Oscillating lures and methods of placing them

Advantages of fishing with spinner spoons

Oscillators have a lot of advantages. Among them:

Versatility.
All-weather.
Wide choose.
Relatively low price when compared with wobblers and other baits.
Due to their shape and weight they can be cast far, even without adding weights. You can fish both from a boat and from the shore.

In theory, having a set of oscillators, you can do without other gear altogether. Although, according to experts, there are periods when fish prefer other baits. Buyers are also attracted by the fact that the oscillating Atom spinners can be bent to achieve a similar game. This can be done with pliers, preferably near water. With each change, wiring is done without deep penetration in order to see the resulting game.

Read: Spinner spinner

What are Atom spinners?

“Atom” is a spinner that was first released more than 60 years ago, and it has been repeatedly tested by spinners of various levels. The action of the bait is stable and does not go beyond its axis, which is similar to the movement of living objects. With the right skill, the atom spinner imitates the behavior of a frightened or injured fish, which is trying its best not to become prey to predatory fish. With this, the Atom pike lures provoke the predator to attack better than other lures.

Form

There are several variations of the Atom spinner from different companies. Their essence is that they all retain the main features of the original Soviet models.

Model "Atom"

The first model, the production of which began in the Soviet years. It has a pear-shaped shape, which is now used in spinners. The average weight is about 15−20 grams, and the colors are different. It is characterized by a relatively calm game in its amplitude, which is universal.

Model "Atom 2"

The model has minor external changes, due to which the game itself has changed a little. Initially, the spoon was created for catching pike in still water and was reduced to 2.5 cm in length, due to which it became more wide-profile than the first model. The look, bend and geometry were taken from the first model. By playing with the speed of the retrieve, you can select attractive vibrations for each type of predatory fish.

Mister cro atom

A modern spinner “Mister Cro Atom”, which has retained the features of the original models, such as the spinner “Atom” and “Atom 2”, but has been improved by craftsmen. It stands alongside the most catchy pike spinners, such as the Abu Garcia, and is available to almost every professional spinning angler.

Effective use is achieved when fishing by casting and on the track, on rivers and lakes that have a slow or medium current. Fast wiring sets the activation of the game, and slow wiring sets a smooth and harmonious movement.

"Aqua atom"

A relatively inexpensive model that has a sharper and more streamlined shape than the standard pear-shaped one. Its main feature is its tail, which, as the creators believe, provokes the fish to attack. Pike and perch bite especially well on it. Can be cast over long distances.

Dimensions

Atom oscillators are produced in standard sizes and shapes, usually 20−70 mm. Thickness from 1 to 2.5 mm. For example, the Aqua Atom spinner has a size of 4 cm, and the Atom 1 spinner has a size of 48 mm. And if we take “Atom 2”, then the Lithuanian manufacturer has different options for metal thickness, which allows you to select the desired thickness depending on the flow.

Color

You can find the right color in almost any design. If the classic one was more of a silver color, then the new models mean almost any color. There are both bright colors and more neutral ones, which are considered the most catchy.

At first, experienced fishermen use classic colors such as white, and if there is no success, then the tackle changes to aggressive colors. What color is best to choose a vibrator for specific weather is described below.

Spinner Atom

9 minutes Author: Semyon Grazhdantsev 475
Spinner baits are among the oldest spinning baits, but they are still actively used by many fishermen to this day. Despite the large number of new products, many experienced spinning anglers prefer long-produced models, proven by time and thousands of fishermen. These include the famous Atom spinner, which has been on the market for more than fifty years. Like other spinning baits, it has certain features and is also available in several models and varieties.

Description

Atom spinners began to be produced back in the USSR, and even then they were in good standing among predator fishermen. They were made in a pear-shaped form, expanding downwards, which is preserved by some companies to the present day. It provides the bait with a stable natural play within its own axis, which makes its movements similar to the behavior of a small wounded fish. Due to this, it attracts predators quite effectively, and also works well both in still water and in currents. Another important point is the presence in its middle of a small longitudinal bend, which turns into the main recess in the lower part - this design allows the flow of water to flow directly to the main elements of the spinner's relief, which also significantly affects its behavior when retrieved.

The dimensions of the Atom, like all similar baits, can vary quite a lot, which gives the fisherman the opportunity to choose a spoon for his own needs: at least 2 centimeters, at least seven. Depending on the mass, the thickness of the bait also changes, and often the metal from which it is made. Typically, the weight of such a spinner varies between 1 and 2.5 millimeters.

