Opinions on Chatterbait Setup

[fantasy19]

I'm relatively new to fishing and would like to get opinions on the rod and reel that I may potentially purchase. I already own a ML/F Finesse Spinning rod, but I'd like to venture out into the bait-casting world so that I can throw Chatterbaits and Crankbaits. My plan is to primarily use this rod with ZMan Project Z and Jackhammer Chatterbaits in the 3/8 and 1/2 ounce weights, but I'd also like to throw Crankbaits as well.  

 

13 Fishing Omen Black 3 Casting Rod 7'2" Med Hvy Mod

Shimano SLX 150 XT Casting Reel (6.3:1)

 

One of the concerns that I have is, the above rod is rated for 3/8-3/4oz lures and I will most likely be adding on a trailer. I'm thinking something like Keitech Swing Impact FAT Swimbait. Would adding on this trailer, or a similar trailer, be too much weight for the above rod and do you believe it would adversely affect the way the rod performs? I also specifically selected a rod that has a Moderate Fast action as I've read that doing so will allow the bass to have enough time to grab the bait before the user can pull it out of it's mouth. I'd likely be paring this setup with a straight Fluorocarbon line, but I have not completely ruled out using Braid with a Fluorocarbon leader. Any opinions or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Dens228]

Myself I prefer a MH/Fast for single hook moving baits like spinnerbaits, swim jigs, chatterbaits.  

This would NOT be a rod I'd use for crankbaits though. 

[MN Fisher]

Spinners, chatters, jigs, T-Rigs - MH/F

Cranks, squarebills, lipless, topwaters - MH/M

 

Also, a 1/2oz Chatterbait weighs around .62oz (at least my 1/2oz Z-Mans do)

Now add a trailer - 4" Berkley Pit Boss is my choice - that's another .34oz

So that's .96oz - well over the .75oz of that rod's rating. A good MH/F (or 4-power Dobyns since they run light) goes up to a 1oz rating.

 

Could you cast those lures on that rod? Yes...but it would be far from ideal and you'd never want to 'long-bomb' the heavier lures with it.

 

Last item - I prefer a Fast action on single-hook lures as they're thicker and take more 'oomph' to set them. Moderate action is for trebles where the hooks are smaller and imbed themselves easier.

[jbsoonerfan]

Well, I am kind of different so take this for what it costs. I went through a trial and error run with trying to find a rod for chatterbaits. I like throwing a spinnerbait on a MH-F with mono and I just didn't like it as well with a chatterbait. I tried braid on the same rod and didn't like the way it performed either. Went to fluoro on a MH-F and it was better but still not what I wanted. I ended up with a 7'2 MH-M Glass Expride with 40lb braid and I think I am going to like it a lot. This was toward the end of good fishing so I only caught a few on that set up but it casts like a dream.

[Scud_Muffin]

74MHM St Croix Mojo Glass can handle the sizes you are looking for and is a flat out great crankbait rod. I’ve got the Legend Glass version and it’s supposedly the same blank. 
 

I find that I can also use an all purpose MHF rod so long as it’s not too stiff for spinner and chatterbaits, but you will still end up needing a crankbait rod anyway. I like having both.

[fantasy19]

2 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

Spinners, chatters, jigs, T-Rigs - MH/F

Cranks, squarebills, lipless, topwaters - MH/M

 

Also, a 1/2oz Chatterbait weighs around .62oz (at least my 1/2oz Z-Mans do)

Now add a trailer - 4" Berkley Pit Boss is my choice - that's another .34oz

So that's .96oz - well over the .75oz of that rod's rating. A good MH/F (or 4-power Dobyns since they run light) goes up to a 1oz rating.

 

Could you cast those lures on that rod? Yes...but it would be far from ideal and you'd never want to 'long-bomb' the heavier lures with it.

 

Last item - I prefer a Fast action on single-hook lures as they're thicker and take more 'oomph' to set them. Moderate action is for trebles where the hooks are smaller and imbed themselves easier.

