Chatterbait rig is a relatively new concept as compared to fishing. A father and son team, Ronny and Ron Davis, first introduced it in 2004. It immediately caught the public’s attention, as it had a lead jig and a hexagonal shape with a metal blade.
Further, it first appeared in the Bassmaster Classic competition in 2005 and featured its unique vibrating properties. However, Z-Man Fishing patented the Chatterbait in 2006 and started selling these rigs.
Ever since, chatterbait has gained popularity primarily due to its sound components. Thus, making it a preferred choice for anglers of all levels. You can use it for pleasure fishing or at a fishing competition. Therefore, it is one of the best bait, and it makes sense to learn more about it.
So, let us discuss chatterbait’s unique properties.
What is Chatterbait Fishing?
Although chatterbaits are relatively new, they have gained huge popularity among professional anglers. It was used in abundance in the late 2000s as a lure and significantly contributed to the winners’ quests.
Further, its versatility made it a popular component of bass fishing in no time. Top anglers like Brett Hite and Bryan Thrift adopted chatterbaits, further fueling its effectiveness. Thus, making it a popular winning gear amongst amateurs and enthusiasts.
However, if you observe, chatterbaits are similar to spinnerbaits. These have a lead jig head and a colored skirt attached to the backend, likewise a blade to the front. Another version of the chatterbait has a willow leaf-style blade for added vibration.
If you need clarification about the market, you can distinguish it from its patented name, ChatterBait. However, you can also find them under the names of Bladed Swim Jig or Vibrating Jig. Therefore, ensure you purchase the right chatterbait by identifying it from its features rather than appellation.
As far as chatterbait’s principle is concerned, it works simply. The blade creates vibrations and motions inside the water, moving the skirt like a life lure. Thus making it an effective imitator. Bass are quickly attracted to the bait.
Chatterbait Fishing: History & Facts
2003 was the year when chatterbait rigs came into the limelight. Their inventors were a father-son combo of Ronny Davis and Ron of South Carolina, who were testing their prototype for chatterbaits. The idea went viral because the father-son teams needed help to meet the demand.
Therefore, they eventually sold the manufacturing rights to Z-Man Fishing. The chatterbait kept making vibrations worldwide and soon became a compulsory part of bass fishing gear.
Moreover, seeking its popularity, many copycats also entered the market and made huge profits.
Why Fish Chatterbaits?
Vibrating jigs are the future of bass fishing, and for good reason. Many anglers trust that it is the combination of perfect lure attributes, including vibration, sound, flash, and tight wobble action.
Moreover, they bring versatility to the game, as you can use them for any depth. For instance, you can easily use them under boat docks, around grass, popping it, falling it, deflecting off stumps – all methods are possible with chatterbait rig.
Chatterbaits’ Sound
Sound is one of the best ways to lure fish in bass fishing. However, fish do not hear the sound but feel it underwater. Moreover, the sound should be low intensity as it will alert fish to approaching dangers.
Thus, chatterbait sends sounds that resonate with the fish’s lateral line to trigger interest and provide a bite.
Chatterbaits: Versatility
Chatterbait is perfectly suited for all types of fishing requirements, including but not limited to fast, slow, fall, drag, pop, or deflect. Since, the sound and vibration are perfectly emitted, it is usable in stained waters and heavy vegetation.
Consequently, front flash blades create the illusion of a bleeding fish, attract fish, and offer high chances of success.
When to Fish with a Chatterbait
It is important to learn the best time and place where you can use your chatterbait rig. Here are a few situations when you can apply your chatterbait.
● As bass love vegetation, you can use ripping in shallow to mid-depth grass.
● Logs and stumps are another preferred spot for bass.
● During spring and early summer, docks are the preferred places to use chatterbait as fish congregate.
● During summer, shell beds are the places where bass hide, so let your chatterbait sink to the bottom.
● Use chatterbait when the cool and the sun is low, in the early morning or the evening.
