Blade baits are built for catching bass in January. Heavy and quick sinking, they kick off a fantastic amount of vibration, stirring bass in deep spots numbed by cold water.

https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/blade-baits-winter.html

 

Good article.  I have a couple of these lures but wasn't sure how or when to use them, until now.

Caught my first blade bait fish this year at the pond with @Pat Brown. I was inspired by @AlabamaSpothunter and @Team9nine to try it. I'm far from dialed in but looking forward to throwing it more. I do find I lose them quickly though. Pretty sure I found since crappie Fisherman brush piles they thought were well hidden 😎

Congrats @FishTax, I remember the first day I caught them on a blade, I was shocked it actually worked.   To me that first fish you catch on a blade bait is the most important one you'll ever catch on it.    By that I mean it's not a lure that screams confidence inspiring for a variety of reasons until you actually see proof it works on your fish.    After that first it's on like donkey kong 😎

 

Great point about the snaggy nature of a blade bait.    I couldn't fish a blade bait without the below retriever.    Every trip out I use that retriever 10-20x.    Earlier this week I made four consecutive casts with a snag.....I was about to lose my mind lol.  Couldn't even imagine how much money it would have cost without it.   They also foul up quite a bit.    

Daiwa Lure Retriever | Tackle Warehouse

These work great and will catch you some big ol' crappie as well. Probably stripers too, but there are none where I've used blade baits. I would suggest heavier braid. I lost my only 2 baits the first day I used them. When, not if, you do get hung up, try going back the other direction and giving a gentle tug before just yanking. It will sometimes loosen up and free the hook. I like the gold Sonar. I only raise the rod enough to feel a vibration, then let it drop back down. They'll strike on the drop. Set your drag a little looser because you're using braid on a fast action rod.