 

Taking this into consideration, I did a bit more research and came across the Dobyns Fury Casting Rod 7'3" Heavy (FR 734C). Since they run light, this would be more of a MH/F rod and it has a lure rating of 1/4-1oz which would fit want I want to do with the Chatterbaits. I have no idea how it would perform with a crankbait, but from what I've read it is a pretty versatile rod. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

3 hours ago, fantasy19 said:

I'm relatively new to fishing and would like to get opinions on the rod and reel that I may potentially purchase. I already own a ML/F Finesse Spinning rod, but I'd like to venture out into the bait-casting world so that I can throw Chatterbaits and Crankbaits. My plan is to primarily use this rod with ZMan Project Z and Jackhammer Chatterbaits in the 3/8 and 1/2 ounce weights, but I'd also like to throw Crankbaits as well.  

 

13 Fishing Omen Black 3 Casting Rod 7'2" Med Hvy Mod

Shimano SLX 150 XT Casting Reel (6.3:1)

 

One of the concerns that I have is, the above rod is rated for 3/8-3/4oz lures and I will most likely be adding on a trailer. I'm thinking something like Keitech Swing Impact FAT Swimbait. Would adding on this trailer, or a similar trailer, be too much weight for the above rod and do you believe it would adversely affect the way the rod performs? I also specifically selected a rod that has a Moderate Fast action as I've read that doing so will allow the bass to have enough time to grab the bait before the user can pull it out of it's mouth. I'd likely be paring this setup with a straight Fluorocarbon line, but I have not completely ruled out using Braid with a Fluorocarbon leader. Any opinions or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I was going to buy to the 7'4 Omen black for CBs, bladed jigs.  I wound up getting the 7'2 because I figured it would be a better do it all rod for the yak or little jon boat.  Its not a really slow rod, some brands might even label it F if it was a M action.  Its done really well wih bladed jigs and lipless cranks using 15lb Invizx.  Haven't thrown SBs with it yet, but I think it will throw them fine especially if you go to mono.  It shouldnt have issues with 3/8 bladed jigs and swing fats, not 100% sure how it would throw a 1/2 with a bigger trailer.  I have an SLX DC on mine and it balances just about perfect, right at the top of the locking nut.

I got a chance to handle the Defy CB, Im pretty sure it was the 7'4.  I was blown away at how light it was.  If it weighed more then 5gs it sure didn't feel like it and for a 70$.  If you like a slower action for CBs and bladed jigs consider checking that 1 out.

[Chris Carey]

No idea what your budget is but evergreen makes a combat stick for chatterbaits. It’s a 7’3” heavy glass. If you don’t want glass the shimano expride 7’2” mh glass in another good option. The hookup tackle has a fairly recent video dedicated to chatterbait rods. 

[new2BC4bass]

The Dobyns 736CB Glass was designed for chatterbaits and is listed for large crankbaits and spinnerbaits.  I wanted one immediately after reading reviews on the rod.  Above my pay scale, tho.  Almost bought one during TW's last Christmas sale, but it wouldn't have been a good use of my funds given how much I fish anymore.  It is possible that I already have a rod or two that will work sufficiently for my needs.  Don't always need the best no matter what the Bait Monkey says. 

[Eric 26]

9 hours ago, fantasy19 said:

 

Taking this into consideration, I did a bit more research and came across the Dobyns Fury Casting Rod 7'3" Heavy (FR 734C). Since they run light, this would be more of a MH/F rod and it has a lure rating of 1/4-1oz which would fit want I want to do with the Chatterbaits. I have no idea how it would perform with a crankbait, but from what I've read it is a pretty versatile rod. 

I just received an E-Mail from sportsman’s outfitters they’re having a Presidents’ Day sale with 25% off on Dobyns rods.

[Derek1]

Hook up tackle has a fantastic video on how to pick the right chatter bait rod. I recommend you watch it. It’s worth the view. Also goes with your wanting chatter bait/ crank bait idea. It’s on you tube. 

[Dumbbassanglr]

22 hours ago, fantasy19 said:

 

Taking this into consideration, I did a bit more research and came across the Dobyns Fury Casting Rod 7'3" Heavy (FR 734C). Since they run light, this would be more of a MH/F rod and it has a lure rating of 1/4-1oz which would fit want I want to do with the Chatterbaits. I have no idea how it would perform with a crankbait, but from what I've read it is a pretty versatile rod. 

That might be an ok rod for chatterbaits but that will be terrible for crankbaits. If I was trying to do both I would look for a H powered glass rod or glass composite. 

