6 brilliant bladed lures for big walleye, trout, bass, muskies & pike

Many of today’s most effective lures for catching bass, crappies, muskies, pike, trout, walleye and yellow perch all share a common feature—an attached blade. On some baits, the blade is added to visually attract the fish. On others, it’s to make noise to lure them in. For the most part, though, the blade performs both roles to trigger a fish’s senses and, ideally, fill your livewell.

Adding blades to baits has become such a popular trend with tackle makers these days that they’re popping up on lures you would never have imagined, such as jigs, spoons and crankbaits. Even trendier still, inventive anglers are customizing their own baits with blades in ways that are, in a word, brilliant. Here’s what you need to know about bladed baits to get in on the action…