What size Rage Menace trailer on a 3/8 oz Chatterbait Crosseyez/Jackhammer for river smallmouth fishing in stained conditions?

[Ohioguy25]

I notice they make a 3.5” and a 4” version, which is better and why? I have heard a lot of people say 4” but that just seems huge to me even on a 5/0 hook, is it supposed to be that much bigger than the Chatterbait? Thanks!

[Koz]

I don't think there is a best size. I use trailers of various sizes, shapes, and action on chatterbaits. The fish will let you know which one is best at that moment.

[ChrisD46]

You can't go wrong with the 4" Menace : Rig so tail is vertical on a chatterbait - you may also choose to trim 1/4th inch from the head as well to make it 3.75" (ideal trailer length) . Black & Blue Flake , Pearl and Green Pumpkin Menace trailer colors and you are set .

[Deleted account]

51 minutes ago, ChrisD46 said:

(ideal trailer length)

 

LOL

[Ohioguy25]

6 hours ago, ChrisD46 said:

You can't go wrong with the 4" Menace : Rig so tail is vertical on a chatterbait - you may also choose to trim 1/4th inch from the head as well to make it 3.75" (ideal trailer length) . Black & Blue Flake , Pearl and Green Pumpkin Menace trailer colors and you are set .

So wouldn’t it just be easier to go with the 3.5” version?

[casts_by_fly]

get the bigger ones.  I have both and fish both depending on the size of the bluegills (time of year often dictates that), but you can cut a half inch off the big ones to make a small one if you need to.  You can't glue on a half inch.

[Bluebasser86]

4" is the best size Menace to use as a stand alone, or a trailer IMO. I use the whole thing as a trailer, no trimming. Of course, I also use a 5" swimbait as a trailer at times so a 4" Menace doesn't seem like much to me. 

 

FWIW, one of my biggest smallmouth fell for a 4" Menace in the Moon Juice color on a swinging football head. 

[NorthernBasser]

Like others have said, the 4" is the best all-around. And definitely fits the Chatterbait well, as well as a swim jig.

 

But today I paired one up with a Missile Baits Mini Flip jig. I trimmed it down to desired length, and it paired up perfectly. 

 

[RHuff]

For stained water conditions I would throw the larger one for a bigger profile in less visibility and throw the smaller in ultra clear water... but that's just me and I usually don't catch fish so.... 

[Ohioguy25]

1 hour ago, Bluebasser86 said:

4" is the best size Menace to use as a stand alone, or a trailer IMO. I use the whole thing as a trailer, no trimming. Of course, I also use a 5" swimbait as a trailer at times so a 4" Menace doesn't seem like much to me. 

 

FWIW, one of my biggest smallmouth fell for a 4" Menace in the Moon Juice color on a swinging football head. 

What about on a 3/8 oz Chatterbait?

[Bluebasser86]

33 minutes ago, Ohioguy25 said:

What about on a 3/8 oz Chatterbait?

Like I said, I put a 5" swimbait on the back of my 3/8oz bladed jigs at times, a 4" Menace will be no problem. 

[mcnealstash]

For another solid twin tail grub option try the Z-Man Goat in the 3.75" size.  Excellent durability and a nice selection of colors. No trimming required to have it fit perfectly on the 3/8 oz. jackhammer.  

[BlakeMolone]

Don’t worry, the 4 inch menace is smaller than the average flipping bait, go to the store and look at them. In my mind the standard size menace is a slightly downsized bait, absolutely not too small for a bladed jig, not even too small for the average finesse jig really.

[ChrisD46]

23 hours ago, Deleted account said:

 

LOL

*Goldie Locks length for me (usually just right) ... 3.5" often too short and 4.25" often a little long . A lot of 3.5" trailers have scaled down tails , so that is why I'll work with a 4" trailer as is or cut it down slightly and have a larger tail size . 

14 hours ago, NorthernBasser said:

Like others have said, the 4" is the best all-around. And definitely fits the Chatterbait well, as well as a swim jig.

 

But today I paired one up with a Missile Baits Mini Flip jig. I trimmed it down to desired length, and it paired up perfectly. 

 

*Again , 4" size used as is OR trim it down a little . This way you only have to keep one size Rage Menace on hand.