouth bass. The primary action of the lure is the forward spinning blade which provides plenty of flash, when it's running true. One knock we give the lure is that once the center wire is bent, getting the spinner to run consistent can be a chore. A light set-up is also the rule as Rooster Tails are most effective at 1/4 oz. or less. Careful attention must be taken to avoid wind knots on the cast when using a spinning set-up. Heavier versions are available for deeper water, used primarily in trolling for Muskie and Northern Pike.

The most effective way to fish an inline spinnerbait is a slow, steady retrieve allowing the forward blade to throw flash in all directions.

An alternative method however, is to pause on the retrieve, forcing the spinner to stop rotating allowing it to drop erratically downward like a dying shad. Similar in concept to a vertical jigging technique, it usually gets the attention of otherwise disinterested fish.

Review Summary

We consider a 62 rating very respectable and definitely worth keeping in the tackle box. The Rooster Tail from Worden's offers an effective, low cost lure that will be valued in shallow water or when stream fishing. If you fish for Brown Trout or Rainbows, consider several in a variety of colors. Always start with yellow or gold!