Mepps inline spinners are a popular fishing lure that has been around for over 80 years. It was originally designed in France and has since become the world’s number one lure.
In particular, the Mepps Aglia spinner model is known for its effectiveness, as it can catch a wide variety of freshwater and saltwater fish species.
You can cast the Mepps Aglia inline spinner, troll it from behind a boat, or even jig it.
How to Fish Mepps Lures: Techniques and Fishing Tips for Success
What we love about the Mepps Aglia lure is that it gives off a nice thump and vibration, even when the lure is wound relatively slowly for a spinner. You can feel the action working the rod tip. This action combined with the flash of the spinner is what attracts the fish and makes it an effective lure in clear and muddy water.
Other inline spinner brands you might be interested in – Top Inline Spinners for Fishing
Blue Fox Lures: The Guide to Catching More Fish
Fishing tip – Hint, if you can’t feel the rod tip / lure working, you might have weed on the lure. Or you are fishing it too slow for the blade to spin. (As long as you have an appropriate rod that is suitable for the weight of the lure, so you can feel the action.)
In this article we will mainly be talking about the classic Aglia model. However, the Mepps Aglia lure also comes in wide range of sizes and designs like the:
- Aglia Ultra Lites
- Aglia Long Ultra Lites
- Aglia Bait Series
- Aglia-e
- Aglia BRITE
- Aglia Flashabou
- Aglia Marabou
- Aglia Long
- Aglia Streamer
- Aglia Tandem
- Mepps Magnum Aglia
- Double Blade Aglia Flashabou
- Aglia Fury Spin Flies
A lot of these designs can be purchased with either a treble hook or a single hook.
Additionally, the normal Aglia inline spinner is available in plain or dressed versions. The dressed version uses natural squirrel tail or bucktail, which enhances its movement and flowing action and makes it even more irresistible to fish.
Anglers around the world have caught countless trophy fish using the Mepps Aglia spinner.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, the Mepps Aglia spinner is a reliable and can help you catch fish species in different water conditions.
What is A Mepps Aglia Spinner?
The Mepps Aglia is a classic French inline spinner that has been a favorite among fishermen. It is considered by some as the world’s favorite fishing lure and has perhaps caught more trophy fish than any other lure.
The design of the Aglia spinner is simple yet effective. It features a concave blade that rotates around a shaft, creating a flash and vibration that attracts fish. The blade is made of brass or silver and is plated with either gold, copper, or nickel.
The Aglia spinner is also equipped with a bead and a clevis that allows for easy blade rotation. (Unlike cheap brands, in which the blade doesn’t rotate easily.) Mepps are made from quality components and are durable for catching plenty of fish.
How to Use The Mepps Aglia Spinner?
Above photo: 50 cm rainbow trout caught on a size #3 Aglia spinner.
Here is a step by step for using the lure. Below is more detailed information on the steps, plus some fishing tips.
- Select lure size and weight.
- Select the color for the conditions.
- Attach the lure to the fishing line.
- Cast the lure.
- Retrieve the lure.
What Size Is The Mepps Aglia Spinner?
The size of the spinner is important and should be chosen based on the type of fish being targeted and the fishing conditions.
The Mepps Aglia spinner comes in various sizes, from the small #0 1/12th oz. Aglia to the bigger ½ oz. #5 Aglia.
Here are the sizes and weights of the classic Mepps Aglia.
Size #0 = 1/12 oz. (2.3 grams.)
Size #1 = 1/8 oz. (3.5 grams.)
Size #2 = 1/6 oz. (4.7 grams.)
Size #3 = 1/4 oz. (7 grams.)
Size #4 = 1/3 oz. (9.4 grams.)
Size #5 = 1/2 oz. (14.1 grams.)
Choosing the right size lure can be crucial for a successful fishing trip. A good rule of thumb is to match the size of the spinner to the size of the fish you are trying to catch.
As an example, if you are targeting small fish, use a smaller size lure. For bigger fish species, generally use a big lure.
For panfish, small stream brook trout, rainbow trout or brown trout, #00 Aglia Ultra Lites and the #0 & #1 Aglias are perfect.
Larger trout and smallmouth bass, try a size #2 or #3 Aglia.
For largemouth bass fishing, try the sizes #3 and #4.
For large salmon, go with a #4 and #5 Aglia.
Try a dressed #5 Mepps spinner when chasing musky and northern pike.
For murky water, a bigger size lure might be used to give off more action, size and vibration in the water, helping fish detect the lure.
