This is a tactic I have yet to use.  Looking for information on when are the best times of year to throw, depths, cover, etc.  Is it only a cold water lure? 

 

I like the looks of this bait - Lucky Craft ILV 50 Blade Bait

 

Thanks - Matt

I started throwing them last fall for the first time in several years - I was reminded very quickly just how much SMB like them

 

And you're right, that LC bait does look sweet.  I've only used blade baits very early & very late in the year - cold water.

 

Doesn't mean they wouldn't work other times, just that I haven't really fished them.

 

I had decent success with casting gear but much, much better success with spinning gear.  Seems like the smallies like to follow / chase these baits a bit before they commit.  So a longer cast has proven very beneficial here.

A 7'4"  spinning stick, a reel loaded with 10-15 lb braid and a longer 10-12 lb mono leader works well for me.

 

Here my last trip of 2014 - all blade baits. Silver buddies & the Damiki Vault 

 

A-Jay

 

Awesome fish A-Jay!  Thanks for the information, most of what I've read seems like you said as a early or late bait.  But with everything fishing not the rule.  

The blade bait is an awesome summer time bait as well. When smallies start going deep after spawn the work very well to cover 20-50 fow. I fish them vertically mostly using 10lb braid tied to a small spro swivel. I then attach about 2-3 feet of mono for abrasion resistance. You can also cast them or drift with them. The better baits have split rings attaching the hooks to the bait body. On baits like the silver buddy I add split rings so I can change out hooks as needed. This is a blade bait smallie from last October.

 

Ive used the Cordell gay Blade successfully in the summer months . Hopping it in deep water like a worm .

I use the Silver Buddy, Vault, and Krazy Blade.

I only use them in cold water when the fish are on the bottom like this:

 

 

This is a Krazy Blade catch at a different lake-- 8# 6 oz dink

 

I use the Silver Buddy, Vault, and Krazy Blade.

I only use them in cold water when the fish are on the bottom like this:

This is a Krazy Blade catch at a different lake-- 8# 6 oz dink

Nice fish! What tackle do you fish then on?

Nice fish! What tackle do you fish then on?

Bait caster with fluorocarbon line.

 

Wow, what a day!

That's the best bladebait commercial I've ever seen, regarding their multi-species capability.

 

Roger

Bait caster with fluorocarbon line.

That's what I'm thinking I will fish them on.. What rod?

That's what I'm thinking I will fish them on.. What rod?

6' med action. Don't know which brand, I have over 50 rigs.

It's been at least 5 months since I used a blade.

Had a good tournament day on blade baits no that long ago. Partner was throwing float n fly I was throwing (.......) a blade bait of some sort and we were catching huge spots on every cast. They work all year around. Good for schooled fish.

Here's a blade bait for you.