The bladed jig is a relatively new lure that is really making a splash these days. The Chatterbait is credited with being the first bladed jig to come on the scene and its trademarked name sometimes mistakenly is used to mean “bladed jig.” Even in the fishing lure industry there is some confusion. One online lure outlet claims to have a section called “chatterbaits and bladed jigs;” while another popular site doesn’t know how where to place this unique lure so simply throws this under the inaccurate heading, “bass jigs.” The original lure has spawned many additional bladed jig variants on the market now with names such as the Melee, Thunder Cricket, and Rage Blade just to name a few.
When considering how to fish a bladed jig, it may be helpful to think about the depth of your presentation in the water column.
High
This lure is an essential option for shallow water or working just under the surface. Bladed jig fishing tips suggest holding the rod tip high and using a medium retrieve to create a wake just below the surface. The lure feels similar to a tightly wobbling crankbait, but with a single hook and a blade at the front that wants to ride up in the water column, this lure can cover water in vegetation you would never be able to get a crankbait through. When asked how to fish a bladed jig in spring, I recommend working it as fast as an early season spinnerbait. In fact, I’ll often switch between the two lure types depending on the aggressiveness of the cooler water reaction bite.
Middle
When asked how to fish a bladed jig in summer, I suggest dropping the rod tip and slowing the retrieval to just keep a steady vibration. If you make contact with submerged structure like a log or rock, this lure can glance off it, again acting like a lipped squarebill crankbait. This deflection not only saves the lure from a snag, but drives fish crazy. Also among bladed jig fishing tips is that this vibrating lure “shines” even in murky water where the sun doesn’t shine. Just keep the vibration thumping and the fish will find it. If the vibration stops, give the rod a strong sweep. This will either help set the hook or will clear a bit of vegetation so the vibrating can continue.
Low
In regards to how to fish a bladed jig in deep water, some fishing tips suggest letting the jig hit the bottom but without fully losing contact because with the fluttering decent of this lure, fish might hit on the drop. Once the line is slack, try lifting the lure just enough to feel the blade kick into action, then dropping it to the bottom again. Also consider experimenting with different bladed jig designs. Some strive to remain deeper in the water column. With a slow retrieve, even if not getting as deep as other lures, the vibration may still call up fish.
Still another aspect of how to fish a bladed jig is to address the bladed jig setup or accessories. Just like standard jigs or spinnerbaits, different skirt colors are available and easily interchanged. The best bladed jig trailers really depend on each unique fishing situation. Some examples: in shallow water, a soft plastic frog. Mid depth: soft plastic swimbait. Deep water: crayfish or creature bait pattern. And sometimes fish even prefer a smaller presentation without a trailer. If you don’t have a bladed jig in your tacklebox, the next time you are in a place that sells lures, perhaps buying an out-of-state fishing license when traveling, pick one up. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Leave a Reply