Chatterbait w/a smaller hook

[craww]

So I'd stocked up on Chatterbaits yrs back, (Pre Zman I suppose). After awhile I've ran through them, and picked up a few of the regular/originals and it seems like the hooks are now much larger? I'd read guys talk about them getting hung up recently, and had kinda scoffed as I'd sling the older models into a lay down w/little concern. They did pretty dang good for an exposed hook lure.

 

However; The model currently produced it seems is much more well, snaggable in wood. The larger hook is also a bit less aesthetic IMO...The older models I could slide the smallest zoom chunk on w/a trimmed skirt & it made for a nice subtle, compact  target that was aerodynamic and extremely precise... The gap between plastic and hook point is much greater now it seems. I'm guessing the larger hook is much more suitable to folks using swimbaits, but I dont care for it. I like target casting these baits into cover with small twin tail trailers more- and the 3 I got recently are no longer  the right tool for the job.

 

Anyone have any alternatives? Also not sure if theres any difference whatsoever to the newer line tie vs the old snap lock used on the Rad lures version (which I have seen fail) but I'm m curious if theres any change in action.

[Bluebasser86]

Maybe something to it. I just had a request for a smaller, more compact bait with a smaller hook. Not so much due to snags as it was because he wanted to imitate smaller baitfish, but I guess it's hard to find smaller versions.

This was the end result with the #5 Flicker Shad in the color pattern he wanted me to mimic for scale. It's a pretty small hook, 4/0 I believe but possibly even a 3/0.

[ww2farmer]

The reason why hooks have trended larger on bladed jigs over the years is small hooks have a terribly poor hook up % on these baits.

 

The more space you have between the blade when it's in "working" position and the point of the hook, the more fish get put in the boat.

[waymont]

I like the larger hook for the better hook-up ratio. The original Z-Man has a huge hook, and I've caught plenty of 1lb bass with it. I have never seen a vibrating jig with a small hook. Someone will come out the the Smallie Chatterbait soon, something with a 3/0 hook.

[J Francho]

Is it you don't care for the larger hook, or are you actually losing baits in cover?  I use the same trailers, and don't have an issue.  Sounds like you aren't losing baits, but that you don't like the looks of it.  I haven't had too many issues losing them in wood.  The blade bumps the wood and deflects the bait.  On a retrieve, the hook is oriented upwards.  As said earlier, the bigger hooks aid in better hook up ratios.

[craww]

Looks good Blue- whats the weight of that model?

 

Farmer, I hear ya; cant say I had issues with hook ups but the current hook definitely sticks everything better- fish and cover included- while also accommodating for the swimbaits that are alot of guys preference now vs the trailers that were more commonly utilized in 00’s when they became popular.

 

 The earlier version’s hook wasnt THAT small. I wish I had some of the older ones to compare, the difference may have been simply a more modest gap than anything; as from memory some of the thicker/taller plastics were borderline too much for them.

[craww]

22 minutes ago, J Francho said:

Is it you don't care for the larger hook, or are you actually losing baits in cover?  I use the same trailers, and don't have an issue.  Sounds like you aren't losing baits, but that you don't like the looks of it.  I haven't had too many issues losing them in wood.  The blade bumps the wood and deflects the bait.  On a retrieve, the hook is oriented upwards.  As said earlier, the bigger hooks aid in better hook up ratios.

 

No sir, the larger hooked models dont come through laydowns as well as the previous ones it seems. Though yes the aesthetic is a much lesser concern.  Dont get me wrong, Id lose some on occasion w/the earlier models; but at a lesser rate than say a spinnerbait.

 

The hooks are oriented upward and inline on a straight up horizontal retrieve yes; However often the bait is pivoting on a hinge & that larger gaps now much more exposed- the blade often goes one way, the hook point another. I’ve always fished them more erratically in modest cover with alot of success, ex. Pitching into a pocket  pumping once and killing it, mildly yo-yo’ing, coming into contact w/something unforeseen and allowing slack fall like a spinnerbait, etc. Just kindve finessing it by feel.

 

That said- looking online its kindve hard to tell looking at comparable models how theyre equipped. I think the best case is I may end up making some of my own this winter.

[OnthePotomac]

I also am lovin' the 5/0 hooks on my chatterbaits.

[jr231]

Lol I felt like I wanted a chatterbait with a smaller hook so I got the freedom chatterbait. The keeper is too big for the line tie on the smaller hooks I was going to use ?

 

I have a micro one z-man makes. It's REALLY small tho. 

 

I've just accepted the standard size and use small paddle tails and kalins grubs when I use them. They are hog catchers I've caught some big (for my area 19+") bass on chatterbaits

 

When I want a small profile with some some thump and flash I just throw a finesse spinnerbait. 

[Bluebasser86]

22 hours ago, craww said:

Looks good Blue- whats the weight of that model?

That's a 1/4oz head.