Page 37 - Lady Bass Digital Magazine Classic 2023

Blade Baits for Fall Fishing

Blade baits have been around since the first one was created by Hedden in 1959. The most common mistake
anglers make when fishing a blade bait is to “over work it”. Typically known as a cold-water bait, it is often over-
looked. A blade bait is a great bait because it’s equally effective on small-mouth, largemouth and spotted bass.
It is best when fished when there are bait-fish in the area you are fishing. A blade bait is a metal crank bait that
features two sets of treble hooks, one on each end. You will find some brands that have single
hooks vs trebles. I recommend you trade out for
treble hooks. If you are fishing around stumps, you
might clip the bottom facing hook to allow you to
bounce it off the wood and to reduce getting hung
up. If you decide not to change to treble hooks,
consider upgrading the single hooks to avoid losing
a big fish.

The blade bait relies on vibration and sound to get the fish to react on a reaction strike. A blade bait consists of
a flat metal spoon with a weighted nose. The blade bait will vibrate on the retrieve and on the lift. Most blade
baits have three holes at the top for tying, and each hole imparts a different action to the lure. For a more subtle
action tie on the forward hole. For more vibration and action, tie it to
the back hole. For something in between, tie to the middle hole. If you
find you want more flash, add a spinning blade to the hook. This will also
create additional vibration.

Blade baits can be fished in a variety of ways. The simplest way is so cast
and retrieve akin to how you would fish a lip-less crank-bait. Another method is to fish it like you would a
jigging spoon. Cast out, let it fall and rip it up. Most commonly and seemingly the most productive is to lift and
drop your rod as you are retrieving. The blade vibrates on the upward motion and flutters on the way down.
In popping it up, it is not with big sweeps, but subtle rod flicks. Lift enough to feel the blade kick once or twice
and then let it sink. Whether jigging or lifting and dropping, most often, the bass will hit the bait on the drop
most often. Do not be surprised to find that you will catch a variety of species using the blade bait.

Lady Bass Anglers Association 37
Blade Baits for Fall Fishing