Chatterbait issues

[ReedFish]

I bought the needed parts to build a dozen or chatterbaits from LPO.  When trying the chatterbaits they do not run smoothly, very erratic blade movement.  When inspecting the setup, I am pretty sure this has to do with the "o" ring as it attaches to the eye of the jig head.  

 

Has anyone else come across this?  How do I solve this problem?

[Bluebasser86]

What size split ring are you using?

[DomQ]

I had the same issue, I had to bend the tip of the blade up about 1/4" 

[Munkin]

I have never built one with the split ring but looking at it I would try an oval ring. My thought is that a round ring the split could catch the blade but the oval would not.

 

Allen

[ReedFish]

On 11/6/2019 at 12:47 AM, Bluebasser86 said:

What size split ring are you using?

I cannot find the order to know exactly the size.  After testing it again it appears that the blade is getting caught on the open part of the split ring causing it to twitch and dive in all directions.  When I line the blade up on the solid part of the "O" ring it runs true.  

 

Research says size 2 for the "O" ring... does that sound right?

[2tall79]

I've never had consistent performance using O-rings and the eyes of jig hooks you can open up are not large enough to allow free movement...IMHO.  I buy custom spinnerbait bodies from LPO with a .051 wire and cut and bend the wire to the size eye that works best for me.  I buy the unpainted ones and powder coat them myself thus saving mucho $$$.

[Munkin]

3 hours ago, ReedFish said:

I cannot find the order to know exactly the size.  After testing it again it appears that the blade is getting caught on the open part of the split ring causing it to twitch and dive in all directions.  When I line the blade up on the solid part of the "O" ring it runs true.  

 

Research says size 2 for the "O" ring... does that sound right?

 

Called it! Try a size 2 oval split ring.

 

Allen

[Bluebasser86]

8 hours ago, ReedFish said:

I cannot find the order to know exactly the size.  After testing it again it appears that the blade is getting caught on the open part of the split ring causing it to twitch and dive in all directions.  When I line the blade up on the solid part of the "O" ring it runs true.  

 

Research says size 2 for the "O" ring... does that sound right?

#2 is the correct size, provided the hook you're using has a large enough eye. I've tried ovals and they bind even worse for me. Bending the blade helps too but it has to be just right or it will make it worse.

[onthewater102]

I have a drill press and open up the hole size for where the ring attaches to the blade a bit to give it better freedom of movement. Lets me use a heavier split ring. I would think using a oval shaped ring could work too.

I found I can bend the eye open far enough on a straight eye hook to slip the blade right in without needing to use a split ring and a flat eyed jighead. You need to anneal the eye first by dipping it in hot lead in your lead pot for 5 or 6 seconds then cleaning it off before you pour the jighead. This will soften the wire material enough that it won't crack when you bend it. This way you can paint the head without the blade in the way and attach the blade later. I use a pair of lineman pliers to bend it. 

[5Keepers]

I have tried many (TOO many) types of "custom" set-ups for vibrating bladed jigs,,, NOTHING works better than a Jackhammer - PERIOD!!

I spent WAY too much $$$$ trying to improve the mousetrap.. 

 

Just buy them.. any of them.. save your time and $$$$!!

[Bluebasser86]

On 11/25/2019 at 1:12 PM, 5Keepers said:

I have tried many (TOO many) types of "custom" set-ups for vibrating bladed jigs,,, NOTHING works better than a Jackhammer - PERIOD!!

I spent WAY too much $$$$ trying to improve the mousetrap.. 

 

Just buy them.. any of them.. save your time and $$$$!!

I've seen them thrown a half dozen times and haven't seen a fish caught on one yet while mine were catching fish ?‍♂️  Not a chance I'm spending $15 on a bladed jig when I can make one for around $2 that works great and comes in any color combination I want with a wire tired skirt.