Premeir League Lures River Special Spinnerbait Review

Brand: Premier League Lures

Model: River Special

Price: $7.99

Being a river fisherman I rely heavily on reaction strikes. In the fast, rock strewn, waters of my home river the bass strike quickly, and ferociously. In the event their hunt for prey is successful you know it, because it hurts. I’m constantly on the lookout for a bait that fish devour and that result in my arms aching. One such bait is, without a doubt, the River Special spinner bait from Premier League Lures.  Premier League has combined several unique elements to “reinvent” the time tested, and fish proven, spinnerbait formula. First and foremost, I would like to point out, and applaud, that these baits are made in the U.S.A. The company from Brandon Mississippi has a cult following among river fisherman throughout the southeast; and for good reason.  

The River Special comes in weights of 1/4 or 3/8 oz . I have found the 1/4 oz to be the perfect tool for slower water in wider rivers where current does not have much effect on presentation or retrieve. This size also lends itself perfectly to shallower slack water found around bridges, blow downs, and eddy pools. The appearance of this spinnerbait “hustling” out of slow water, where it could be easily ambushed, is flat out deadly. The smaller size and profile make it perfect prey for the spry spotted bass, and behemoth largemouth, that lurk in our Southern rivers.

When dealing with faster, or deeper, rivers the 3/8 oz RiverSpecial is my weapon of choice. In some of the swifter flows I have found a heavier bait is necessary to reach the larger fish that tend to “hang back” in fast water or plunge pools. While numerous fish will take an offering presented near the top of the water column, the big girls like their meals “delivery” style. The larger profile allows the bait to be controlled during a retrieve through deeper water, perfectly.  Also in cases where blow downs hold fish over deeper pools, especially in the colder months, these spinner baits can really make your day. When the temps have dropped the larger fish hold in the deeper water below the large blow downs. They will feed, when a flashy morsel is laid in their “lap”. In this instance I always reach for the heavier River Special in order to get the bait to sink, then maintain a slow, enticing, retrieve. Big fish cannot resist an easy meal full of hook; I mean protein.

Presented in either Chartreuse and Pearl or my personal favorite, Peacock, the combination of color and flash is too much for any fish to ignore.  The quality skirts have not only the looks, but also the toughness, to show river fish who’s in charge. I have been blown away by its durability; the very first River Special I was able to get my hands on landed over 100 fish! Yes, you read that right. The same blades, hook, and even skirt outlasted the barrage of rocks, current, and especially angry fish that only a river can throw at any bait. Fish after fish, I was amazed at how well the bait held up. It finally met its demise at the teeth of a voracious 40” gar that unfortunately could swim faster than I can reel.

One of the real secrets behind the fish catching mojo of this spinner bait has to be the blades. Known as the “Fade Blade” for the two-toned appearance, these colorado and willow blades are truly unique. With a 24kt gold appearance that transitions to a chrome like finish, the multi-colored blades give off a vibrant flash. The shine and flash draws fish from across the river in clear water. When slow rolled in muddy or dirty water these blades have an “aura” that surrounds them and creates a perfect  contrast to the dull water around them.

Having fished these spinner baits during the summer I can tell you that they are great for early mornings, and evenings on the river. In the fall and winter they excel when slowly retrieved around heavy cover over deep water. When the local ladies are feeding heavily on shad this bait can be easily mistaken for one, and subsequently crushed in slow, open water. While I pride myself on being open minded to the possibilities of a better made, more productive spinner bait, I have yet to find one. To be fank, this spinner bait does everything any other spinner bait does; only better!

Premier League Lures can be found on the web at www.premierleaguelures.com and on Facebook.

 Written by: Stewart Venable

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