using spinnerbait??

[bigOfish]

please dont get frustrated with all my newbee q's, so i went to the lake to try out my new gear, i tied on a spinner bait, i now konw i should have used a swivel, but being the rockie i am i simply tied it to the end of the line.. it would not go out more than 25 feet, what did i do wrong, how should i tie my line?? im fishing from the shore at lake beryyessa, in california.. heres a great link to the conditions so maybe you guys can help me select my bait and stuff. thanks!!

http://www.anglernet.com/web/maps/bery1.htm
http://www.anglernet.com/web/lakes/beryesa/beryfish.htm
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