There are a huge number of colors of this spinner. Although the silver model is considered a classic, manufacturers are now painting their products in a wide variety of colors, trying to please the selective demand of anglers. Thus, now you can buy both a classic silver or copper spoon, as well as yellow, white, green or even painted to resemble exotic fish.

In addition, such baits are also made in a noise version, when two petals are fastened together with the same winding rings. This design allows them to collide with each other and produce a characteristic sound while moving.

Currently, you can also find classic Atom spinners, but in addition to them you can buy quite a lot of varieties made by different manufacturers taking into account their own developments. They are labeled differently and have their own unique features. Below is a description of the most popular of them.

Atom 2

One of the varieties of the legendary spinner, positioned as designed specifically for catching pike in stagnant waters. In fact, the Atom 2 spinner has very few differences from the original - usually this is a difference in the level of bending, not exceeding 1-1.5 millimeters, as well as the presence of a notch in the form of fish scales, which is not present in all representatives of the species. In addition, they are made from other alloys. Otherwise, the appearance of the number 2 is more of a marketing ploy, as some fishermen believe. The production of this model is currently carried out mainly by the Russian company Kolebalka-Peter. There are other brands that produce spinners with this marking, but the products of the St. Petersburg manufacturer are most widely represented in fishing stores.

Spinnex Atom

Polish version of the classic spinner. Positioned as a universal bait for catching predators in rivers and lakes. It differs from classic specimens by the presence of a scale-shaped notch only on the lower part of the spoon. The downside of these baits is that some models, especially painted ones, are made of metal, which tends to rust when damage appears on the surface of the coating.

In general, products from the Polish manufacturer have proven themselves well when fishing both with wire and when trolling at a not too high speed. Despite the existing shortcomings, Spinnex spinners have many adherents.

Mister Cro Atom

The 67 mm long spinners, manufactured by another Russian company, almost completely retain the shape of the original Atom. An interesting fact about them is that they have a fixed length regardless of mass. The weight of lures from Mister Cro can be 12, 18, 22 or 24 grams, but the colors are replete with variety. There are both natural golden colors and options that have multi-colored stripes or are painted to match the color of the fish, including those painted in the front of the eyes.

The manufacturer recommends using your Atom on reservoirs with no or weak current to get the most realistic game. At the same time, depth is not a problem for this spoon - depending on the mass, it can be quite effectively used both in shallow water and in deep holes and pools.

Abu Garcia Atom

A Swedish spinner that has significant differences from its Russian counterparts. First of all, this is manifested in its shape - it has a less pronounced narrowing in the front part, which significantly changes its game. In addition, fairly large transverse bends are pressed across the body of the bait, which increases water resistance and accelerates vibrations during retrieval.

Atoms from Abu Garcia are available in weights from 12 to 35 grams. In addition, they have a high-quality coating that is resistant to external damage. The colors of these spinners are also very diverse and are presented in both natural and bright tones. The manufacturer’s assortment allows you to choose an option for fishing both for perch or pike, and for more specific types of fish, such as salmon.

RB Atom

Another model from a Russian manufacturer. The length of Russian Spinner products varies depending on the weight and ranges from 62 to 75 millimeters. The differences in their shape from the classic Atom spinners, manufactured more than 60 years ago, are almost unnoticeable, which is why they retain the same game within the zone of their own axis, simulating a wounded fish. The main distinguishing feature is the special relief developed by the company, combining scales, transverse stripes and an imitation fish eye in the front part. This surface creates an additional play of light, which makes the bait even more similar to a small fish, but at the same time much more noticeable even in muddy water.

Obviously, there is a fairly wide variety of Atom spinners from different manufacturers. However, in most cases the same prototype was taken as a basis, which is why the game of most of them is, if not identical, then very similar. For this reason, the determining criteria for choosing a vibrator are often appearance and workmanship.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any bait, Atom spinners have their own advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of the bait include:

Productivity. According to reviews from some anglers, Atoms are among the most catchy oscillations for many predatory fish species.
Price. Since such lures are produced by a large number of companies, you can always choose a bait that fits your budget.
Range. The elongated shape, low center of gravity and fairly large mass provide these lures with a high casting range, especially if we consider heavy models - their weight, combined with adequate aerodynamics, allows the lure to be placed exactly where the angler is aiming.
Postings. Due to their shape, Atoms can be used effectively even on fairly slow retrieves, while most oscillators only start playing at relatively high speeds. Usually, for such animation, the lightest spinners from the model range are used.
Not picky. Like many other spinners, Atoms are not sensitive to the gear they are used with, which is often the problem with both wobblers and jigs, as well as some rotating and oscillating spoons, especially trout ones. This type of bait, in turn, can be animated even with an iron rod with a reel, if necessary - its wiring will lose practically nothing from this.