How To Fish Chatterbaits
You can chatterbait in the following ways.
● Just below the surface
● Chatterbaits: Around grass
● Chatterbaits: Up shallow
● Chatterbaits: Along the bottom
Let us have a close look at each type in detail.
Just Below The Surface
During the fall season, the fish get hungry and come up to stay just below the water surface. You can activate the blade on chatterbait and use it from a boat or bank. Further, you need to keep the chatterbait high in the water column.
Moreover, morning and early evening are the best times to lure fish.
Chatterbaits: Around Grass
During summer, 3-6 feet (mid-water column) is the perfect time for catching fish using your chatterbait. Likewise, weed lines and outside-submerged grass are the places to find the fish. Moreover, target these areas during late spring and summer when temperatures rise.
Chatterbaits: Up Shallow
The best place to use chatterbait is 2-4 feet up, shallow near rocks and wood. However, if you are on a boat, parallel the shoreline and pick up good targets.
Chatterbaits: Along The Bottom
Even in the depths, chatterbait is capable of releasing noise. It is perfect where fish are holding deeper points. You can easily cast out to let your chatterbait jig hit bottom and slowly retrieve it to attract fish.
How to Fish a Chatterbait: Tips and Techniques
Since chatterbait is a versatile rig, you can easily deploy it as you like. Here are a few tips and techniques for using a chatterbait.
Slow Down
Chatterbait is at its best when fished slowly. So, to get the best results, always slow down, even if you are rolling it over a rock pile or popping it from a weed bed.
Moreover, you definitely would not want to burn your chatterbait rig. Therefore, remain patient and wait for the lure to work to get your fish.
Execute the Measures
Taking the correct measures can promise you success. So, first, let your lure sink to the bottom, then pump it upwards and let it fall again. Repeat this process. It will help to attract the fish.
However, you must use a slow and steady method in flukes or craw. You can drop chatterbait over the tops of the wee beds to minimize negative effects.
Lastly, you can hop along your chatterbait to the bottom. Moreover, you can let it fall and rise in short jumps to attract the bait hovering at the bottom.
The Different Ways to Fish a Chatterbait
You can use different methods to fish with a chatterbait rig. Let us have a look at them.
Split-tail Grubs
A method that gives additional length and an expanded tail activity. It works perfectly well for the finesse presentation of chatterbait. Moreover, the trailer works well when the bass is fussy due to fishing tension.
Moreover, it is perfect for fishing in vegetation where grub is smoothed out and flowing on the grass.
Flukes
Another trailer that works well with chatterbait jog is The Fluke. You can sense a swimming shad by connecting it to the rear of a chatterbait.
Furthermore, you can become adventurous by shading flick on the surface level. Moreover, you can toss it around the rocks, grass, and stumps to ambush action bass.
Plastic Craws
Plastic craw is the perfect tool if you want to add bulk and action to your bait. Therefore, if you are going to work in filthy waters, plastic crawls become a necessity.
Moreover, when connected to a bladed jig, a crawler will move more water. Therefore, this combination is perfect for both cold and hot waters.
The Best Time to Fish a Chatterbait
Let us now look at the perfect times when you can use your chatterbait to get maximum output.
Pre Spawn
Bass migrate to shallow waters during the pre-spawn season. Therefore, you can catch them near inlets and offshoots. However, it is observed that big female bass are more attracted to chatterbait, thus making them a perfect target during this season.
Spawn
Chatterbait’s sound is perfectly suited for spawn season when fish stow away around the spawning regions. Since, fish sighting is minimum; therefore, the rattling sound of the chatterbait will help you locate the fish.
Post Spawn
After the spawn season, female fish will migrate back to shallow waters. Therefore, chatterbait can help you easily catch a fish by making the bass get closer to them.
