Quick Tips When Fishing Chatterbaits in the Spring

A chatterbait is a type of fishing lure that consists of a jighead and a blade attached to it along with a skirt made of silicone or rubber to increase the profile of the bait. The bait creates a vibration and a distinct "chattering" sound plus an erratic, rolling action as it's retrieved through the water mimicking the movement of struggling forage thereby attracting bass and triggering strikes.

Though chatterbaits are effective throughout the year, they can be especially productive in the spring. Following are several quick tips to consider anytime you're throwing chatterbaits during the spring:

Choose the right rod/reel combo: Ensure that you have the right combo for chatterbait fishing in the spring including a 6.5-ft to 7.25-ft medium-heavy power, moderate fast action baitcasting rod; 12-20 lb fluorocarbon line; and a high-speed reel. Line size can be adjusted based on cover being fished or to help adjust the depth of retrieve (thinner line = deeper retrieve depth).

Match the hatch: Match the size of your chatterbait to the size of the baitfish that are present in the water. Use smaller/lighter weights when the baitfish are smaller or when fishing shallow water, and larger/heavier chatterbaits when the baitfish are larger or fishing deeper water.

Keep color selection simple: Four basic color patterns are highly effective in the spring: black and blue when fishing stained water or in low light conditions; white or shad pattern when fishing clearer waters and shad-like baitfish are present; green pumpkin in clear water, under low light conditions or when local forage is sunfish or crawdads; and red crawfish particularly in early spring, when crawdads are present, or in tea-colored water.

Use soft plastic trailers: Adding a trailer to your chatterbait can change its action, running depth, and make it more appealing to fish. Try different types of trailers, such as paddle or blade tail swimbaits, fluke-style baits or crawfish imitations matching color to chatterbait and forage present.

Fish in windy conditions: Windy conditions can help break up the surface of the water creating a more secure environment for bass, thereby making your chatterbait attractive to more aggressive bass.

Vary your retrieve: Experiment with different retrieval techniques such as slow rolling, ripping, and hopping the bait along the bottom to determine what works best for the bass during that outing.

Target shallow water cover: During the spring, fish tend to move towards shallow waters to feed and spawn. Look for shallow water areas with cover such as weeds, rocks, stumps, docks, and fallen trees keeping chatterbait close to cover whenever possible.