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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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