Summer
With the temperature rising high, fish move deeper into the water. Therefore, a slow rolling of chatterbait is perfect for luring lazy fish into a trap. However, drop your bait near the edges or shell beds to find the fish beforehand.
The Best Spots to Fish a Chatterbait
The Chatterbait rig is an all-rounder; you can use it in any condition. However, there are certain spots where you can get the maximum output. Here are key spots to use your chatterbait.
In Weeds and Grass
Weeds and grass are among the best fishing experiences with your chatterbait. Chatterbait can easily sneak into weed beds, thus making it an adventurous task to lure fish toward the bait, even in tough conditions.
Docks
Bladed jigs are perfect for fishing around docks. However, you may have to make a few forceful strikes to attract fish, but it is worth a try.
Trees and Other Structures
Chatterbait is perfectly suited for sunken logs and woody structures as it brings its bladed jigs to the game. However, move your bait slowly, as it could stick to branches.
Shell Beds
Shell beds are the preferred spot for bass during summer, so slowly roll your chatterbait around these areas to get your treat.
In Dirty Water Column
On a breezy afternoon, try your luck in dirty water, as your chatterbait is capable of helping you with fish.
In Clean Water
Any water with a temperature under 60 degrees will surprise you with your luck, as you can get plenty of bass.
Best Chatterbait Fishing Setup
Setting up chatterbait is so easy that even an amateur can do it. You can add a soft plastic trailer or use a pre-rigged skirt. Further, you would need a jig head, split ring, a wire, and snap.
Follow the steps below to set up your chatterbait.
● Attach a split ring to the blade using pliers and then with the eye of the jig head.
● Apply the skirt over the hook
● Add wire snap to the blade up the shank and with the jig head
● Use a medium rod, typically 6-7 feet long
● Chatterbait under 3/8oz is well suited for shorter rods
● 15-17 lb fluorocarbon line is better for clear waters
● 30lb braided line is ideal for muddy waters
Chatterbait Colors
The tip is to match your chatterbait with the color of the hatch. For instance, if there are bluegill or crappie, select the right colors to imitate them. Likewise, if Bass are eating shad, use shad colors.
Colors For Early Spring
A chatterbait setup is perfect for early spring as bass migrates toward spawning grounds.
Chatterbait Trailers
The selection of trailers depends on the natural forage of the bass. For instance, a slender swimbait with lighter colors is perfect if it feeds on shad or trout. However, a fuller profile trailer is a much better option in muddy water.
To make things, use a Keitech Swing Impact Swimbait in narrow presentation and Yamamoto Zako for a bluegill appearance.
Chatterbait Trailers: Panfish
You can use a bulked-out presentation for bluegill, whereas darker colors are preferred for fatter profiles. Further, creature baits like craws and grub-style trailers are ideal for panfish.
Likewise, if you plan to go offshore, combine darker colors to imitate panfish.
Chatterbait Rod Set Up
A 7-foot medium-heavy powered rod is considered an all-rounder. Further, you can select a rod made of glass or graphite. However, a graphite rod is ideal for long fishing expeditions.
● Use a 14lb fluorocarbon if you are fishing in clear open water
● A braided line (30 lb sufix 832) is ideal for a longer cast
● Go with a lower gear ratio (6:6:1) for slow movement of the lure
The Overview: Should You Go Chatterbait Fishing?
Consistency is key if you are going for a chatterbait rig. Since it is one of the most versatile baits in the market and popular amongst anglers at all stages, you should try it. Further, you must learn the basics before hitting the waters.
In short, chatterbait is one of the best things to have happen to fish, and if you are serious – you should go for chatterbait fishing.
Final Thoughts
The Chatterbait rig is less old than the fishing itself but has shaken the waters. It has been one of the most used tools for bass fishing over the past two decades. Although it is a tough task, it is the perfect gadget for all conditions.
In short, they are the best lures, as you can use different trailers with them. These will satisfy you even if you are cruising along a steady troll or trying your luck in muddy waters.