Make Your Own Simple, Inexpensive Blade Baits

[Will Wetline]

Vibrating blade baits are a very effective tool for getting the attention of chilled-out early season smallmouth. I like a small hair jig too but the blade may be a better choice when the wind's up because 5/8 oz. of metal provides control in blustery conditions whereas an 1/8 oz. bucktail jig . . . well, forget it.

 

Right off, I have to credit Crestliner 2008 for the hook arrangement on this bait. He convinced me a couple of years ago that the best setup was a single 1/0 Siwash (for the 5/8 oz. size). It's a substantial hook simply installed by closing the eye. No split rings to mess with. Squeezing the eye closed in a vise gives me better control than using pliers.

 

All the components that you see in the photo below come from Barlow's Tackle.

 

https://www.barlowstackle.com/Vibrating-Blade-Lure-P2631.aspx

 

 

Siwash hooks are available from Gamakatsu, Mustad and VMC if you prefer. Eagle Claws have worked for me.

 

You may note that I cut off the brass tab for the front double or treble hook. This looks better to me but the bass's interest is eating, not aesthetics. You can leave it on if you like.

 

That's about all there is to getting low cost, good vibrations.

 

 

[Bluebasser86]

I like the single hook idea. I've been using these in my attempt to learn blade baits. Only one noteworthy catch so far though (kind of). 

[Mobasser]

Sounds like a great way to make these lures. Im not able to fish for smallmouth but have had good luck on largemouth with a silver buddy. I too like the single hook idea.These baits are often overlooked by largemouth anglers,  but can work well throughout the year

[Paul Roberts]

Will, I like the Siwash hook idea.

 

BB, That is a monster drum.

[Joshua Vandamm]

I’ve done this with double hooks. The ones with non fused center bends so can be used without a split ring also. They work on the tails of plugs pretty well too. 

[detroit1]

bb86: if you squint just right it almost looks like a small- mouthed largemouth....