Blade Bait Debriefing by Dan Rice

Blade Bait Debriefing by Dan Rice

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B L A D E B AI T

Story & Photos

BY DAN RICE

debriefing

B

lade baits are notorious smallmouth lures.

These baits are perfectly suited for cold,

clear water, but they are often underuti-

lized because of a lack of detailed informa- tion on how and where to get started.

I had the opportunity to witness the blade bait’s

marvelous tendencies first hand with a friend, John

Norisada. He is a versatile angler from the Inland

Northwest who not only believes in the blade bait, but

actually owns and operates his own fishing tackle

company, Norisada Custom Tackle. One of his

bestselling products? You guessed it, the Norisada

Blade Bait.

Through winter, blades are a very natural

presentation. Baitfish slow

down and

often succumb to chilling temperatures. These move- ments include fluttering, darting and lying motion- less. The blade bait and the reason for its unmatched cold water tendencies is the lure’s ability to replicate the baitfish’s life cycle. With the closing of one door comes the opportunity of another. To smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass, it is pure instinct.

GEAR

Norisada recommends a 7-foot medi-

um-heavy spinning rod. His choice of gear

includes G-Loomis’ IMX 843, paired with the

Shimano Stradic 2500, 20-pound PowerPro

braid and 10-pound fluorocarbon leader.

“You need braided main line and a

fluorocarbon leader for

John Norisada 8lb. 2oz. smallmouth

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