Spinnerbait Willow & Colorado Blade Combo breakdown

Willow and Colorado Blade Combo: The Best of Both Worlds

The willow and Colorado blade combo is an unbeatable choice for versatility. This pairing combines the high-speed, flashy nature of a willow blade with the slow, thumping vibration of a Colorado blade. Together, they create a unique blend that appeals to fish both by sight and by sound.

Light Conditions: The willow and Colorado blade setup works well in a range of light conditions, from bright and sunny to slightly overcast days. The willow blade provides a glint of flash to catch a fish’s eye, while the Colorado blade’s thump adds an auditory cue to attract fish even when visibility isn’t optimal. This combination is highly effective in low-light conditions, such as early morning or late evening, as well as in moderately stained water where fish rely more on their lateral line to sense movement.

Water Temperature: This combination is highly effective in moderate to warm water. The balance of flash and vibration makes it perfect for waters where fish are active but not overly aggressive, such as early fall or late spring. When the water is in the 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C) range, this combo provides enough stimulus to provoke a strike without being overwhelming. The Colorado blade’s thump creates enough noise to alert fish even in slightly murky water, while the willow blade maintains the visual appeal needed to close the deal.

Seasonal Use: The willow and Colorado blade combo is perfect for transitional seasons like spring and fall. During these times, water clarity can vary, and fish often need a mix of stimuli to strike. The combination of flash and vibration also works well for fishing around cover, such as submerged vegetation, brush piles, or fallen timber. In early spring, fish may still be moving out of their winter lethargy and can respond well to the moderate speed and thump of this combo. By fall, fish are actively feeding up before winter and are attracted to the dual sensory cues.

Freshwater Species Attracted:

• Largemouth Bass: Especially effective in stained water where the vibration of the Colorado blade helps them locate the bait.
• Smallmouth Bass: The combination of sight and sound can be useful in rivers or lakes with moderate current.
• Rock Bass: This aggressive feeder is drawn to the thump of the Colorado blade and flash of the willow, making this combo effective for targeting them in both clear and stained water.
• Walleye: Though more known for jigs and crankbaits, walleye can be enticed by a slow-rolled willow and Colorado combo.
• Crappie: Larger crappie may strike at smaller spinnerbaits with this combination, especially in the spring.

Pro Tip: Use a willow and Colorado combo when faced with water that has light to moderate stain. This pairing can cut through murky water without overwhelming fish with too much vibration, maintaining a natural presentation. Adding a trailer hook can also increase your hookup rate when fish are striking short.

Fishing Techniques and Retrieval Tips: Use a moderate-paced retrieve, allowing the Colorado blade to produce its distinct thump while the willow blade provides consistent flash. For extra attraction, try using a stop-and-go retrieve to simulate a baitfish pausing and darting. This technique is particularly effective when fishing around structures where bass and rock bass might be hiding and waiting to ambush prey.