Best Rod Action For Chatterbait (& Spinnerbait)

[n8cas4]

In terms of hookset, I've always viewed the chatterbait and spinnerbait as similar.  They both have a good hefty hook (with possible trailer hook) that needs a strong hook set to get that hook through the mouth.  Most spinnerbait rods are Medium Heavy Fast.  So wouldn't you want the action in your rod for a chatterbait to be the same?  Brett Hite and some of his followers are doing something different with their bladed-jig set up.  He and others prefer a rod with strong backbone, but a more forgiving tip - Medium Heavy, Moderate Fast or even Moderate. 

 

I'm just looking to see what other people think about this and if they have different rod actions for Spinnerbait and chatterbait.  Thanks.

 

 

[ChrisWi]

for open water I prefer a Mod Fast taper, it really helps you get more distance, for close quarters the heavier rod is a big advantage, preferably with a fast it extra fast taper.

 

This video goes into more detail about equipment for chatterbaits:

 

[flyfisher]

I have been throwing my chatter baits and spinnerbaits on what is labeled a MHF but i think it is more an in between M & MH rod.  It seems to work better for me.  I tried one of the moderate fast action deals for spinnerbaits and i did not like it at all, just didn't feel right to me.

[Frenchman83]

for open water I prefer a Mod Fast taper, it really helps you get more distance, for close quarters the heavier rod is a big advantage, preferably with a fast it extra fast taper.

X2

For open water I throw them on a M Moderate Fast (squarebill rod) and close quarters I like a MH Fast.

[A-Jay]

 When I'm fishing a spinner bait & a chatter bait in the same type of cover (namely shallow to mid-depth vegetation) I like to allow the fish to get the bait sufficiently before I detect the strike so I don't pull it away prematurely, missing a solid hook up.  Additionally, on a long cast, I need to know that my tackle selection will allow me to put that decent size hook into the fish with authority.

 

I've played around with a few different versions of rod, & line types / size (Glass, Graphite & composite sticks as well as Mono, Co-poly and braided line) and have settled on one that works for me. (The reel only changes in the IPT area depending on the water temps- but it's rarely a high speed model in these conditions).

 

The Quantum Tour KVD Signature Series (TKVD746MA) MH Crankbait rod and 15, 17 or 20 lb fluorocarbon line has produced the best results so far.   The 7'4" rod length launches the 3/8 & 1/2 oz baits nicely.  The EGC glass/graphite composite blank has a decent parabolic action and backbone.  So the very slight delays on the hook set allows the fish to get the bait and then the rods back bone steps in and does the rest.

The blanks does a nice job holding onto and landing the bass.  The fluorocarbon plays an important role here.  Besides the expected sensitivity it offers while using a moving bait, without it I don't feel I was getting anything close to the hook set I wanted.      

 

I've been playing around with the 7'10' version of this rod for chatterbaits as well.  But it's a beast of a stick and so far I haven't needed it for this application.  But I'd use it if I need to.

 

A-Jay

[fishballer06]

I like to use a 6'10" MH-F Crucial for spinner/chatter baits. 

[n8cas4]

Thanks guys.  And thanks for the detailed response A-Jay.  It made me think about how the type of line plays an important role.  Based on what I have in the rod locker (no money right now for a new rod) I think I'm going to use my dobyns savvy 734c mm with 16 # FC and my St. croix tournament 70mf teaser rod with 30 # BR

[doyle8218]

6'10" MH-F

[stkbassn]

I use a Diesel 7'2 MH extra fast. It's a 3 powered rod so it has a nice soft tip but plenty of backbone. I lose very few if any fish on spinnerbaits or treble hook baits with this rod. It's been perfect for both. Chatterbaits I don't throw but I'm sure they would work well too. I've also used M powered fast or moderate rods for spinnerbaits with success. I've had lots of spinnerbait rods but this Powell has been perfect.

$49 a piece right now at Fish Ranger....who needs a warranty at that price!! Mine still haven't broken yet guys...haven't fallen apart, no guide issues, ....still fishing

[illinifan4152]

I prefer a 7' MH Mod-fast for both techniques. The model I am currently using is a kistler magnesium crank rattle and roll and I love it.

