Mastering the Chatterbait Lure: 4 Powerful Tips For Fishing Chatterbaits

Table of Contents

What Is A Chatterbait?

A chatterbait also known as a bladed swim jig is a hybrid lure. Think of it as part crank bait (great vibration), part jig, and part spinnerbait. This lure is designed to imitate a swimming baitfish or other prey. Chatterbaits come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors.

Typically it consisting of a lead or tungsten head with a metal blade attached to it. The hook is typically dressed with a skirt, which adds additional movement and helps imitate the look and feel of a live baitfish. You can then add a soft rubber bait trailer such as a Berkley Chigger Craw, Berkley PowerBait Flute Worm, or swimbait to it for more action.

Just remember, in any season, at any depth, in any situation you can use a chatterbait! It’s hard to beat the versatility of the bladed swim jig.

What Is So Special About the Chatterbait Blade?

The blade is usually positioned at a 45-degree angle to the hook. That helps the lure maintain its depth and swim through cover bouncing off obstructions as it is being retrieved. And the shape of the chatterbait blade gives it its incredible wobble or side to side action that generates that all important vibrating, “chattering” action that gets you fish.

What Are The Different Chatterbait Sizes?

Chatterbait’s come in a range of sizes to accommodate different fishing situations and target species. Sizes may vary slightly between different brands and models, but generally speaking, the following chatterbait sizes are available:

1/8 oz: This is the smallest chatterbait size and is commonly used for finesse fishing in shallow water or in situations where a subtle presentation is needed.
1/4 oz: This is a versatile size that works well in a variety of fishing situations. It is often used for targeting bass and other freshwater game fish.
3/8 oz: This size is a bit larger and heavier, making it ideal for fishing in deeper water or for casting longer distances. It is also a good choice for targeting bigger fish species.
1/2 oz: This is the largest chatterbait size and is typically used for heavy-duty fishing applications. It is particularly effective for targeting larger predatory fish such as pike, musky, and saltwater species like redfish and snook.

Also, sizes may vary between different chatterbait brands and models, and some manufacturers may offer additional sizes.

What Are The Best Chatterbait Colors To Catch Fish With?

The best chatterbait colors can depend on several factors, including water conditions, the time of day, and the type of fish you are targeting. Rule number one (1). With ANY lure or bait you use, always start with “match the hatch”. Imitating the natural bait and forage foods for fish matter.

Next, let us look at water clarity and light conditions. Here are some general color recommendations that can help you choose the right color chatterbait for your fishing situation:

White or Pearl: These colors are often effective in clear water or during low light conditions such as early morning or late evening. They imitate shad or other baitfish that are common prey for many game fish.
Watermellon/Green Pumpkin: These versatile colors can work well in a variety of water conditions. It resembles crawfish or other bottom-dwelling prey that bass and other fish feed on.
Black and Blue: This color combination is effective in stained or murky water, as it creates a strong contrast that helps the lure stand out. It can also imitate a variety of prey, such as bluegills, crawfish, or other dark-colored baitfish.
Chartreuse: This bright, fluorescent color can be effective in low light or murky water conditions. It is also a good choice for targeting species such as crappie or walleye that are attracted to bright colors.

So these colors you see above should be your core colors for your chatterbait lures and pretty much any lure types in your tackle box. You can always add more colors and experiment with the color varieties to see what works best in your fishing situation.

Chatterbait Trailer Tips

While a trailer is not always necessary on your chatterbait, it can improve the lure’s effectiveness and increase your chances of catching fish. So when selecting a chatterbait and trailer, think about water clarity and the activity level of the fish.

The trailer you select will change the way it moves in the water and changes the way it acts in the water.

For dirty waters, use craws and bugs instead of thin tail worms. A great example of a craw bait is the Berkley Chigger Craw. This type of trailer on a bladed jig gives the jig more bulk and it’s got these large arms that flap, providing more presence in the water. Also, you can rig this bait on the hook sideways so it allows the arms more right to left flapping motion.
Next up are soft swimbaits with “boot tails” or paddle-style tails. A great example of this are the Berkley Power Swimmers, Berkley PowerStinger, or the 6th Sense Whale Swimbaits. Just make sure when you thread these types of soft baits on your hook that the boot or paddle is facing the opposite direction of the curve of the hook. This helps to maximize the amount of wobble action for this rig.
Adjusting the amount of skirt material on the hook. Remove roughly 25-30% of the skirt material. Just pull it out all around the hook. What this does is it reduces the straight drag as you reel it in allowing my side-to-side wiggle action. Be sure to add a neutral action trailer like a Berkley PowerBait Flute Worm or thin tail worm to give you that extra left to right action.
Lastly, for cloudy denser water or night conditions. If you want more vibration chatterbait blade, then adjust the lip of the chatterbait bill. Get your pliers and grab the blade by the bend. Gently turn the leading edge of the bill upwards towards the hook a little bit. In warmer and clearer water, just go the opposite direction and this will reduce vibration.

Easy tips huh? These minor adjustments can help you land more fish.

What Is The Best Line For A Chatterbait?

When fishing a bladed swim jig, you going to want to stay in the “middle of the road” here. We’re talking moderate to moderate-fast action rod, and a reel that’s in the 6:2.1 ratio range, no higher than a 7:1.1 ratio.

Fishing Line

When fishing with a chatterbait, the best line to use is fluorocarbon. The key advantage of fluorocarbon is that it sinks, making it ideal fishing line for this type of fishing. Unlike braid, which lacks stretch, and monofilament, which floats,

Fluorocarbon provides the perfect balance and behavior needed for effective chatterbait fishing.

What Are The Rod and Reel Combos For Chatterbaits?

Finesse Gear

If you’re looking to throw a 1/8 oz size chatterbait, you’ll want a finesse rod and reel combination. Pick a Medium-Light power rod with Medium action. Go with a 200 size reel with 8 lb to 10lb Flourocarbon line.

If you’re shopping for a new finesse rig, the Lew’s Mach Crush Spinning Combo is exactly what you need.

Baitcasting Gear

To step up into medium size chatterbait gear. Check out the Abu Garcia Max STX Low Profile Baitcast Rod and Reel Combo. For chatterbaits, you’ll want a medium or medium-heavy power rod with medium or medium-fast action. For the reel, a 6.4:1 gear ratio like the Max XTS low Profile is perfect.