Blade baits on pool 4

[fishinfey8]

Ok guys, I have been down to pool four a couple times now and have been told that jigging and pitching blade baits can be an effective way to put some nice fish in the boat. So, I guess my questions for those who know, would be: What time of year are you using this technique? Do you snap jig them, or pitch and retrieve them like a lip-less crank? What would be a good size/weight to purchase? As for the last question - I'm sure that it depends on the current, but what would be a good variety of sizes to get so I will be covered in most situations? Thanks for any help.

[Mike Walerak]

Your gonna want some of the 1/8th oz for pitching shallow. 10 fow or less.

I like 1/4 oz. for verticle jigging in most situations. I do have some 1/2oz blades but they very seldom get used. You might want to have a couple just in case.

Contrary to what most people believe less is actually more when fishing blades. For pitching you cast the blade to the spot and get a feel for how long it takes to hit bottom. On the next few casts you can anticipate when the blade will hit. I prefer short slow jigging actions. I like to have the blade strum 6 times or so and then let the bait flutter in the current but staying close to the bottom.

When vertical jigging them I give them a rip once in a while but still fish them with a fairly soft action. Most of the time the fish crunch them after being paused for an extended peroid of time. The fish will let you know what they want so you have to experiment a little.

As for time of year, the best time is during the coldwater period. Mid-winter canbe good all the way through post-spawn I like a little stain in the the water as well. Deanstacklebox.com is the only place I know of that sells the light blades for pitching.

[deanstacklebox]

Pitching blades is and has been my number one big fish producer for many years now.Do I hang my hat on it exclusively? No, But from Oct through May, it is part of my rotation of 2-4 presentations before I leave or give up on a spot.Mike's earlier post described the presentation very well.I would agree,most folks overfish the presentation and fish way to heavy and to fast.I try to just use my wrist and not my arm when applying the action. The slower the fall the better and as Mike stated,"less is more",I hope he doesnt mind if I re-use that phrase! :]

Commonly,many folks overfish this presentation due to using too heavy action rod and way to heavy line. A 6'9" mlxf is my favorite teamed up with no heavier than 8# hardline,I prefer 6# myself.The correct snap size is crucial as well. #1 & #2 are what I use.

Colors? Keep it simple, something bright,something dark,and gold.Then practice in safe sandy areas to start with and or better yet,hop in the boat for a day with someone who has it down already.That will shorten the learning curve dramatically! Good Luck....and you wont be the first person to catch their PB walleye pitching blades !

[Mike Walerak]

Just an FYI the first 3 pictures in the Pool 4 big walleyes post below came on blades. My buddy Tim got his 2 back to back and both were PB's. The last pic also came on a blade during post spawn when I was testing some blades I modified a little. I guess it worked!

Yes Dean the action of the rod is actually what does the work. I like using the Limit Creek Smoothie. It has a bit softer tip and you can really feel the subtle vibrations when working the blade slowly.

mw

[fishinfey8]

All I can say is I can't believe I've never purchased and tried these before. Thanks guys for the priceless info. I will be ordering some blades from deanstacklebox for sure. Both of you answered all my questions, now I can't wait to add this to my arsenal! From what a friend of mine tells me, it takes some practice, but if you are diligent and keep trying, you'll find your touch. Seems to be the key to river fishing. I am relatively new to this all, and it helps a ton to get some insight from you veterans! Thanks again.

[Turk]

My PB came from a blade on the cast as well! Somebody named Dean...?? Can't remember last name.... threw me a color and said try this one!