How to fish lily pads with a spinner bait?

Lily pads create dense cover on the water's surface, attracting a variety of fish. Spinner baits can effectively lure fish from these hiding spots. Here are the steps to fishing lily pads with a spinner bait:

1. Choose the Right Spinner Bait:

- When fishing in lily pads, select a spinner bait with a Colorado or willow leaf blade for extra blade vibration.

- Choose smaller-sized spinner baits, around 1/4 to 1/2 ounce, to avoid snagging on pads.

- Opt for spinner baits with bright color combinations to attract fish in dark and shaded areas.

2. Cast Near Lily Pads:

- Cast your spinner bait just beyond the edge of the lily pads. This placement allows the bait to sink and retrieve it just at the edge, where fish may lurk.

3. Retrieve Steadily:

- Start your retrieve at a steady speed, allowing the spinner bait to sink into the water column. You can add pauses and slow rolls during retrieval.

- When the spinner bait reaches the surface, twitch or jerk the rod tip to create extra vibration and movement, simulating distressed prey.

4. Fish the Edges and Holes:

- Most fish hide near the edges or holes in the lily pad cover. Cast your spinner bait into these areas to increase the chances of a strike.

5. Be Patient:

- Fishing lily pads can be a game of patience. If there are no immediate bites, keep casting and vary your retrieve speeds until you find the combination that attracts fish.

6. Watch the Water:

- Observe the water's surface. Sometimes fish will follow the spinner bait to the surface without taking the bait. If you notice this, let the spinner bait sink deeper and continue retrieving it slowly to entice the fish to strike.

7. Use a Weedless Hook:

- If fishing in extremely thick lily pads, consider using a spinnerbait with a weedless hook to reduce snagging.

Remember, spinner baits are versatile lures, so feel free to experiment with different colors, blade sizes, and retrieve techniques to find the most effective approach for fishing lily pads in your area.