Panther Martin Spinner Review: A Bank Fishing Masterclass

Master the art of bank fishing with the Panther Martin spinner, a versatile lure renowned for its effectiveness in attracting aggressive fish. This comprehensive review delves into the intricacies of rigging, casting techniques, and enhancement strategies to maximize your catch rate. We'll explore the unique design features of the Panther Martin, highlighting its concave blade, weighted body, and effective treble hook, explaining how these contribute to its exceptional performance. From choosing the right swivel to optimize its action, to understanding the best retrieval methods for various conditions, this guide provides a complete fishing masterclass.Learn how to unlock the full potential of this popular spinnerbait, including a simple yet highly effective hack using Gulp Alive! Waxies to dramatically increase its appeal. Discover why the Panther Martin's ability to cover significant water quickly makes it ideal for bank fishing, and how its effectiveness across diverse species makes it a valuable asset for any angler's tackle box. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this review will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to successfully employ the Panther Martin spinner and land more fish.

Pros And Cons

Panther Martin Spinner
  • Easy to get the blade started.
  • Puts off a lot of vibration.
  • Effective at covering water.
  • Catches a wide variety of fish.
  • Easy to fish.
  • Treble hook can be too much for some fish.
  • Problematic in areas with weeds.
  • Not the most effective for targeting specific fish when the bite is slow.

Read more: 5 Killer Spinnerbait Fishing Lures You Need

Rigging the Panther Martin

The Panther Martin spinner can be rigged in two ways, but a swivel is essential. Snap swivels allow for easy lure color changes, tied to your line with a Palmer knot. Barrel swivels enable the use of a leader, which I prefer with braided line, adding a monofilament leader for better sensitivity and performance. This setup prevents line twist and enhances the lure's action.

Close-up of snap swivel being attached to the line.
Close-up of snap swivel being attached to the line.

Choosing the right swivel is key to preventing line twist and maximizing the lure's effectiveness. The snap swivel is convenient for quick changes, while the barrel swivel with a leader offers better sensitivity and helps to protect your main line from abrasion.

Demonstration of using a barrel swivel and leader.
Demonstration of using a barrel swivel and leader.

Panther Martin Design and Features

The Panther Martin features a concave blade riding on a shaft, not attached with a clasp. This design ensures easy blade start-up and maximizes vibration. Its weighted, cone-shaped body houses a non-replaceable treble hook. Although the treble hook can be effective, some anglers might find it a bit aggressive for smaller fish.

Close-up of the Panther Martin spinner showing the blade and shaft.
Close-up of the Panther Martin spinner showing the blade and shaft.

The unique blade design creates a significant amount of vibration, which is why this lure excels in attracting aggressive, feeding fish. The weighted body contributes to casting distance and helps to maintain a stable retrieve.

View of the weighted body and treble hook.
View of the weighted body and treble hook.

Fishing Techniques and Target Species

The Panther Martin is best fished with a fan cast, covering a wide area with multiple casts. Divide your fishing area into sections, making several casts in each before moving downstream. This method effectively targets aggressive feeding fish across a broad area.

Angler demonstrating the fan casting technique.
Angler demonstrating the fan casting technique.

It's effective against a range of species, but it is most successful when targeting aggressive feeders. The lure's strong vibration and action attract predators effectively. Remember to adjust your retrieve speed to match the water conditions and fish activity.

Demonstration of a quick jerk retrieve.
Demonstration of a quick jerk retrieve.

The Gulp Alive! Hack

Enhance your Panther Martin's effectiveness by adding Gulp Alive! Waxies to each treble hook. These small, scented baits add irresistible attraction. This simple hack significantly boosts the lure's appeal and increases your chances of catching fish.

Close-up of the Gulp Alive! Waxies.
Close-up of the Gulp Alive! Waxies.

Adding scent and flavor is a proven way to entice more bites, and the small size of the Waxies doesn't hinder the action of the spinner. The combination of vibration, flash, and scent creates an irresistible offering for fish.

Treble hook tipped with Gulp Alive! Waxies.
Treble hook tipped with Gulp Alive! Waxies.

Conclusion: Is the Panther Martin Worth It?

The Panther Martin spinner is a versatile lure that excels at covering water and attracting aggressive fish. While not the most species-specific lure, its effectiveness across various species makes it a valuable addition to any angler's tackle box. The ease of use and the potential to cover substantial areas makes it an ideal option for bank fishing.

Angler holding up a caught fish.
Angler holding up a caught fish.

The Gulp Alive! hack further enhances its catch rate. Its ability to draw strikes from a wide variety of fish, coupled with its ease of use, makes it an excellent option for both novice and experienced anglers. Its versatility and effectiveness more than justify its inclusion in your arsenal.

Angler holding Panther Martin spinner.
Angler holding Panther Martin spinner.