Often overlooked by lure anglers, the vibrating blade, or metal vib, is nevertheless an essential lure that can save you from coming home empty-handed. The vibrating blade, also called a fishing blade or metal vib, is a very effective metal lure. Ideal for power fishing, the vibrating blade lets you search an area quickly, and that is clearly one of its main qualities.
Being a dense lure, this metal lure casts a long way and lets you rake over as much ground as possible. It lets you explore every layer of water in record time. This metal vib is formidable on all predators (catfish, pike, zander, perch). Moreover, its density lets it fish on the bottom as well as in mid-water, and tempt predators whether they are active or at rest. It can start fishing as soon as it touches the surface, to fish just below it. As well as in mid-water, or even deep.
But the great advantage of the vibrating blade is certainly its versatility! You can do practically anything with this lure. Most vibrating blades have several attachment holes that let you easily vary the action of the blade. Indeed, there are most often three holes on the head of the lure which, depending on the angler's choice, influence the lure's swimming action: more jerky and fast with an attachment point at the front, wider with a rear attachment, or even a vertical use if you choose the middle attachment
The further forward you attach it, the faster the swimming action. Conversely, an attachment towards the rear gives a gentler action
For the rig, you need to insert a fishing snap so as not to restrict its swimming action. The vibrating blade can be used with a straight retrieve but also with fast pulls,
Working the vibrating blade with a straight retrieve
The first working method, the simplest, is initially to cast your blade and let it sink to the bottom or to the desired depth. Then you simply bring your lure back with a straight retrieve. You will then feel the minimum speed very well, the one that makes your lure vibrate, and you will be able to carry out very sustained actions.
Working a metal vib with a straight retrieve
The second working method that works very well with vibrating blades is pulling. As before, after casting it, let your blade sink to the bottom and then make a long, wide, fast pull with your rod from the low position to the vertical. Then, with the line under very slight tension, let your blade sink back towards the bottom. Be particularly focused, because the vast majority of bites happen during this phase.