how to fish blade baits

I know a big part of fishing any presentation is confidence and I have none with blade baits. What is the best way to fish them? Throw them out and jig back or slow retrieve back? Any advice would be appreciated.

thanks.

Here’s a start.
idofishing

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Here’s a start.
idofishing

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X200

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Here’s a start.
idofishing

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This is a great post and will answer alot of your general questions.

thanks!

Still learning blades myself. I can tell you one thing, it is not as easy as going out and jigging them. Those who have figured it out need to pride themselves, definitely not as easy as fishing plastics.

Absolutely Kevin…
I learned pitching light blades from Dean Marshall some years ago…I am still amazed how effective that presentation
is when the technique and conditions are right. AND the numbers of PIGGIES that have fallen prey to the tiny blades…
Like this 11 lber by Mark last spring…

Keep in mind too that they are NOT a seasonal bait. Year round in most cases

When I first starting using blades I also asked alots of questions and read alot articles dealing with the use of blade baits.

Once I had my information I spent a great deal of time on the water practicing what I heard and read.Then when I was confident with the new skill I went fishing just with them and refined the technique more.

There is definitely a time and place where they shine well above any other technique.

JMHO Jeff

Thanks to everyone for your replies! I went out fishing Saturday out of Everts and went down river and tried the blades and did not have any luck. If this weather gets even half way nice again I am going to go down and try again.

Went out and tried blades again today. I didnt know what size to use so I just used 1/4. The current was rolling but I could still feel the blade hit bottom and vibrate up, and sit on slack line. I think I had enough weight. Never felt a single hit, but snagged 5 catfish less than 3″ long and 2 sheep. I think I figured out the rod and line though, 6’6 MXF daiwa fuego and 8lb stren felt good. I could feel all the rocks and if the bottom was hard or soft. Just couldnt get a fish.

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Went out and tried blades again today. I didnt know what size to use so I just used 1/4. The current was rolling but I could still feel the blade hit bottom and vibrate up, and sit on slack line. I think I had enough weight. Never felt a single hit, but snagged 5 catfish less than 3″ long and 2 sheep. I think I figured out the rod and line though, 6’6 MXF daiwa fuego and 8lb stren felt good. I could feel all the rocks and if the bottom was hard or soft. Just couldnt get a fish.

Well the rod and the line may have been your problem. IMO you need to use a hard line..fireline, suffix 832 ect in 6 or 8 lb test to feel your blade working properly and not over work it. Next, all my blade rods are at least 6’8 and MLXF or MLF. With that combonation I can feel my blades working properly with quick snaps and soft suttle movements of the rod tip. If I had to use mono for pitching blades I would switch baits not a good combo.

I finally added a 6’9 MLXF Avid to the mix and it makes a WORLD of difference in fishing blades. The tip almost works the blade for you, sure helps in “overworking” the lure.

Only a couple of snagged carp for me yesterday out on P4.

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I finally added a 6’9 MLXF Avid to the mix and it makes a WORLD of difference in fishing blades. The tip almost works the blade for you, sure helps in “overworking” the lure.

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Good info! Pitching blades is probably the single most presentation impacted by the proper rod action & line choice. If there is a better action to fish 1/4 oz & lighter blades than the 69mlxf from Croix, I have yet to find it.

If I was overworking it, how slow am I supposed to be fishing?
I was lifting the rod tip 2″ which would make the bait move what, about 4″ up. I felt it vibrate on the way up and on the way down, then a light tick as it hit bottom or a tick tick if it hit rocks. I would wait about 3-4 seconds and then repeat. Then when lifting if I felt any weight at all I set the hook and that is how I snagged the fish. Also I wasnt just letting it free fall, I was guiding it down with the rod, letting it sort of shimmy down.

Was I fishing correctly?

The daiwa rod felt amazing with the blade, I felt so much more than what I could with my st. croix premiers… but I guess that is why it retails for $250.

BBK, sound like you had the mechanics going. Somee days are just not a blade day; or color selection. This last week on Pool 7, colors changed by the hour, and pitching blades only had its moments. I think when this weather has a solid day to two days to stabilize, you’ll see much better results.

Randy what colors are your favorite for muddy water? river is high and muddy right now, I figure the fish have to be going shallow.. they wont want to sit in that current. We are near flood stage down here.

Pink, Purple, black, then Pearl are my starting colors for dirty water….then I just go through the spectrum.

Our best spot this last week as the river came up was closing dams. Pool 7 Report I have some info in there that would be worth while looking at.