A Simple guide to Spinner Blades

 

 

 

Blade selection is always vital to whatever species of fish you seek.  With an infinite number of choices in regards to shape, size, and color, determining which is best for your situation can become confusing.  This guide of the most common blade types may help you decide next time on the water. 

 

Colorado Blade

The Colorado blade is a very popular blade used in the upper Midwest.  Since it is a slow spinning blade which gives of a good steady thumping vibration, it is ideal for fishing at night or in stained water.  The angle of spin is 50 degrees and typically runs a little shallower in the water column.

 

Willow Leaf Blade

The Willow blade rotates at 25 degrees, and produces a lot of flash with it’s long thin body.  Ideal for clear or stained water, where flash is more important than vibration.  Can be used for getting through those tough weed beds and tends to run deeper in the water column.

 

Indiana Blade

The Indiana blade is a mix of the Colorado and willow leaf blades.  Rotating at 40 degrees, it offers a good combination of flash and vibration.  This blade is good under most conditions and seasons.  The smaller the size blade, the faster it will need to be retrieved.  The larger the blade the slower you will need to retrieve.

 

Tomahawk/Hatchet Blade

This blade offers a unique flash, while rotating at a 40 degree angle.  This is a great blade during cold fronts or with inactive fish.  Typically used with a very slow presentation, and ideal for drifting or trolling.

 

Dakota Blade

This is a “V” shape blade which exposes the beads underneath the blade and creates a good vibration with sufficient flash.  Like the Hatchet blade, it can be presented at very slow speeds as it spins at the 30 degree angle.

 

Smile Blade/Propeller Blades

The smile blade is a conditions adaptable blade.  The vibrating can be increased by pinching the blade together, or widened to fish it very slow.  The boomerang shaped blade is capable of turning at very slow or faster speeds.  This is a Mack Lures exclusive.  The propeller blade is a close cousin of the smile blade; however it is in a fixed position.  These will tend to leave a bubble trail in the water.

 

Shakee/Chatter Blade

This blade does not spin; rather it wobbles from side to side.  It gives off a constant vibration, and the action resembles the flash of a fleeing bait fish.  This has been a popular blade for Bass and Musky fishing for quite some time, and is relatively new to walleye fishing.

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