[Bankbeater]

6'6" mh-fast action.

[dam0007]

For what it's worth I throw Spinner baits chatter baits and buzz baits all on the same rod and use mono. 6'10 MH/F

[Alpha Male]

I use a 7' 3" MH-F pinnacle perfecta. This is my first year using this rod for spinnerbaits as it was my frog rod last year. I like a stronger power rod so that the resistance of the bait doesnt overpower the rod. While i respect everyones choices i like a faster action for these. And i dont usually throw them in open water. Thats where i use treble hooks. I use 20lb braid and no leader. These are my go-to baits after T-rigs.

[Bluebasser86]

6' 6" MH/F with 15lb Big Game for both for me. 

[shanksmare]

Basically I guess you should just use what works for you. There are lots of variables that will influence your choices involved. A few of which come to mind are: the distance of your average cast, how heavy the cover you are fishing is, how fast you set the hook (reaction time), size of the baits, depth at which you fish the baits, etc. Some people crowd the bank, others stay a long cast away from the target. Some have lightning quick reaction speed others are slow or able to control the speed. Some people have to have the fastest, most expensive, cutting edge equipment others not so much.

 

I noticed in shallow, fairly clear water that I was missing quite a few fish using a chatterbait with a fast action graphite rod and braid. I guess the combo was too sensitive and I was too quick on the trigger. I switched to an S-glass rod and mono and my strike to landed fish ratio went up considerably. Visually it appeared that the fish had more time to get the bait further into their mouths and even start to turn away with it. This combo seems to work equally well with spinnerbaits.

 

But as I said this isn't a one size fits all situation. Its still a work in  progress for me.

[hatrix]

I always like a moderate / glass rod now for anything that is pretty much constantly moving if possible depending on the situation. Fish really get the whole bait that way and they stay hooked better. Really unless your fishing a spot where you really need that tip to be able to snap your rod like that I see no advantage to a fast or extra fast. I will fish the same bait on different rods if I need to make a switch. I also fish moving top waters on the same. I throw tons of ribbits and I use a glass spinning rod now and I don't even know theast time a fish missed it or I pulled it out of his mouth and it go skipping back at me.

[Zach Nute]

For what it's worth I throw Spinner baits chatter baits and buzz baits all on the same rod and use mono. 6'10 MH/F

Mono? Is there a specific reason why you prefer mono?

[dam0007]

Mono? Is there a specific reason why you prefer mono?

2 reasons.

1) Because it floats. All 3 of these baits I want to keep up in the water column or on the surface.

2) it's cheap as hell and these baits get thrown in abusive areas so I re spool multiple times a season. Also I retie ALOT. So cheaper than braid.

[WPCfishing]

I was using a St Croix Premier until I bought a Fenwick HMG. 6'6" MH 3/8-1oz. The rod cast great and I can feel everything going on with the bait. 

[L a r r y]

The last three years, I've thrown 1/2 ounce chatterbaits on a Duckett Micro Magic MH 7' rod, on a 6:4.1 AG STX with 15lb Seaguar InvisX fluro.  I've thrown it from winter to spring, shallow to deep.  I've gotten to the point that I wait for the fish to give me a couple of tugs before I set the hook, and that has worked best for me.

[buzzed bait]

6'10" MHF Tatula rod and 12lb yozuri hybrid for me

[dave]

6'9" Castaway SB4  MHM, 15# Yozuri Hybrid.

[Montanaro]

I used a rage blade with a moderate fast action rod with sunline reaction fc tonight.

Caught two hogs, one being a personal best. Both were hooked SOLID in roof of mouth after engulfing bait. Using my xfast 13 *** with braid last year had me hooking fish in lips and skin.

I'm a believer in slower actions now, for sure!

[hatrix]

If you only even have a cranking stick then use that if you can. I try to use rods with a slower action as much as possible for anything moving. I can say for sure it has also dropped my number of fish that get off tremendously also. Once they are hooked they stay on there.

[Ozark_Basser]

Mod fast