From the July 2010 issue of Susquehanna Fishing Magazine. Download this and other back issues free online:
http://susquehannafishing.com/
By Michael John Barton
My apologies go out to anyone who was confused by the title of the article. No, I am not referring to the title of some sort of dance song. I am talking about the bladed swim jig craze that has swept the tackle industry and most bass fishing enthusiasts around the country. The frenzy started about four years ago when the original “Chatterbait” was released to consumers worldwide. While some thought the lure would be a short-lived novelty lure, other anglers soon picked up on the lure’s effectiveness in situations that would usually require throwing a spinnerbait or weedless jig. Stores around the country couldn’t keep these lures on the shelves. They were actually on back order for quite some time before several other lure manufacturers started producing similar products.
So, what is a bladed jig?
Well it’s pretty much just that… a bladed jig. The blade on the front of the lure is actually attached to the eye of the jighead, a snap swivel is attached through holes that are in the middle of the blade itself. When retrieved at a slow-fast motion, the blade rocks back and forth which creates a distinct vibration unlike any other lure on the market. As I stated before, there are several different styles of blades and jig heads that are distributed by many different lure companies. Though most look similar when compared next to each other, there are some key characteristics to each brand of jig. For instance, some may have a wider wobble, or may emit a louder clacking sound than others. Some brands of bladed swim jigs may come through grass and vegetation better than others. These subtle differences are key, because one style might better suit the type of fishing you will be doing or the locations which you are fishing. Determining when to use which is the question. They all have a time and place in an angler’s tackle box.
Over the past four years or so I have fished bladed swim jigs considerably. However, I never realized their full potential until I started fishing the bladed jig in place of spinnerbaits. By doing this I was able to effectively cover more water. I have found that fish often react to a bladed swim jig much better than they will a spinnerbait. Whether it be its gawky blades or wire shaft, I’m still not quite sure what attracts them. One thing I have noticed is that it appears that a bass can feel a bladed swim jig from a much greater distance than a spinnerbait. I use an Ezee Jig’s “Ezee Vibe” 99% of the time when I am fishing a vibration bait. One thing that makes this brand of bladed swim jig stand out from the rest of brands is the addition of a split ring between the blade itself and the eye of the jighead. By adding this simple split ring, “Ezee Jigs” was able to develop a bait that not only puts out more vibration, but can be retrieved at a slower pace, thus giving you the option to fish the lure in deeper water, around the edge of weedlines and such.
I now use the Ezee Vibe (in place of spinnerbaits) on the Susquehanna River religiously. It has become an excellent addition to my river fishing arsenal. With the Susquehanna’s muddied waters, I feel I can entice fish to strike without them actually seeing the lure. I favor using colors such as chartreuse and white when the river is running muddy, and generally stick to Ezee Jig’s “Threadfin Shad” pattern when the water clears up a bit. I fish the “Ezee Vibe” parallel to the bank and retrieve it with a slow cadence. Another good area to fish this lure is around the edges of eel grass, or some other sort of vegetation that lines the Susquehanna shores. Don’t be afraid to fish the lure in fallen trees along the shoreline either. Vibration baits in general don’t hang up quite as often as, say, a spinnerbait would. You can actually deflect the lure off of limbs and rocks without it getting caught up.
I have found that a 6’6 to 7’ medium to medium-heavy action casting rod is suited best for this application. I prefer to use monofilament because of its stretch. To me it feels like it gives me more control over the fish, and it also gives a split second more to set the hook once the fish strikes.
So pick up a vibration bait or bladed swim jig, and start fishing it in places you would normally throw a spinnerbait on the river. Chances are you won’t be switching back to the conventional spinnerbait anytime soon! Tight Lines All!
Michael John Barton, Better known as MJ, is an established tournament angler from Endicott, NY. MJ competes on the Bassmaster Open Circuit, as well as the Bassmaster Weekend Series. MJ is also a prostaff member for Vicious-Fishing, Ezee Jigs, Paycheck Baits, as well as several other companies.