Despite the large number of advantages, the Atom is not without its disadvantages, the main one being poor play in the current. The fact is that initially this bait was not intended for fishing on stormy rivers, which is why a water flow can ruin its game or simply send it into a tailspin.

Reviews

Conclusion

Atom spinners have been used by anglers for more than half a century and still remain very effective. Currently, there is a fairly wide range of baits of this shape, manufactured by different manufacturers using similar technologies. Among them there are both budget and quite expensive options, and the variety of sizes and colors is so great that it can certainly satisfy the needs of even the most demanding fisherman.

How to properly tie an Atom to a fishing line

It is not recommended to tie the “Atom” to a fishing line if you plan to catch pike. This is fraught not only with the loss of the spoon, but also with the loss of fish. Pike have quite sharp teeth, and if the individual is large, it can easily swallow the bait and bite the fishing line. To prevent this from happening, you need to use a leash. If you decide to catch perch, then a fishing line will suffice.

Read: Retractable leash for spinning rod equipment and installation

Nodes

This simple knot is called a "universal" knot. A fishing line is threaded into the eye of the spinner, and its end is pulled 10 cm so that a loop is formed. The end of the fishing line wraps around the fore-end at least 5 times. The free end threads through the loop that has already been prepared. The fishing line is threaded from the inside of the eyelet. Before tightening the knot, be sure to wet it, otherwise the line will burn out due to friction.

This option is suitable for attaching braid to Mister Cro Atom spinners and other baits. It's called "Palomar". A folded fishing line is threaded through the eye of the spinner, and then a regular knot is formed. Then you need to throw the loop that comes out of the knot through the spoon and tighten it. Cut off the remaining end of the fishing line. It is recommended to do this when attaching an atom 2 spinner, since the option is simple, and there is a step-by-step process in the photo.

Read: How to properly attach a spinner to a spinning rod

How to make it yourself

To make an Atom spinner with your own hands, you will need the following materials:

sheet metal 1-2 millimeters thick;

winding ring or ring with swivel;

winding ring with treble hook.

Important!

The tee should not be too small. In size it should correspond to the width of the spoon or slightly exceed it.

metal scissors;
drill;
punch;
hammer;
file;
grinding materials.

Drawing and production

Before you begin, you should make a drawing of the future bait, which should show all the proportions of the product.

The manufacturing process looks like this:

First, a template is made from thick cardboard.
Trace the contours of the spinner on the metal according to the template.
Cut out the workpiece.
Using a punch, a recess is formed in the back of the workpiece.
Drill holes for the winding rings in the front and rear parts of the workpiece.
The spinner is processed.
Carry out assembly.

Features of the bait game

If we talk about large pike, then on the “Atom” they are caught from the bottom. A slow retrieve is suitable here, which is performed at minimum speed, without moving too far from the bottom. The spoon is cast and sinks to the bottom. Often the blow awaits even while descending to the bottom. When the spoon sinks to the bottom, with sharp and short movements it is thrown to the surface and falls to the bottom again.

After each jerk, the cord is pulled out using a quick turn, after which another 2-3 turns are made, only slow ones. That is, the point is that a couple of revolutions are made, then there is a pause, if a predator is nearby, then it will take it just during the pause. This is a universal method that will work not only on rivers, but also on ponds.

They are also caught using wiring with twitching elements, for which the “Mister Cro Atom” oscillating spoon is ideal. To do this, it is enough to add three to five weak jerks at any moment you like. During this, the spinning rod must be in a horizontal position. At this moment, the spinner's play will resemble the movements of a wobbler, that is, it will move from side to side.

Sometimes monotonous jerking wiring is done. This is when the rod jerks two or three times, then pauses and jerks again. This attracts a predator. There is also a similar technique, but each jerk should be harder, have a constant amplitude and a vertical position of the spinning rod.

