You should be able to feel this through the rod tip and line. This is the reason to go ultralight, heavier lines and rods won't allow you to feel these tiny spinners as you must to know if they are spinning. A shorter rod, 5' or so will also help you to keep in touch with your lure. After you've counted your spinner down to the bottom, give a sharp short strike of the rod tip to start the blade spinning. Then a few quick turns of the reel handle as you reel the tip back to position and then slow down for the rest of the retrieve.
Spoons can also attract a few bites.
Again, fish low and slow. Use just enough speed to get the spoon wiggling. If there is left over grass or weeds where you are fishing, a single hook changed out for the usual treble may run nearly weedless in this slow wobble style. Any of these approaches can help you score on some big early season yellow perch. And if you pick a sunny day with a light breeze, this kind of fishing can be a pleasant, relaxing and rewarding way to start another season.