Thinking About Getting In The Chatterbait Game, Where To Start?

[Rhino68W]

I don't own a single chatterbait and really want to change that. I enjoy spinnerbait fishing, but want to try this for those extra weedy areas and on those tougher days when a large profile spinner won't work. 

 

I will be shopping at Academy and they only sell Zman. What colors, weights, and trailers should I get to cover the basics?

 

Also should add that I know nothing about fishing them. Any tips would be appreciated. TIA

[blckshirt98]

I like hucking 1/2 oz chatterbaits, color wise use what works with other lures for your waters.  For trailers I throw away the stock ZMan trailer and replace it with either a 5" single tail grub(Zoom/Kalin's) or a shortened swimbait (take your pick just be sure to trim the swimbait so that the tail and maybe 1cm of the body is sticking out past the skirt - swimming senkos, Keitech Swing Impact, most anything works).  You can vary retrieve speed to see what the fish like that day, the ZMans are good in that they maintain their vibration at slow or fast speeds.  Chatterbaits work best for me when I see baitfish being chased, either hopping around on the surface or going crazy on the shore.

[Heron]

Zman - White - 3/8oz - 4"-5" grub trailer. 

 

Good for starters. 

[RoLo]

Weedy lakes is exactly where I throw the chatterbait, it goes where crankbaits fear to tread.

Since it substitutes for a crank, I like a heavy 5/8 oz bladed jig with a fiber weedguard.

 

Phenix 5/8oz Proline Wobble Jig (remove the skirt, add a 5" Kalin grub)

 

Roger

 

 

 

[Choporoz]

I started with zman's regular old chatterbait and due to lack of success hooking up with those, I didn't touch another chatterbait for years.  YMMV, but if you have to go with zman, I suggest one of their higher end models which seem to be better regarded.

[Rhino68W]

What about the Zman elites? Are they worth the extra few dollars than the originals?

[AndyNegus94]

Black and blue, green pumpkin shad, white and chartreuse 3 best colors imo. I have other colors but those 3 seem to be the most successful. I love fishin the green pumpkin shad around riprap crashing into the rock.

[stkbassn]

You should also check out the Strike King Naked Rage Blade...it's pretty awesome. I've caught some good fish on it! It comes pre-rigged with a plastic shad and includes one extra. You can also change it up and put whatever you want on it. It's a fun bait to throw.

[Frogfather]

PM Bluebasser86. He makes some great chatterbaits.

 

I've been using green pumpkin skirt with black plate because of clear water I don't want too much shine and flash. Trailer: GYCB Swim Senko or Zman's swimming bait. Zman's last forever but not crazy about the colors.

 

RoLo hit it on the head with what to look for and where to throw. 

[gardnerjigman]

PM Bluebasser86. He makes some great chatterbaits.

I've been using green pumpkin skirt with black plate because of clear water I don't want too much shine and flash. Trailer: GYCB Swim Senko or Zman's swimming bait. Zman's last forever but not crazy about the colors.

RoLo hit it on the head with what to look for and where to throw.

X2! Pm bluebasser86 and thank us later.

[MrBigFishSC]

The Rage Blade rides higher than Z Man so I fish it a bit slower. 1/2 oz is the best general weight to throw. D&M Piranha is also a great bait. Green pumpkin and black/blue are my top choices with bluegill just behind. White is for the shad spawn. Chartreuse has not really produced for me but I throw it sometimes. You can fish a ton of trailers but I get bit most on craws. I like to fish these slow and steadg or rip and pause.

[roadwarrior]

What about the Zman elites? Are they worth the extra few dollars than the originals?

The Z Man Project Z has superior components

I also recommend the Rage Blade http://www.flwfishing.com/tips/2014-04-30-tackle-review-strike-king-tour-grade-rage-blade-,

Siebert Outdoors Fogy http://www.siebertoutdoors.com/Fogy_c20.htm and Blurbasser86

[M_Fochler]

So this season chatter baits have produced the most strikes for me by far. After a bunch of trial and error I end up fishing this setup more often than not:

 

1) A 3/8oz Project Z Chatter bait from Z man in Breaking Bream Color.

2) A Keitech Swing Impact Fat 3.8 inch in Green Pumpkin, Houdini and Male Perch

 

I fish these on a 7' MH fast action rod with braid and a flouro leader. I don't trim my trailers down until they get messed up and I need fresh plastic to engage the bait keepers on the chatter bait. When fishing it I slow my retrieve down as slow as possible so the blade is still pumping. One thing I have yet to try that a lot of dudes are doing with the swim bait trailers is remove the skirt. I haven't tried yet because the Project Z versions skirt has great action in the water and when you halt it the whole thing will pulse out. The other thing I like is the fact that it has eyes on it for a little more realism. Good luck to you and I hope you have as much fun fishing them as I do. 

[zeth]

I take my Keitech jigs and just add a Blade to them. Simple, works well. You could do this with any jig. White/Shad, Pumpkin, Watermelon, Black will cover all your bases. 3/8oz to start then go up or down from there depending.

[fishballer06]

I only like the Zman one's. I've had issues with other brands, which are forced to change how the blade is attached to the head due to patent designs. More specifically, I really only use the new Project Z and the TW Customz one's. I prefer these two styles the most because they have the new fastash clip (which I trust and like much more), and they have a good trailer keeper on them as well. 

 

When throwing them, I prefer to either use braid with a FC leader, or if I'm using straight FC, use at least 14lb test. If you go any lighter than that, you will have issues driving the hook home and keeping fish hooked. 

[buzzed bait]

bluebasser made me some killer bladed jigs a while back, hit him up.

[BW208]

Don't do it they suck lol.  Atleast for me I cant catch fish on them to save my life.