Then the bait will move to the sides and approach the surface. It would be a good idea to count the seconds before the vibrator falls to the bottom, so the picture of the bottom will be clear, including pits and edges. The spinner cord must always be taut; this is the only way to hook a predator in time.

If these methods do not give results, then a smooth, monotonous wiring with rare, short pauses will do. This can be either surface wiring, or approximately in the middle water column. Perch and pike actively take it, although everything depends on the reservoir, weather, time of year, type of spoon, etc.

Read: Types of spinning wiring

Rating of the best swings

The best spoons for pike, rated according to expert reviews:

"Atom". This legendary equipment appeared in the arsenal of fishermen back in Soviet times. It declared itself so loudly that it is still produced today, and is produced by a large number of serious companies. In the results of discussions about what color the most catchy Atom spoon is, there is a rare unanimity, based on monitoring the opinions of experienced fishermen. These are lures with a black back, the color of silver or wet stone, as well as spinners, the color of which consists of 2 colors. The red tail or hairy plumage of the tee increases the number of bites several times. According to experienced spinners, it may well be called a “killer” of pikes and is absolutely not afraid of competition from other spinners.
"Daiwa Crusader" A unique spinner with a unique shape that provides an extremely attractive game for predators. Even the slowest retrieve, designed to attack inactive spring pike, is almost always successful. Experts recommend baits colored in zebra, bumblebee or FOS colors, weighing 7-10 g.
Williams Wabler. The bait, developed more than 70 years ago by the Canadian company of the same name, has fully retained its relevance due to the stable attractiveness of the game, regardless of the speed of the retrieve. Individuality lies in creating a coating of precious metals (gold, silver), which perfectly reflect light and ensure excellent visibility even in cloudy water.

Do-it-yourself oscillating spinner “atom”

For those who set out to make an atom vibrator with their own hands, you need to make a drawing according to which the bait will be created. Let's take the Atom 1 spinner model as a basis. For this, the main dimensions are taken, this is 25 × 65 × 2. There are computer programs into which the dimensions of the drawing are entered. After this, the program creates an electronic layout according to the specified parameters. The layout is scanned in full scale, and then the spoon is cut out for further action.

Materials

The following materials are suitable for the production of atom spinners for pike:

Zinc.
Steel.
Silver.
Aluminum.
Cupronickel.
Brass.
Tin.

After studying the nuances of a particular material, it will become clear what qualities future vibrators will be endowed with. This also applies to color, weight and minimum thickness, which will affect subsequent fluctuating properties.

How to make

It is better to make the template directly on metal. The design is glued onto a thin metal plate and the outline is cut out with metal scissors. To create an internal bend in the spinner, a hockey puck or a spherical hammer with a thick rubber lining is suitable.

You can use an M6 furniture bolt that has a semicircular head. The roundness is enough to give the required shape from the inside. In order for the proportions to match the original, you should check the product with the original.

Next you need to drill a hole for the hook and swivel. Both holes must be located on the longitudinal axis of the vibrator, otherwise there will be unnecessary movements during the game.

It is better to make the winding ring with a thin wire, which has a diameter of no more than 4 mm. Tees require a hook that has a distance between the other tips that is 3 mm greater than the widest part of the vibrator.

In shallow water on a sunny day, fish see colors well. Yellow metal with a polished surface is suitable. The darkened color that comes from oxidized metal also works well. The main thing is that the surface is polished.

Read: How to make a hatchet spoon

Read: How to make a spinner out of a tube at home

What color is the most catchy “atom” spoon?

The spinner spoon is the first bait for catching a predator. After all, it was precisely this that was used to catch fish long before the advent of other baits. It is good to fish with it both in an enclosed body of water, rivers, and in shallow water.

In this article we will tell you about the popular Atom spinner. With the right skill, this is a universal and catchy spoon, which is used to catch freshwater predators, which is why it is popular.

Advantages of fishing with spinner spoons

Oscillators have a lot of advantages. Among them:

Versatility.
All-weather.
Wide choose.
Relatively low price when compared with wobblers and other baits.
Due to their shape and weight they can be cast far, even without adding weights. You can fish both from a boat and from the shore.

What are Atom spinners?

Form

There are several variations of the Atom spinner from different companies. Their essence is that they all retain the main features of the original Soviet models.

Model "Atom"

Model "Atom 2"

Mister cro atom

Effective use is achieved when fishing by casting and on the track, on rivers and lakes that have a slow or medium current. Fast wiring sets the activation of the game, and slow wiring sets a smooth and harmonious movement.

