There are a lot of lures out there today for anglers. Large oversize crankbaits, trolling spoons, finesse worms, spinners, flies, and so many more, but nothing is more versatile and effective than the underspin.There are various models of underspins, with the author favoring the Berkley Fusion model, but the original Road Runner can't be beat as well. 

What Is an Underspin?

The underspin, which came to life thanks to Bert Hall in 1958, was initially used as a finesse lure for crappie and other panfish. The "Roadrunner," named by Hall, was used in the Ozarks' streams and reservoirs by anglers chasing trout and panfish. With a wide variety of species, I am sure a few bass were caught as well. For the most part, however, the Roadrunner was used for trout and panfish.

On the bass front, the lure started becoming a bit more noticed by anglers other than panfish specialists in 1971, when Bill Fletcher notched a 10th-place finish in the Bassmaster Classic on Lake Mead. For a long time, the underspin was known as a marabou jig with a small spinner, really made for panfish.

In 2015, that all changed when Casey Ashley won the Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell using a larger homemade underspin (created by his dad using a horsehead design) tipped with a fluke-style soft plastic. From that point on, many other manufacturers began making their own versions, including designs with lifelike heads meant to imitate smaller baitfish.

How to Fish an Underspin

As I primarily use the lure for largemouth and smallmouth bass from Maine to Florida, I can assure you of one thing: if you do not have one tied on at least one rod on every trip, you are missing the boat.

The underspin is a versatile lure that can be fished in cold water, warm water, and even icy or extremely hot conditions. The lure shines best when there is some form of baitfish in the system you are fishing, but it can also be effective when larvae or smaller insects are present.

Underspin Sizes and Setups for Panfish and Trout

If you are targeting smaller trout and panfish, the underspin is going to be on the smaller side (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) and usually in brighter colors. You can tip the lure with a small piece of worm or a small grub-style soft plastic, again typically in a brighter color.

For crappie and panfish, I will target blow-downs and scattered brush and fish them fast on the outside edge. Allow the lure to bang off the structure without getting hung up. When targeting trout in streams or shallower areas, the smaller size with a trailer allows the lure to work the entire water column. The lure is light enough to bounce along the bottom without snagging and can also stay high in the water column for actively feeding fish.

Underspin Sizes for Bass Fishing

Underspins come in a variety of sizes, however, for bass, the author prefers 1/4 and 3/8 ounce and will vary trailer size to match the hatch.When I switch over to larger bass, I move up in size to 1/4 or 3/8 ounce, with 1/2 ounce used when the water is over 20 feet deep and I want to make long casts and drag the lure along the bottom.

The underspin will get bit by bass in a wide variety of circumstances. I find it works best when bass are feeding heavily on baitfish like shad, herring, or even bluegills. It is also a great lure to use when you see fish crashing the surface on these baitfish.

Underspin Retrieve Techniques

The underspin shines in a variety of applications.

Cast and Retrieve
The first technique is the simple cast-and-retrieve method. Make as long of a cast as the water allows. As soon as the lure hits the water, begin reeling at a moderate to fast pace, keeping the lure near the top of the water column.

Sink and Slow Retrieve
The second technique is the sink-and-slow retrieve. Make a long cast, then allow the lure to fall all the way to the bottom. Do not close the spool until the line goes slack. Once the lure reaches the bottom, begin a slow retrieve, dragging it along the bottom while keeping the blade spinning.

Stop-and-Go and Surface Crash
The final method is what I call the stop-and-go and surface crash. The stop-and-go involves casting toward birds or surface bait activity. As the underspin hits the water, take three to four quick cranks of the reel, then pause and allow it to sink. Reel fast again, then let it sink.

The surface crash technique involves watching for fish exploding on baitfish. Try to determine the direction they are pushing the bait, cast just ahead of them, and reel as fast as possible.

Trailers for Underspin Fishing

The author strongly prefers Keitech soft plastics as trailers for underspin lures due to their natural swimming action and consistent performance across a wide range of conditions. The Keitech 2.8-inch model is the go-to choice for most situations, offering an ideal balance of profile, action, and versatility.

Do not overlook the importance of the trailer itself. A properly matched trailer can significantly increase strike rates, especially when bass are keyed in on baitfish. When bluegills are present, dyeing the tail blue can add a critical visual trigger and often makes the difference between a follow and a bite.

Best Underspin Rod, Reel, and Line Setup

There are a ton of rod and reel combinations on the market, and KastKing makes several that fit the bill. With underspin fishing, there are times when long casts can work to your advantage.

A proven setup that has worked well for me is the KastKing Assegai Power Spin rod matched with a 3000-size Skeet Reese reel. Spool it with 10-pound KastKing Hammer FFS braid and a 12-pound-test Kovert Essential fluorocarbon leader. This setup is extremely effective.

For the leader, I prefer a long length of fluorocarbon that makes it back onto the spool by at least two turns after the cast. This provides excellent shock resistance when landing fish from a boat or from shore. I use a GT Knot to connect the braid to the leader, and it has never failed me.

There are several other great combos that work extremely well with underspins. The KastKing Royal Legend Pro 7'2" rod paired with the KastKing Royal Legend Pro spinning reel is another excellent option, allowing underspins to dance, crawl, and cast a mile.The Royal Legend series, specifically the 7'2" rod and 3000 reel make a great spinning combo and one that won’t break the bank, while throwing underspins. 

Final Thoughts on Underspin Fishing

In closing, the underspin should always be included in your arsenal. Whether it is the original Road Runner or one of the many newer designs, adding a few different weights and colors can make a significant difference. I guarantee that if you use them, the fish will come calling.

About the Author: 

Tom Melton is an outdoor writer and lifelong angler with over 40 years of fishing experience. In 1994, he served as Editor of The Fisherman Magazine on Long Island. He has written more than 5,000 fishing articles and columns and is the author of Fishing the Long Island Coast. Now based in Florida, Tom focuses on freshwater bass fishing as well as saltwater species, sharing practical techniques and gear insights for anglers of all levels.