Blade Baits
Lures like the Silver Buddy and Heddon Sonar ( PRADCO Outdoor Brands ) pioneered this category of stamped metal , lead-bellied lures that cast far and get deep in a hurry . They ’ re equally deadly worked vertically or horizontally .
“ Blade baits are great ,” says Stefan , who plied diverse waters near his Junction City , Wisconsin , home for his bladin ’ education . “ They get down to the bottom , then create a little explosion when they come off – one of the few things that can trigger a strike from a very sluggish winter bass . They have that reactive capability . When they fall back to the bottom , they ’ re like a dead shad , and a lot of bites do come dead-sticking .”
The popularity of blades has spawned a new generation of upscale baits sporting fresh designs , added features and a plethora of new designs , sizes and colors .
Lefebre , who will pack five tackle boxes of metal baits at times , touts the variety of the SteelShad ( GSM
Outdoors ) blades which range from 1 / 4 to 2 ounces in size , but subtle differences in look and performance prompt him to carry “ giant ones and super tiny ones ” and sizes in between and a multitude of makes and colors .
Presentation
Attention to retrieve is paramount . Successful blade anglers tame a tendency to rip or overwork the bait .
Most blades come with two or three line-attachment holes to vary bait action from a tight to a wide wobble . ( The popular Berkley Vibrato has a central line tie hole .) All require either a snap or split ring at point of line contact .
“ I want a nice steady lift until I feel the first couple vibrations . Then , as I feel it kicking , I let it fall back down to the bottom ,” Stefan details . “ I want a fast-vibrating blade that will allow me to keep close to the bottom and start fast without having to rip it hard .”
“ As a general rule , less is best ,” preaches Dobson , noting the widespread tendency of anglers to overwork blades in the cold . Short pulls that draw four to six “ vibes ” followed by a pause generally key the most bites .
Stefan counts the venerable Silver Buddy among his blades of choice , but notes that some of the more recent vintage , like the SteelShad , Berkley Vibrato and others , play a bigger role for him today . Many of the new blades feature design upgrades or upscale components .
“ I really like the Jackall Knockin ’ Jaw ,” Stefan says .
In addition to 3D eyes and elegant baitfish finishes , it has a flattened lower jaw that prompts hunting action .
Another Jackall blade , the Keeburn , derives added vibration from a hybrid body composition of metal and circuit board material . Two twin hooks replace belly and tail trebles on both blades . The Spro Carbon TG Tungsten Blade mixes a carbon fiber body with a tungsten weight to create a compact baitfish profile that casts far and gets deep fast .
Other blades of note include the Johnson ThinFisher ( Pure Fishing ), Nories Jaka Blade ( Marukyu ), and the Damiki Vault .
The still-effective Silver Buddy and Heddon Sonar paved the way , but today ’ s blade baits feature a variety of new designs , sizes and colors .
JACKALL KNOCKIN JAW BLADE BAIT
COLOR : WAKASAGI REACTION
STEELSHAD BLADE BAIT
COLOR : TENNESSEE SHAD
SPRO CARBON BLADE
COLOR : NASTY SHAD
BERKLEY VIBRATO
COLOR : HOLO GREENIE
JACKALL KEEBURN BLADE BAIT
COLOR : HL LIME GOLD
FEBRUARY-MARCH 2023 | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM 65