[lunkerboss923]

I'm a minimalist and if you got a Dobyns 703C you could throw Squarebills, traps, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and finesse jigs on that rod. An SLX XT in 6 speed is perfect. That's the gear ratio I use and I love it!

[pauldconyers]

Yeah, while I have never tried it I am curious about a lot of guys going to glass/composite rods for chatter baits. As a rule I have always heard graphite for single hooks and glass/composite for treble hook baits. No?

[PhishLI]

30 minutes ago, pauldconyers said:

As a rule I have always heard graphite for single hooks and glass/composite for treble hook baits. No?

If you bump up to a 6 power composite CB rod rated to 1 1/2 oz you'll have the juice to drive the chatter's jig hook home easier, but still have enough delay that you're not yanking the bait out first which happens plenty with a MHF graphite.

14 hours ago, lunkerboss923 said:

I'm a minimalist and if you got a Dobyns 703C you could throw Squarebills, traps, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and finesse jigs on that rod.

A 3/8oz bladed jig and a Zako clocks in at over 3/4 oz. I'm not throwing that on my 3 power Dobyn's or 3 power anything else.

[ironbjorn]

14 hours ago, lunkerboss923 said:

I'm a minimalist and if you got a Dobyns 703C you could throw Squarebills, traps, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and finesse jigs on that rod. An SLX XT in 6 speed is perfect. That's the gear ratio I use and I love it!

3/8 oz + trailer is absolutely horrible on a 3 power.

[Deleted account]

1 hour ago, ironbjorn said:

3/8 oz + trailer is absolutely horrible on a 3 power.

X2, I have a Fury 703C and like it, but not for larger chatters, plus too soft for my taste for hooksets with mono, braid, yeah.

[lunkerboss923]

2 hours ago, BassWhole! said:

X2, I have a Fury 703C and like it, but not for larger chatters, plus too soft for my taste for hooksets with mono, braid, yeah.

That's why you use a 734c and if you're a Dobyns fan, you need that one too. It can pick up the slack from the 703c. In fact, if you had a 734c, a 703c and 702sf...you might cover all your bases with those. As a pond and bank angler, I don't need a deep diving crankbait. I've thrown frogs on the 734, not ideal, but it isn't all that bad either. I bet you might even be able to throw a deep diving crankbait with the 703c. Wouldn't be the smoothest method, but definitely achievable. I stand by my claim the the 703c is the utility rod and probably the most underrated in the Dobyns arsenal. 

[Deleted account]

25 minutes ago, lunkerboss923 said:

That's why you use a 734c and if you're a Dobyns fan, you need that one too.

I have two 4 power Furies, Haven't found something to do with them that I don't already have covered with other sticks. I'm not a fan of any brand, I use what feels right in my hands. 

[DitchPanda]

My #1 bladed jig rod and reel is also one of my cheapest. Abu Garcia black max I got at wal mart for like $30 and an old model Berkley shock 7ft medhvy modfast I got on clearance when the new model came out a few years back for $12. Love that rod for this application.

[LCG]

32 minutes ago, lunkerboss923 said:

That's why you use a 734c and if you're a Dobyns fan, you need that one too. It can pick up the slack from the 703c. In fact, if you had a 734c, a 703c and 702sf...you might cover all your bases with those. As a pond and bank angler, I don't need a deep diving crankbait. I've thrown frogs on the 734, not ideal, but it isn't all that bad either. I bet you might even be able to throw a deep diving crankbait with the 703c. Wouldn't be the smoothest method, but definitely achievable. I stand by my claim the the 703c is the utility rod and probably the most underrated in the Dobyns arsenal. 

I picked up a used Dobyns Fury 703c at the end of last season. Had it on the water one day, no catches so no actual experience with the rod yet. Been pitching a casting plug around the house over the winter for fun and practice.

 

Seems like it will be good for what I wanted, which is a versatile shallow square bill, 3/8 oz spinnerbait with no trailer, and a light texas rig set up. Have to get more time with it to fully pass judgment. Have it paired with a Shimano SLX MGL with 10lb big game mono. 

 

I wouldn't throw chatterbaits with a trailer on it personally, I use a carbonlite 2.0 6'9 MH-XF rod for that, but I don't throw chatterbaits much. 

 

If the Dobyns doesn't work out, I am planning on picking up another carbonlite rod in medium power fast action for my intended use.