When we use a lure with blades, like spinner baits, we tend to take those blades for granted. Most often, we buy a spinner bait because of its brand, its color, its weight and its price.
Experienced anglers like the bass professionals and fishing guides put blades at the top of their priorities. They know that different type blades will create different actions in the water. There is also a choice between single blade lures, twin blade lures and tandem blade lures. The latter two types aren't the same. Twin blades are side by side; tandem blades are one behind the other.
Then there are the shapes of blades round, oval, willow leaf and more. Some of these are designated by names like Colorado and Indiana.
In general, large round blades on a lure make it run shallow. Smaller, thinner blades tend to run deeper.
A popular technique when using bladed lures is to cast them out, let them fall through the water to the bottom or for several feet, then begin the retrieve. A fish may strike on the fall of the lure through the water, and this is difficult to detect, since the line tends to have slack in it at the time.
That's the reason for casting and taking up slack with a few turns of the reel handle as soon as the lure hits the water. Let it fall then, and you'll have line that is more taut for a signal if a fish hits.
With big blades, a fast retrieve means it runs close to the surface. Slow down a little and the lure should run a couple of feet under the surface.
LAKE CONWAY
Rick Bates at Bates Field and Stream said the water is at normal levels and is continuing to cool down. Crappie fishing is good on minnows. A few bass have been caught on buzzing toads.
LITTLE RED RIVER
Billy Lindsey at Lindsey's Resort said the river is normal. Trout fishing has been excellent on chartreuse Power Bait and Power Eggs, wax worms and olive or brown marabou jigs.
GREERS FERRY LAKE
Tommy Cauley of Fish Finder Guide Service said hybrid bass fishing continues to be very good with catches of 50 to 100 fish a day. They can be caught on top as well as with a Buckshot Spinner or a Rite Bite jigging spoon around 35 to 43 feet deep all around the lake. Crappie are biting well with the better catches coming at night under lights in about 15 feet of water. Catfish are biting well with many large blue cats coming in on jugs. Walleye can be caught in various areas with the most consistent bite being around feeding hybrids and white bass on spoons. Bass fishing is improving every day, even with all the pressure. Many bass are being caught around schooling fish on spoons, topwaters and jerk baits. When the action slows you can depend on a deep jig or Carolina rig to catch all three species of black bass as well.
HARRIS BRAKE LAKE
Coffee Creek Landing said the water conditions are normal. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows and jigs. Bass fishing is good on crank baits and plastic worms around the banks.
LAKE OVERCUP
Overcup Landing said the water is clear and at a normal level. Crappie fishing is good on black and white jigs in shallow water. Bass fishing is good on plastic worms and spinner baits. Catfishing is good on worms and shrimp.
BREWER LAKE
Overcup Landing said the lake is at a normal level and clear. Crappie fishing is fair on small minnows. Bass are being caught on buzz baits and topwater plugs. Catfishing is good on live bait.
ARKANSAS RIVER
Vince Miller at Fish 'N Stuff said bass fishing in the Little Rock area has been good on spinner baits, jigs and shad-colored crank baits. Fishing is best in the backwater areas.
Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop said crappie fishing is good on jigs. Catfishing is good on live shad. Striped bass fishing has been good on chartreuse twister tails.
WHITE RIVER
Sportsman's White River Resort said the generators are running, but less during the week. Trout fishing has been good on silver spoons, red worms, and Power Bait. Fly fishing is good on zebra midges
