New " Must Have " From Z - Man

[roadwarrior]

Everyone that fishes a Chatterbait will want a few of these:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/chatterbait-freedom.html

 

[Scarborough817]

i'm not really a fan of freedom heads. nothing against them i just don't see the advantage to it especially on a chatterbait

[MFBAB]

46 minutes ago, Scarborough817 said:

i'm not really a fan of freedom heads. nothing against them i just don't see the advantage to it especially on a chatterbait

The freedom head isn't the big deal on this model, it's the EWG hook.  With that hook, you are able to T-Rig any plastic you choose, so you are weedless. 

I make my own, and I use EWG's, keel-weighted swimbait hooks, and even weedless swim jigs (brush guard) on them.  It just opens up a ton of rigging and presentation options. 

[Scarborough817]

19 minutes ago, MFBAB said:

The freedom head isn't the big deal on this model, it's the EWG hook.  With that hook, you are able to T-Rig any plastic you choose, so you are weedless. 

I make my own, and I use EWG's, keel-weighted swimbait hooks, and even weedless swim jigs (brush guard) on them.  It just opens up a ton of rigging and presentation options. 

realistically though the blade is going to catch a lot of weeds as well not just the hook 

[Logan S]

The normal open-hook models are pretty good at getting through grass on their own, this new style looks to be a way to fish the bait through laydowns, brush, wood/docks, or anything else that would grab an open hook...Not just grass  

My take on it anyway.  

[MFBAB]

24 minutes ago, Scarborough817 said:

realistically though the blade is going to catch a lot of weeds as well not just the hook 

Yes, if you are fishing in algae, it will foul. There are many, many better options for grass that has topped out on the surface, but a chatterbait over grass that hasn't emerged is a great choice. 

When I say weedless, I am talking about being "snagless", as in it will come through almost anything without hanging up-rocks, wood, etc.. 

The original chatterbait will come through almost NOTHING without hanging up  

Doesn't sound like this bait is for you. 

[Scarborough817]

28 minutes ago, MFBAB said:

Yes, if you are fishing in algae, it will foul. There are many, many better options for grass that has topped out on the surface, but a chatterbait over grass that hasn't emerged is a great choice. 

When I say weedless, I am talking about being "snagless", as in it will come through almost anything without hanging up-rocks, wood, etc.. 

The original chatterbait will come through almost NOTHING without hanging up  

Doesn't sound like this bait is for you. 

no probably not i'm happy with the chatterbaits i have already 

[Megastink]

I'd much rather have a single open hook than an EWG Texas rigged. Better hook sets and the chatterbaits I have now are already pretty weedless.

[primetime]

I also tend to prefer the standard design and open hook since it comes through grass well, and I have tried several versions of chatterbaits with weedguards etc. and I have not had the same hook up success...I do like the swinging idea and concept of the Freedom Jigs and the new trend...

 

[Bluebasser86]

I've been making my own version similar to that with a swinging football head and a screwlock Owner hook. This is not a bait designed to be fished in weeds, it's designed to be fished around wood whether it be laydowns, stumps, standing timber, or docks. That's one place that a chatterbait will certainly catch a lot of fish, but they also hang up badly. I like to use them to bang into trees or slither them over laydowns and branches. I'll also go with a larger than average trailer, even up to a 10" worm. I think this helps promote the fish holding on longer because bite detection is one of the biggest issue for me with this style bait because running into a limb or log feels a lot like a bite. 

You can see in the background of this picture some of the timber I was crawling the bait around. The water was cold but they were really killing them this day. It's a presentation that I don't think they see often and one I'd suggest trying if you fish around a lot of wood. Stick with the open hook around weeds and open water though.