Chatterbait/spinnerbait question

[LrgmouthShad]

Chatterbaits seem like a pretty simple deal to me. Most people fish em with trailers. Picking what trailer you want to use, what color, and what weight is really perhaps all you need to think about when you are selecting what to throw. Spinnerbaits have a lot of parts to them and none of them are sacred. Between different weights, blade combinations and sizing, head shapes, wire length, color, trailers, and blade spacing to name some, there is a lot that goes into a spinnerbait and most people prefer to keep it simple and stick to what they have confidence in. I've used spinnerbaits with and without trailers and they both work but there is so much that goes into a spinnerbait it is almost hard to pinpoint down what the bass are reacting to. A single colorado spinnerbait behaves so differently than a tandem colorado/willow it is like they are two different lures. Favorite trailer I've used with a spinnerbait is a yum pulse, but I haven't tried a whole lot still. Because there is so much to experiment with! The spinnerbait is like heaven to a tinkerer!

 

26 minutes ago, the reel ess said:

In fact, I caught the fish in my profile pic on one as soon as it hit the water. So, just a split second reaction.

Most of the fish I catch on a spinnerbait bite very quickly. That is why I believe a soft landing is one of the most critical aspects of spinnerbait fishing. If it does not land softly when you are fishing shallow, most of the time you are not getting bit. My opinion.

[BassSteve]

1 minute ago, LrgmouthShad said:

Most of the fish I catch on a spinnerbait bite very quickly. That is why I believe a soft landing is one of the most critical aspects of spinnerbait fishing. If it does not land softly when you are fishing shallow, most of the time you are not getting bit. My opinion.

Hmm now that's a very interesting viewpoint 

[LrgmouthShad]

7 minutes ago, BassSteve said:

Hmm now that's a very interesting viewpoint 

Usually within about 3-4 handle turns, often quicker. How do you get a bass to not get a good look at a spinnerbait? Drop it right in front of him softly and start bringing it away. I don't fish spinnerbaits fast most of the time because I don't see a need to. I'm not fishing an area. I'm fishing a target

[BassSteve]

3 minutes ago, LrgmouthShad said:

Usually within about 3-4 handle turns, often quicker. How do you get a bass to not get a good look at a spinnerbait? Drop it right in front of him softly and start bringing it away. I don't fish spinnerbaits fast most of the time because I don't see a need to. I'm not fishing an area. I'm fishing a target

Well now I'm going to give my spinnerbaits another try in the pond ? it can't hurt

[TriStateBassin106]

I don't throw trailers on spinnerbaits but I always have some kind of trailer hook. Chatterbaits and trailers are like bread and butter. They go perfect together, I use the Yamamoto Zako for a baitfish presentation and sometimes a rage menace grub if I want a more compact size, I rig the menace vertical.

[fin]

One reason to put a trailer on a spinnerbait that nobody has mentioned is just to give it more weight, for casting distance, or to allow you to slow it down and maintain a spin, or to stabilize. Trailers are useful on 1/4 oz and small spinnerbaits.

[Bankc]

I have caught a lot of bass on a spinner bait on the initial fall.  I'll sometimes pitch them into cover like a jig.  I can work a bank faster with a spinnerbait, if the fish are in a more aggressive mood.  So I definitely recommend going for a soft landing when working in close quarters.  I don't pitch chatterbaits.  They need too much room to get started, and I don't target timber with them.   I throw them around grass fields instead. 

 

As for trailers, I almost always use one for any skirted bait.  However, I've caught fish without them as well, so I don't think they're absolutely necessary on any of them.  I focus more on retrieve speed and cadence.  Though sometimes a trailer is helpful for controlling depth and speed (so it doesn't blow out).

[scaleface]

The only time I add a trailer to a spinnerbait is when I need a little more weight for casting . A half a stick worm is what I usually use . If   cast are consistently going a little left of target I'll add weight .

[the reel ess]

16 minutes ago, BassSteve said:

Well now I'm going to give my spinnerbaits another try in the pond ? it can't hurt

Overcast and/or windy conditions can be more productive.

[BassNJake]

7 minutes ago, the reel ess said:

Overcast and/or windy conditions can be more productive.

Spinnerbait on the windy bank has caught a lot of bass

[billmac]

On 4/1/2022 at 7:12 PM, Bird said:

Infact, the only skirted bait that I throw without a trailer is a buzzbait.

That's interesting.  I always use a trailer with a buzzbait, but I'm usually using them for pike.

[Bluegillslayer]

3 hours ago, LrgmouthShad said:

Favorite trailer I've used with a spinnerbait is a yum pulse

Easily my favorite trailer. 

[RDB]

On 4/1/2022 at 1:29 PM, BassSteve said:

I have a habit of throwing my chatterbaits and spinner baits right out of the box, without a trailer on it. I have caught fish this way, but it seems not very many go after it. I was wondering if it has to do with my not using a trailer of some kind? The pond I frequent has pretty chocolate milk water, so I'm not sure if it's because of visibility issues or going without trailer. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks 

Trailers have several primary purposes. First, they can provide lift which can influence the depth and speed of your retrieve.  Second, they can increase the profile size.  In your example of chocolate milk, I personally would want a larger profile to maximize visability.  Third, a trailer can make a chatterbait much easier to skip.  Fourth, the added bulk can provide something more substantial for the bass to hold and provide a more natural feel that they will hopefully hold longer.  Last, they can add some additional action to your lure (I’m sure there are more).  The only time I might not use a trailer is when I am slow rolling and want to maximize depth or in clear water if I want the smallest profile.  The vast majority of the time, I use a trailer.

[papajoe222]

Using spinnerbaits in heavily stained water, adding a trailer like a Kalins grub will add vibration and lift. 
A recommendation, if you will. Switch to a smaller spinnerbait and trailer. The more compact size makes it easier for the fish to inhale, offering you more hook-ups. Plus you can slow your retrieve. 

[CrashVector]

On 4/1/2022 at 1:50 PM, Fishingmickey said:

Chatterbaits: Yes, 85% of the time, Spinner baits No. Same as Ewrex.

FM

 

Likewise.  I pair all of my chatterbait with a matrix shad of appropriate color.  Since they're made for saltwater fish, matrix shad are made of tough plastic.  They don't get torn up as easily.

 

My favorite stained water combo is an original chatterbait in black and brown paired with a matrix shad in avocado color

[NittyGrittyBoy]

Real simple 

Jackhammer with GY Zako 

Stanley spinnerbait with trimmed skirt and a grub