For fishing tips and more information on fishing dirty waters, visit – How To Fish Murky Water More Effectively
A larger size lure can have more weight, which can be a positive or negative. The weight can also be a consideration, as a heavier lure can be potentially cast further and into the wind. Casting further can help you cover more fishing water quicker.
Another positive for a heavier lure is it can get down deeper quicker, or help against fast flowing rivers or streams.
The negatives for a too heavy spinner is: you might be fishing shallow water (or with a lot of weed) and you don’t want the lure sinking too far down and getting snagged on the bottom or in the weed.
For calm and clear waters, a smaller size Mepps might be used.
What Color Spinner Should I Use?
The color of the lure can sometimes be important, especially in clear water and dirty water.
In clear water, colors like silver and gold really stand out well.
In murky water, bright colors like chartreuse and yellow may be more effective. A copper or brass reflective plated blade can help the lure stand out.
When selecting the color of a lure, some anglers like using a guideline like this:
- Use a silver color blade / lure on bright sunny days in clear water.
- Gold color on overcast days in clear water.
- Use the copper color for murky water.
- A dark color for low light and dark might be used, to give of a solid silhouette when the fish looks up against the available light from the sky. (Example – use a Mepps Black Fury.)
How to Connect the Mepps Aglia Spinner To Your Fishing Line
You can connect the lure a few different ways to your fishing line.
- Tie it directly on to the fishing line or leader. Use a simple fishing knot like an improved clinch knot, Palomar knot, or a uni knot.
- Alternatively use a clip or snap. (Like the Mustad Fastach Clip makes it quick and easy to change lures.)
- Some anglers might use a barrel snap swivel to help connect the lure and prevent it from twisting the fishing line.
For more information on how to use the Mustad Fastach clip and the pros and cons of it, visit – How To Use The Mustad Fastach clip
Casting the Mepps Aglia Spinner
Casting the lure is simple.
- For a spinning reel, start by holding the rod with your dominant hand on the rod.
- Hold the line with your index finger (Rod hand.)
- Flip the bail of the fishing reel over. (Non-dominant hand.)
- Pull the rod back over your shoulder and look where you want to cast. Then with a forward motion, cast releasing the line as you do so. Aim for the area where you think the fish are located.
Check out this article for which hand you should hold your rod in and why it matters – Which Hand Do You Hold Your Rod In?
When casting, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Make sure there are no tree branches above / behind or other obstacles that could snag your line.
Retrieving the Mepps Aglia Spinner
Retrieving the Mepps Aglia spinner is where the real magic happens. Start by reeling in the line slowly, allowing the spinner blade to spin in the water.
Vary the speed of your retrieve until you find what works best for the fish you are trying to catch.
Another effective technique is to pause periodically during the retrieve. This can make the spinner drift down deeper.
You can also get strikes when the lure is sinking as well, so remember to maintain tension on the line and to be ready for any strikes.
Try retrieving the spinner at different depths in the water column. For deeper water, let the lure sink for more time before retrieving it.
I like the count method, where you cast the lure out and count the seconds until it hits the bottom or weed, before you start to reel it in.
If you are getting too many snags or weed when winding in, start the retrieve sooner, so the lure doesn’t sink as deep.
As an example, if I want to fish close to the bottom of a lake, where I believe the fish might be holding. I will cast out and count to 5 seconds and retrieve the lure. If I don’t get snagged, the next cast I will let the lure sink for 8 seconds before winding it in. If no snags, I might count for 10 seconds. If I get weed or snags at 10 seconds, I then know that this is close to the bottom. For most cast in that area, I will then count back around 8 seconds, before starting to reel the lure back in.
Local knowledge of the water you are fishing in comes into play, but be prepared to mix up your depth of the lure you are fishing at.
When using the Mepps lures, it is important to experiment with different retrieval speeds and techniques to find what works best for the specific fishing situation.
Some anglers prefer a slow, steady retrieve, while others may use a fast stop-and-go technique to mimic the movement of prey.
A slow wind will keep the lure a little bit deeper.
A faster wind will keep it up in the water column more.
Where To Use The Mepps Aglia Spinner?
Freshwater Fishing
The Mepps Aglia spinner is an excellent choice for freshwater fishing. It is effective in catching a wide variety of fish species, including trout, bass, panfish, and pike. The spinner’s unique design allows it to emit vibrations and flash that attract fish.
Some tips for using the Mepps Aglia spinner in freshwater include:
- Cast the spinner upstream and retrieve it slowly, allowing the spinner to move with the current, but fast enough to rotate the blades.
- For lakes, cast around fallen timber, weed beds, rocks, drop-offs, channels and structure like piers.
- Try using a stop-and-go retrieve, where you retrieve the spinner in short bursts and then pause for a few seconds before retrieving again.
