In New England, it is finally getting colder. Water temps are getting <55 degrees. I know many people like a Silver Buddy. What other blade baits do you like to throw and why? Trying to figure this whole thing out to catch more fish this time of year, thank you!

You already named the best one. The only other option that I have had success with are homemade 

1 minute ago, TnRiver46 said:

You already named the best one. The only other option that I have had success with are homemade 

Thanks for your input! Quick question, why does the silver buddy automatically trump all the others for so many people? what is it about it that makes it so good?

1 minute ago, fishing_gd said:

Thanks for your input! Quick question, why does the silver buddy automatically trump all the others for so many people? what is it about it that makes it so good?

The hooks don't grab the line 

1 minute ago, TnRiver46 said:

The hooks don't grab the line 

Is that the only thing? Just curious because I also read that most people replace hooks/ split rings if there are any and downsize with short shanks for other blades

I use Bass Pro Shop's XPS or XTS blade. It's the only one I have in gold so that get used almost exclusively. That said, I wanna try the Silver Buddy if the hooks don't grab the line all the time.

The only two I ever caught fish on were the Cordell Gay Blade and this weird homemade bait I bought at a local store . It was made out of a spinnerbait blade   weighted on one side   and   would come in sideways actually wiggling up and down not back and forth . I  caught a lot of bass on it  one day vertically jigging  before snagging and losing it . It vibrated like mad .  The tackle store got hit by a tornado and closed . I dont know where to find anymore like them . 

The Cicada! I love the side-slip action. I generally remove the stock doubles and add a hand tied feather and flash treble to the rear w/split ring. No bottom hook needed. 

Damiki Vault and the Lucky Craft ILV 50 are my personal favorites due to quality and color selection.

In the Midwest, there is a blade called the “Big Dude” or the “Zip Lure” (basically the same bait) that for me flat out fishes every other blade mentioned. I fished with a guy who told me to bring blade baits with me on an outing. I brought Silver Buddy’s, Cicadas, and Heddon Sonars. I was outfished on every trip until I got the same baits, Big Dudes, that my friend was using. I haven’t used anything else ever since. 

27 minutes ago, Scott F said:

In the Midwest, there is a blade called the “Big Dude” or the “Zip Lure” (basically the same bait) that for me flat out fishes every other blade mentioned. I fished with a guy who told me to bring blade baits with me on an outing. I brought Silver Buddy’s, Cicadas, and Heddon Sonars. I was outfished on every trip until I got the same baits, Big Dudes, that my friend was using. I haven’t used anything else ever since. 

Thank you Scott! I just looked those up, some crazy looking colors. Might have to grab a few but the color choice may be difficult!

12 minutes ago, fishing_gd said:

Thank you Scott! I just looked those up, some crazy looking colors. Might have to grab a few but the color choice may be difficult!

I've only ever used the chrome and white models.

Jigging spoons and ice jigs often out fish blade lures.

Tom

I have ordered a couple of these. Can't wait to try the big one.

http://www.genelarew.com/hunkshad

 

Silver Buddy all the way.  Blade is thinner than anything else I've used, thus gives more vibe. 

 

You can replace the hooks on the 1/2 oz with #6 bronze (and #4 on the 3/4 oz) either by snipping the eyelet on the hook & bending slightly or add split rings (which I don't do). 

 

I've caught thousands of fish on them that way and maybe once or twice the hooks bent out and they were from giant Potomac catfish.  You do have to use bronze hooks though (Gamakatsu round bends are perfect) as the nickel hooks will break if you try to open them up.  

Damiki Vault

Admittedly, I have only tried a few blade baits (gay blade, thinfisher, bps brand, and silver buddy), so take this with a grain of salt, but my favorite out of the ones I've tried is the silver buddy.  1/2 ounce, gold in murkier water and silver/stainless in clearer.  I cut the cheap hooks off them and put a split ring and #6 gamakatsu magic eye trebles on them, seemed to help the hooking and landing percentage quite a bit.

I've got a bunch of different ones and they all work well for me. I mod them all anyway. Its almost that time.

B Fish N Tackle  B3 blade bait. vibrates a little easier on a slow fall than a silver buddy and they make a lot of random sizes if you want

Buckeye Lures 1/2oz jigging blade in silver. Not expensive and they produce. 

On 11/10/2017 at 1:12 PM, Scott F said:

In the Midwest, there is a blade called the “Big Dude” or the “Zip Lure” (basically the same bait) that for me flat out fishes every other blade mentioned. I fished with a guy who told me to bring blade baits with me on an outing. I brought Silver Buddy’s, Cicadas, and Heddon Sonars. I was outfished on every trip until I got the same baits, Big Dudes, that my friend was using. I haven’t used anything else ever since. 

Next time you come through TN, let me know!!! Hahaha

I bought a bunch of blanks from Barlow's Tackle and put my own together. I haven't figured out how to fish one effectively yet, the only fish I've caught on them has been white bass and one massive drum. 

I am a huge blade bait fan and over the years have done very well with the Silver Buddy in the 1/2, 5/8 & 3/4 oz sizes.

 

BUT if you want a fantastic option - check out the 3/4 Duo Realis G-Fix Vibration Tungsten Lipless Crankbait.

Fish it like a blade bait.   The smallies here Crush it. 

It has all but replaced the blade bait for me - and as much as I used to fish it, that's saying something.

btw - blade baits are notorious for having the trebles foul the line on the cast / retrieve - it can get old real fast and is often just a big PIA.  This is non-existent with the G-Fix - just say'in.

A-Jay

From Nov 2016 ~  

 

 

I like The Binsky best but they aint cheap and you will lose a bunch.

 

Best deal on a very good lure is the Silver Buddy knockoffs on ebay. Usually like 10 for $10. Just add your own hooks and clip

 

Something like these that are made in the US with the Do-it mold. The Chinese ones are garbage.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Qty-of-10-3-4-oz-Silver-Nickel-Body-Blade-Baits-Unfinished-Bait/263306815610?hash=item3d4e4f287a:g:zE4AAOSwzrxUrJfR

8 hours ago, A-Jay said:

I am a huge blade bait fan and over the years have done very well with the Silver Buddy in the 1/2, 5/8 & 3/4 oz sizes.

 

BUT if you want a fantastic option - check out the 3/4 Duo Realis G-Fix Vibration Tungsten Lipless Crankbait.

Fish it like a blade bait.   The smallies here Crush it. 

It has all but replaced the blade bait for me - and as much as I used to fish it, that's saying something.

btw - blade baits are notorious for having the trebles foul the line on the cast / retrieve - it can get old real fast and is often just a big PIA.  This is non-existent with the G-Fix - just say'in.

A-Jay

 

Don't know if you've tried them, but the lc lv500 lipless has been killer around here for green fish fished just like a blade bait/jig.  Especially in cold water, but also in the summer.  Another good option, and cheaper if you buy them during the 5.99 lucky craft sales a "big" site does a few times a year.