Sure, jigs, plastics, Dubuque rigs, and stickbaits get a lot of love in the spring. But when it comes to lighting up sluggish walleyes, blade baits have been the secret weapon for decades.
What makes blade baits so awesome? Simple: they trigger reaction strikes even when the water’s cold—think just above freezing to about 60 degrees. Instead of waiting for a gentle tap, you get solid, aggressive hits as walleyes pounce on the falling bait. They might not see it, but they definitely feel that heavy vibration with their lateral line—and they can’t resist.
Picking the Right Blade Bait
No matter which brand you grab, pack a variety of sizes and colors. Standard weights run from 1/8-ounce up to 1/2-ounce, with 1/4-ounce often being the MVP. Color-wise, gold, chartreuse, silver, and firetiger are must-haves. Purple and custom-painted wonderbread patterns are also deadly, depending on water conditions and the river you’re fishing.
The classic bladebait shape started with the Heddon Sonar. Nowadays, there are tons of options: B Fish N Tackle blades, Silver Buddys, ACME V-Shads, Berkley Thin Fishers, and even Japanese-designed blades like Megabass models. Some newer designs even feature rattles for extra noise in murky water.
Gearing Up for Blade Bait Success
For best results, use a 6’10” to 7’2” medium-light or medium power rod with a fast or extra-fast action. Pair it with 10–15 lb braid, a 10–15 lb fluorocarbon leader, and a tiny barrel swivel to minimize line twists. A spinning reel with a smaller spool, like a Daiwa Tatula 2000 or a Shimano Vanford, will keep your hops nice and controlled.
How to Fish It
When river temps are cold, pitch blades into current seams, pools, and back eddies. Even shallow spots—just a few feet deep—can hold hungry walleyes. Snap the bait with your wrist just a few inches off bottom and stay tight on the line to avoid fouling. Remember: most strikes come as the blade falls, so don’t overwork it. Short hops, steady patience, and letting the bait work its magic are key.
Bladebaits aren’t just for winter anymore. As spring waters start warming toward 60 degrees, the heavy metal show is just getting started across legendary river systems like the Mississippi, Rainy, Missouri, and Fox/Wolf.
Grab a handful of blades, fine-tune your setup, and go create some spring fishing memories!
Image/Source: in-fisherman
