Blade baits are similar in profile to lipless crankbaits, but are solid body. Instead of using internal mechanisms to create sound and vibration, blade baits are molded in a way that the heads are thicker than the back half of the lure which creates vibration when retrieved.
Blade baits are less commonly used than other hard-bodied lures like crankbaits, but can be effective when fish are looking for a more subtle prey profile.
Blade baits are typically used to target temperate bass (striped, hybrid striped and white bass) in open water or below dams.
Small offerings can be effective in small bodies of water for crappie and sunfish.
Blade baits can be retrieved steadily at any speed or erratically jigged.
Since blade baits mimic baitfish, choose colors that closely resemble that body of water's prey sources like shad and bluegill. 1/4th to 1/2 ounce blade baits in shades of silver, gold, blue or chartreuse are good options.
