Bladed Swim Jig/ Chatterbait Question

[Eccs]

So I have been looking into what I would like to get this summer when it comes to jigs and I have decided on getting some bladed swim jigs. In my attempt to sort between what I want and what I need (I'm sure you all know how difficult that part is) I have not been able to decide between 3/8oz or 1/2 oz for my swim jigs. I have tried to research what weights are best for what depths but haven't been able to find any info on it. So my question is what size bladed swim jigs do you use and what depths do they go? Thanks in advance.

[Bluebasser86]

I use 3/8oz a vast majority of the time. I like to fish my baits very slowly and it's easier to fish a lighter bait slower at all depths. Most of the time I'm fishing them shallower than 10' anyways so it's really not that deep of water. I am going to play with some 3/4 and 1oz heads this summer and see how they work in deep water in place of a deep crank though. 

[Eccs]

I use 3/8oz a vast majority of the time. I like to fish my baits very slowly and it's easier to fish a lighter bait slower at all depths. Most of the time I'm fishing them shallower than 10' anyways so it's really not that deep of water. I am going to play with some 3/4 and 1oz heads this summer and see how they work in deep water in place of a deep crank though. 

How is the 3/8oz for casting? 

[Bluebasser86]

I fish it on a 6' 6" MH/F, Lew's Speed Spool, with 15lb Big Game and I have no trouble casting the 3/8oz head. 

[shanksmare]

I like Bluebasser86 use 3/8th oz bladed jigs most of the time. In shallow canals I frequently use a slightly smaller version (probably 1/4 oz, an old Bagley version that is not marked for weight). I have no trouble casting either on a BPS PQ loaded with 20# Sufix Seige. I also sometimes use the same setup with 50# braid.

 

I know that I translate more bites to hookups by using a glass rod and mono line. I have witnessed on many occasions that I would pull the lure from the basses mouth before it was fully engulfed using a fast action graphite rod and braid. I guess I have too much of a hair trigger hookset. Your makeup may dictate otherwise. Just a thought to ponder.

[wytstang]

I tend to use 1/2 chatter baits/lures due to my habbit of reeling to fast for lighter lures to reach the depth I want them to. So a heavier lure makes it were I need/want it and reel as I normally do.

[ABW]

3/8 oz 99.99% of the time 

[flyfisher]

I prefer the 3/8 oz.  i have tried the heavier ones but I didn't have as much success with them.

[*Hootie]

Chatterbaits good in cold water?

Hootie

[Bluebasser86]

Chatterbaits good in cold water?

Hootie

Absolutely

[*Hootie]

Absolutely

Thanks Bluebasser.I'll be able to fish in about ten days and the water will be cold. I will definitely have one tied on. I guess fish it as slow as possible?

Hootie

[buzzed bait]

i have some bladed jigs that bluebasser made and i want to say they are 3/8oz.  i think the fall rate/retrieve speed with the 3/8 is about perfect.  i've had some heavier ones in the past, but did not like the heavy weights. 

i'm sure clayton can explain his reasoning, but whatever he does to the blade makes it vibrate HARD.  i like it because you can really feel your bait moving through the water.

this year i'm focusing more on bladed jigs/swim jigs and a little less on the spinnerbaits.

[Smokinal]

I use 3/8oz a vast majority of the time. I like to fish my baits very slowly and it's easier to fish a lighter bait slower at all depths. Most of the time I'm fishing them shallower than 10' anyways so it's really not that deep of water. I am going to play with some 3/4 and 1oz heads this summer and see how they work in deep water in place of a deep crank though. 

3/8 as well but you just let me know if you need someone to test those 3/4 in Maine. I like that idea in deep water.

[wytstang]

Chatterbaits good in cold water?

Hootie

This guy nailed in 40* water temps