Tell me about Blade selections. I get that bigger rounder keeps the bait higher, but what condition are you looking for in that decision? And when do you decide between nickel/gold/painted blades?

Smaller blades--clearer water, less wind, smaller bait fish, bass are striking at faster moving baits, easier to pitch into heavier cover (the smaller blades won't get hung up as much)

Bigger blades--more stained, more wind, bigger bait fish, bigger blades are easier to slow roll

Nickel--sunny
Gold--cloudy
Painted--I've seen times when painted blades will outperform nickel or gold 4:1 Haven't quite figured out under which circumstances, but it's more important on some lakes compared to others. Some lakes, white painted blades really consistently outperform all others regardless of the weather or water conditions.

A very good and complete read on spinnerbait blades:

http://www.bassdozer.com/articles/spinnerbait-blades.shtml

Super article, Slide. Thanks.
If you know of an article on tips for how to change blades I would love to see it. So far I am all thumbs and unsuccessful at switching blades. Surely there's an easier way than my approach.

This.

I wish I could know when to fish a spinner bait. Last time I caught a bass on one was an H & H in high school 40 years ago. I just lost confidence I guess

Thanks for the information and article, that was quite a read. I never really thought of wind factoring into the blade type.

I�ll add the smaller blades pair well with a heavier bait so you can burn it, and it stays keeled under the surface better.

I guess it's just a confidence thing Patrnflyr...I throw a spinnerbait year round...if the fish are: a) shallow water, or b) high in the water column around cover. I've had days where they would absolutely crush a spinnerbait, particularly in early spring. For me they are always tied on and always being tested if either of those two scenarios are present.

I never used to throw a spinnerbait , then one day , after a frustrating time trying every plastic I could think of -- and only having 3 fish for 6 hours , I decided to change it up and move to a cove that was the size of a football field , tons of weeds throughout . I literally caught approx 20 bass , all 2-3 lbers on a 3/8oz white with willow leaf blades in one hour . It was crazy fun . Now , I always have one tied on. I think they are best when you have weeds , wood and /or dirty water . Once the threadfin shad start to spawn ( april/may ) through late fall seems best for me .
Learning to mix up your retrieve is also helpful , ---slow roll , rise and fall , burn it , etc.....

.

I keep saying that you need to get CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF, not in baits or pre3entations. If you get CONFIDENCE in yourself, you never leave home w/o it and you become a MUCH more successful angler. How do you do this? T O W, Time On the water is the ONLY way I know how to get your confidence up. BUT IT WORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!! That being said, I thro the old Bill Dee Mini Me, sold by SpotSticker Jigs by Ryan Coleman. GREAT baits and they do not costs too much. He has daytime and nighttime baits to sell. Go chec him out if you want too, but GET CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF, you will catch a LOT more fish. Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.


Thad Rains

Check out Bass Assets spinners, quick change blades. All components are top grade.

Painted blades usually stained water or Prespawn adjustment..I used to use Chartruese blades on Hubbard back in the day around gator grass or any grass I found..TRINITY RIVER Water color would make it a player early...Red small colorado that terminator had was a river custom..I wish I had bought more of them. GOOD SB for along time..I put a indiana turtle shell brass on it, and it caught fish till I lost last year..

Something else regarding blades. Im sure most have augmentations for spinner baits..I like yo tinker, get more use out of them, modify skirts, keep them in rotation..i think someone mentioned Barlowes..They still have online sales and their store on.Central expressway showed still open.Id call though as they had said they might go to full online sales...Contact info out there..

Large headed sbs like Hildabrandts are outstanding long term sbs, and their online sales will introduce people to very good quality sbs not seen on shelves anywhere..To the point adding a large say 5-6 on their short arm, and a good skirt color good sb juju..lol..Also take a 3.5 to say 4.5 willow Nickle or brass will give you a sb well balanced that you can burn over grass and it will run very true..Wont lose tracking, or roll over at speed...Tight lines gents..

They still make them, they still work and you won�t cry if you loose one because they don�t cost a arm and a leg.