Crankbaits & Hardbaits

Blade Bait

All lures

Tight vibration for cold, deep fish.

Technique

Lift-drop

Depth

10-35 ft

Water Clarity

Any

Best Conditions

Winter, deep structure

Spring Fall Winter

About This Lure

A thin metal bait that vibrates hard when lifted, ideal for vertical jigging in cold water.

How To Fish It

Cast to structure or drop vertically directly beneath the boat to reach the bottom. Use a sharp, aggressive upward snap of the rod tip to vibrate the blade, then immediately lower the rod to allow the lure to flutter back down on a semi-slack line. Watch your sonar for fish rising to meet the bait and be prepared for the strike on the fall.

Retrieve Cadence

Snap the rod tip up 18-24 inches, pause for a split second, then drop it back down to the bottom with a controlled flutter.

Best Colors

Silver/Chrome— Clear water and bright, sunny conditions to mimic baitfish flash.

Gold— Stained or murky water and low-light conditions.

Perch— When Walleye are actively feeding on juvenile perch in rocky environments.

White/Glow— Deep water or ice fishing where visibility is minimal.

Sizes & When To Use

1/4 ozTargeting shallow structure or cold water when fish are sluggish.

1/2 ozStandard weight for depths of 15-25 feet and moderate wind conditions.

3/4 ozDeep water scenarios or heavy current where getting to the bottom quickly is essential.

Commonly Rigged On

Direct tieSmall snap swivel for increased vibration

Recommended Gear

7'0" medium-light spinning rod with fast action, 2500-size spinning reel, 8-10 lb fluorocarbon or 10 lb braid with an 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Pro Tips

Always use a small snap for attachment; a direct knot inhibits the vibration frequency.
If you feel the vibration stop during the lift, set the hook immediately; the fish has likely inhaled it.
Match the weight to the depth; if you aren't hitting the bottom within two seconds of the drop, move up a size.
Replace stock hooks with high-quality, short-shank treble hooks to reduce tangles with your main line during the fall.

Species This Lure Catches