Spinner baits are probably the most versatile lure that you will have in your tackle box. They can be fished fast or slow. They can be fished deep or shallow. They can be a tremendous search bait. They can be fished in cold or warm water. Depending on the blade combination they can have minimum or maximum vibration.

The only real negative I can find for them is that since they have been so heavily fished for years, bass have learned that they are something to shy away from. 
Having said that, thousands of bass are caught every week on spinner baits all over the country.

Generally three different types of blades are available (there are some others but they are not common). Willow leaf bladed are thin and slender. They send off more flash than the other two but have less vibration. Colorado bladed are short and more rounded. They put off the most vibration and are used in cloudy or muddy water and at night. Indiana blades are kind of a compromise between the other two.

Here are a couple of general rules for using spinner baits.

They tend to work better in stained or off color water than clear water. They are the bait of choice on windy days. They come through the weeds pretty well when others lures such as crankbaits get fouled easily. There are many skirt options available and you can choose a variety of trailers.

          All Images Click to Lure Pictured on Bass Pro Shops website.