An inline spinner is the small-stream spin angler's universal tool. A blade rotates around a straight wire body on the cast and retrieve — flash and vibration triggers strikes from trout, smallmouth, panfish, and just about anything else that eats minnows.
The blade type changes how it runs. Three to know:
- Indiana / French blade (Mepps Aglia): rounded, lifts the lure on retrieve. Easier to fish over weeds and obstructions.
- Willow leaf (Rooster Tail family): narrow, runs deeper, less lift. Better in faster current.
- Colorado: very wide and round, lots of vibration. Stained water specialist.
Size is the other knob. #0–#1 for small streams and panfish; #2–#3 covers most trout and bass water; #4+ is for big water and toothy fish.