"Aqua atom"

Dimensions

At first, experienced fishermen use classic colors such as white, and if there is no success, then the tackle changes to aggressive colors. What color is best to choose a vibrator for specific weather is described below.

What kind of fish can be caught on Atom?

Although it is mostly used for catching pike, pike perch, asp, catfish, and even salmon are also successfully caught with it. This is a functional oscillator, applicable in most cases. They carry the spoon with them as a universal option and start the fishing process with it. It is believed that the “mister cro atom” spoon is more suitable for catching pike, while the “aqua atom” still works well for perch.

Where do they fish with spoons?

We analyzed real reports from fishermen and compiled a map of places where they catch fish with spoons.

How to properly tie an Atom to a fishing line

Features of the bait game

After each jerk, the cord is pulled out using a quick turn, after which another 2-3 turns are made, only slow ones. That is, the point is that a couple of revolutions are made, then there is a pause, if a predator is nearby, then it will take it just during the pause. This is a universal method that will work not only on rivers, but also on ponds.

If these methods do not give results, then a smooth, monotonous wiring with rare, short pauses will do. This can be either surface wiring, or approximately in the middle water column. Perch and pike actively take it, although it all depends on the reservoir, weather, time of year, type of spoon

Do-it-yourself oscillating spinner “atom”

Materials

The following materials are suitable for the production of atom spinners for pike:

How to make

Next you need to drill a hole for the hook and swivel. Both holes must be located on the longitudinal axis of the vibrator, otherwise there will be unnecessary movements during the game.

It is better to make the winding ring with a thin wire, which has a diameter of no more than 4 mm. Tees require a hook that has a distance between the other tips that is 3 mm greater than the widest part of the vibrator.

Tuning

Decorating Atom spinners to increase the bite is not recommended. According to experts, additional elements made with your own hands only add chaos to the game of the vibrator. Production standards for manufacturing guarantee compliance with dynamics; doing this on your own is problematic. In fact, there is not a single confirmation of the functionality of decorations, and excessive enthusiasm for them harms the performance of the bait.

Secrets of catching pike with Atom spinners

If the hunt is for perch or pike, the fisherman must pay attention to the places where the fight takes place. This is the time when, within a certain radius, small fish jump out of the water, scared away by large predatory fish. Moreover, several fish can jump out at the same time. This is a sure sign that a predator is in charge of this place.

To begin with, it is better to make several runs using the described methods at the bottom, since production, as a rule, is there. If there is nothing, it may be a perch or small pike, so you should make several surface or half-depth retrieves. In still water, the “Mister Cro Atom” spinner is suitable, so the game of the tackle will be more realistic.

Tips and tricks

When choosing a lure, an angler selects it according to the fishing location and the weather. In cloudy weather, they experiment with bright colors to attract the attention of fish. Spinning fishermen recommend choosing “whiny” weather, when it’s cloudy and raining; there are more bites in reservoirs at such times.

It is important to know that pike and perch react poorly to changes in atmospheric pressure, but these changes do not affect pike perch.

Secrets of catching pike with Atom spinners

Read: How to choose a catchable lure for pike

Why choose "hardware"?

The main object of spinning fishing is undoubtedly pike. And the initial and main method of such hunting is considered to be lure fishing. Fishermen of the older generation began their experience with the use of simple “pieces of iron”, most often these were primitive spoons, which in skillful hands turned into the best lures for catching pike. And this was explained by the fact that at that time there was nothing else on sale.

Nowadays, the picture is completely different: in specialized stores, the display shelves are filled with silicone products of all colors and shades, different types and shapes of wobblers. And in this bright abundance, traditional baits seem to get lost; modern baits relegate them to the background. But the reason for this lies not in the fact that pike is caught worse with a spoon than with anything else, but in the greater advertising of new products in the world of fishing. And as you know, what is more widely heard is more popular.

In addition, a lure for pike is not as simple as it seems, and fishing with it requires certain skills that come with experience. But in some cases, hunting a predator using this bait causes no less sports excitement than jerking or twitching that are fashionable today. And the varied animation of the hardware is not at all inferior to crankbaits. Under appropriate conditions, catchable lures for pike can be much more productive than all modern gadgets.

Many reputable fishermen and world champions in sport fishing argue that it is wrong to disdain bait that has served people since ancient times.