Spinnerblades are sized from #00 in Colorado and Indiana styles - appropriate for small trout - to #8 best suited for lake trout and pike. Choose a #3 to #5 for most situations. Willowleafs run from #1 to #8, with size #3 through #8 commonly appearing on spinnerbaits.

Large blades amplify spinnerbait features, like too much of a good thing. An overly large Colorado blade won't run straight except at minimum speed. And its loud splash, heavy vibration, and large profile may spook more bass than it attracts. On the other hand, a tiny Indiana won't attract attention in murky water, it's difficult to cast, and the spin is hard to feel in windy conditions.

Tandem blades change lure appearance, drop speed, flash, and vibrations. They work great in thick cabbage on the flats. A great tandem is a small #1 or #2 Colorado and a large #6 or #8 willow leaf. The small round blades add vibration while the big willow creates flash. Mix gold, copper, or silver blades to cover a variety of water clarity and sunlight situations. Double willows are popular for situations demanding maximum flash.

Tandem chartreuse Colorado blades are my choice in weedy, murky lakes where spinerbaits aren't usually fished. Clear water and shallow fish suggest a switch to painted white blades to reduce flash.