- Experiment with different colors and sizes to see what works best in different conditions.
Saltwater Fishing
While the Mepps Aglia spinner is primarily designed for freshwater fishing, it can also be effective in saltwater. The spinner’s flash and vibration can attract a wide variety of saltwater species.
When using the Mepps Aglia spinner in saltwater, it is important to choose the right size and color. The spinner should be large enough to attract the attention of larger saltwater species, but not so large that it becomes difficult to cast.
Some tips for using the Mepps Aglia spinner in saltwater include:
- Cast the spinner near structure, such as jetties or piers, reefs, channels, where fish are likely to be feeding close by.
- Retrieve the spinner at a medium to fast pace, sometimes using short, sharp jerks to create a more erratic motion.
- Try using a heavier leader to prevent the spinner from getting damaged by toothy saltwater species.
Advantages of Mepps Aglia Spinner
The Mepps Aglia spinner is one of the most popular fishing lures in the world, and for good reason. Here are some of the advantages of using a Mepps Aglia spinner:
- Effective for a wide variety of fish: The Aglia spinner is known for its versatility and ability to attract a wide variety of fish species. It is effective for both freshwater and saltwater fishing and can be used to catch everything from trout and bass to salmon and pike.
- Proven track record: The Mepps Aglia inline spinner has been around for ages and has a proven track record of catching fish.
- Easy to use: The spinner is easy to use and can be fished in a variety of ways. It can be retrieved slowly or quickly and can be fished at different depths depending on the species of fish you are targeting.
- Available in a variety of sizes and colors: The Aglia spinner is available in a hugs range of sizes and colors, making it easy to find the perfect lure for your fishing needs. Whether you are fishing in a small stream or a large lake, there is a Mepps Aglia spinner that will work for you.
Overall, the Mepps Aglia spinner is a reliable and effective fishing lure that should be in every angler’s tackle box.
Disadvantages of Mepps Aglia Spinner
While the Mepps Aglia spinner is a popular lure for many anglers, it does have a few disadvantages, like all lures.
Here are some things to consider before using it on your next fishing trip.
- Cost: Mepps Aglia spinners are not the cheapest inline spinners on the market. They are priced a touch higher than some other in-line spinner options, which may not be ideal for anglers on a tight budget. (However, to counter this negative, they are a lot cheaper than hard bodied lures and just as effective.) While you can get cheaper spinners, the cheap quality ones don’t spin well, and they are too light to be casted any distance.) Overall I still think the Mepps are a good price for the quality and value.
- Size limitations: While there are many different sizes of Mepps Aglia spinners available, some anglers may find that they are limited in their ability to catch larger fish with this lure. In particular, some larger species of saltwater fish may not be attracted to the smaller sizes of Aglia spinners.
- Inline spinners have lost some preference, as crank baits, jerk baits and soft plastics seem to be more in fashion for some anglers these days. (Old school still works though. Look at some of the fish caught by Craig “Howie” on the Fishing Photos page. A lot of these were caught on a Mepps inline spinner or similar design.)
- The weight might be too light for some anglers when casting into the wind or trying to cast a long way. (Take a look at the Mepps long cast range.)
- Line twist: One potential issue with using inline spinners in general is that they can cause your fishing line to become twisted after a while. This is also true of Mepps Aglia spinners, which can be a little bit frustrating sometimes.
For casting, in our experience you don’t need a barrel swivel to connect it to the line to prevent twisting when spinning. As it doesn’t normally affect the line too much. (This will depend on the size of the lure, fishing line poundage and how long you fish for.)
However, if you were trolling the lure from a boat, then a barrel swivel will help prevent some twist.
It’s important to keep these disadvantages in mind when deciding whether or not to use a Mepps Aglia spinner on your next fishing trip. Most of these negatives though are only small issues and not really deal-breakers for everyone.
Mepps Alglia Spinner In Underwater Video
Above is an underwater look at the action of the Mepps Aglia inline lure.
Conclusion
Mepps Aglia spinners are some of the most effective lures that will catch fish in all types of water conditions. Whether you are fishing in a stream, river, or lake, the Aglia spinner can be a great addition to your tackle box.
The Aglia spinner is available in a huge range of sizes, colors, and finishes, making it easy to find the perfect lure for your fishing needs. Its unique design allows it to start spinning as soon as it hits the water.
Aglia inline spinners are also easy to use, making it a great option for both the beginner and experienced anglers. Its simple design means that it can be fished in a variety of ways, including casting, trolling, and jigging.
Overall, the Mepps Aglia spinner is a must-have for any angler looking to catch more fish.
