Blade Dancer Presentations for Walleye

By now I'm sure you've heard of the new Berkley Blade Dancer. The bait is available in 4 weights (1/16, 1/4, 5/16 and 3/8 ounce); as well as in 15 color combos (Alewife, Black Shad, Bleeding Minnow, Chartreuse Shiner, Firetiger, Glow/Chartreuse, Perch, Rainbow Smelt, Rainbow Trout, Shiner, Black Gold, Electric Grape, Tequila Sunrise, Red Shad, Bloodshot). Though I have yet to try it, I already know how I'm going to use it on opening day.

1. Jigging
As with any form of vertical jigging presentation, finesse is of the essence. The idea is to let the Blade Dancer drop freely until it reaches the bottom, i.e. until you notice slack in your line. Then lift it 6 inches off the bottom, and stay there, twitch a little, drop it back to bottom, lift up a foot, twitch, drop, etc etc. The key is in paying attention to changes in the way your line feels.

2. Trolling
Trolling the blade dancer is the same as trolling any other crankbait, except the results may be somewhat better than with most normal hard crankbaits. The erratic action of the blade dancer should make a difference, it will look much different and will act less predictably, which should trigger more attacks. You may need to weigh it down slightly with one or two small split shots to reach the bottom.

3. Cast and Retrieve
This is the ideal bait for pause and retrieve techniques. Because when you pause the bait drops like a dying minnow, it is probably the best bait on the market for this technique. Very good for walleye along weedlines and rock piles.

I would recommend you match the size of the Blade Dancer with depth and current conditions as well as with the technique you are trying to use. Use the lightest weight you can get away with. Best colors will depend on fishing conditions, but in general chartreuse minnow, firetiger, bloodshot, and perch should do great.