Flash or Finesse? Decoding Vibrating Jig Blade Colors

The choice of blade color on a vibrating jig comes down to several factors, all aimed at attracting and triggering bites from fish. Here's a breakdown of the main reasons:

1. Mimic or Contrast:

• Matching prey: Different blade colors mimic natural prey fish found in different waters. Silver mimics shad, while gold can resemble baitfish like golden shiners. Black blades can offer a silhouette contrast against muddy waters.
• Attracting attention: Flashy metallic blades like silver and gold create more light reflection and vibration, attracting fish from afar in murky water or low light conditions.
• Subtle approach: Black or other non-bright painted blades offer a less flashy presentation, which can be effective in clear water or with pressured fish that might be wary of bright lures.

2. Water Clarity and Conditions:

• Clear water: In clear water, natural colors like white, green pumpkin, or black work well as they appear more realistic.
• Stained water: Brighter colors like gold, red, chartreuse, or orange provide increased visibility in murky conditions.
• Sunshine vs. overcast: On sunny days, duller blades or those with less flash can be better to avoid spooking fish. In overcast conditions, brighter blades can add needed attraction.

3. Personal Preference and Experimentation:

• What works for one angler might not work for another, so experimenting with different blade colors based on local conditions and personal experience is key.
• Some anglers prefer certain color combinations based on the skirt color of their vibrating jig to create a cohesive presentation.

Take a few minutes and watch as bass pro Mark Davis discusses his thoughts on vibrating jig blade color and how it helps him catch more bass...

Ultimately, the best blade color is the one that gets you the most bites! 

Don't be afraid to experiment with different options based on the factors mentioned above, and you'll find what works best for you and the fish you're targeting.

Z-Man ChatterBait Elite EVO: The Next Generation of Bladed Jigs

The Z-Man ChatterBait Elite EVO is the latest and greatest iteration of the original bladed jig. It features a number of unique features that make it even more effective at catching bass.

Patented Direct Head-to-Blade Connection

The ChatterBait Elite EVO features a patented direct head-to-blade connection that delivers instant vibration and erratic hunting action. This is due to the unique shape of the blade and the way it is attached to the head.

Hybrid Molded Split Grip and Wire Keepers

The ChatterBait Elite EVO also features a hybrid molded split grip and wire keepers that securely hold various soft plastic trailers while ensuring easy rigging. This makes it easy to switch trailers quickly and easily, without damaging the lure.

Wire-Tied 100% Silicone Skirting

The ChatterBait Elite EVO features wire-tied 100% silicone skirting that is guaranteed to last. This is a major improvement over the traditional rubber skirts that are often found on other bladed jigs.

Oversized Lifelike 3D Eyes

The ChatterBait Elite EVO also features oversized lifelike 3D eyes that add irresistible appeal. These eyes are designed to look like real baitfish, which can help to trigger more strikes from bass.

Highly Detailed Pro-Designed Head Paint Schemes and Skirt Color Patterns

The ChatterBait Elite EVO is available in a variety of highly detailed pro-designed head paint schemes and skirt color patterns. These colors are designed to match the hatch and appeal to bass in a variety of conditions.

Stainless Steel Blade in Plated, Painted, and Glitter Coated Finishes

The ChatterBait Elite EVO features a stainless steel blade in plated, painted, and glitter coated finishes. These finishes are designed to mimic fleeing or distressed crawdads or baitfish.

5/0 Custom Heavy-Duty Needlepoint Black Nickel Hook

The ChatterBait Elite EVO is built around a 5/0 custom heavy-duty needlepoint black nickel hook. This hook is designed to stay sharp and penetrate even the hardest mouths.

Zman Fishing pro Stephen Browning helped design the new Chatterbait Elite EVO to help provide a high quality bait at a more appealing cost than some of the others in the Zman chatterbait line-up.

Take some time and watch this on the water demo where Stephen highlights the features and provides several tips in using the new EVO to improve your chatterbait fishing success...

Interested in adding a few EVOs to your chatterbait arsenal? Check out the selection of Elite EVO chatterbaits and Chatterspike trailer available on the Omnia Fishing website by clicking on the following link:

Zman Chatterbait Elite EVO

Zman Chatterspike Trailer

Fishing the Z-Man Mini-Max Chatterbait for Late Summer Bass

As the dog days of summer start to fade, bass catching can get tough. The hot temperatures send lethargic bass seeking the comfort of shade and deeper, cooler water. While they aren't as active during the day, late summer is still a prime time to catch big bass on reaction baits that trigger vicious strikes, especially in low light or breezy conditions. 

One fantastic lure to use this time of year is the Z-Man Mini-Max Chatterbait. Here are some tips to help you get more strikes and hook-ups on this unique blade bait.

Chatterbait Gear Recommendations

The Mini-Max Chatterbait has a smaller profile that matches young-of-the-year forage like bluegill, shad, crawfish  and other baitfiah perfectly during late summer. To make the most of its design, try rigging the Mini-Max on 12-20 lb fluorocarbon and pair it with a 6’10” medium heavy rod. The stout rod helps drive the hooks home on subtle bites and pull bass from cover. In addition, use a high speed (6.8:1+ gear ratio) reel to keep the lure moving and trigger reaction bites.

Target Areas and Presentation 

During late summer, bass hold tight to shaded cover and current breaks. I target laydowns, docks, rocks, weed edges, and points near deeper water. The key is keeping the Chatterbait moving right in front of the fish's face to trgger strikes. An aggressive, steady retrieve works best, occasionally stopping the lure to let it flutter down right at the target. Deeper docks and boat houses are prime spots for triggering vicious strikes.

Adding a Swimbait Trailer

A 3-4 inch swimbait trailer like a Keitech Fat Swing Impact paddletail or Hog Farmer Spunk Shad Pintail matches the forage size and gives the Chatterbait a bulkier profile. Match natural shad, perch, and bluegill colors based on the primary forage in the water you're fishing. Sometimes the additional action and vibration of the swimbait tail increases the number of bites over other styles of trailers. Pay attention to any specific trailer colors that seem to work best on a given day.

Gearing Up for Late Summer Success

As summer starts winding down, the Z-Man Mini-Max Chatterbait is a go-to lure for enticing big bass. With its small profile and unique vibration, it perfectly mimics the forage bass target this time of year. Focus on shaded cover near deep water and use an aggressive retrieve to trigger reaction strikes. Add a swimbait trailer for increased action and bulk. 

If you're looking for a fun way to catch quality bass even in the heat of late summer, tie on a Mini-Max Chatterbait and go make some noise!

Fishing Chatterbaits for Pressured Bass

The chatterbait is a versatile lure that can be used to catch bass in a variety of situations, and it can even be effective when fishing for pressured bass so long as you select the right chatterbait model. 

Here are a few tips on how to fish a chatterbait for pressured fish:

• Use a finesse approach. When bass are pressured, they tend to become more cautious and less likely to bite anything that looks too big or flashy. Using a finesse style chatterbait like the Zman Stealth Blade or Mini-Max is a great way to target these fish.
• Use lighter line. Pressured bass are often wary of anything that looks unnatural, so using a light line will help your bait look more natural and less threatening. Personally, I typically use 12 to 15 pound fluorocarbon-coated line when fishing a chatterbait for pressured bass.
• Fish slowly. Pressured bass are often less active, so you'll need to fish your chatterbait slowly to get their attention. I like to fish my chatterbait with a slow, steady retrieve with occasional pauses.
• Target cover. Pressured bass will often retreat to cover when they feel pressured, so target areas with cover when fishing a chatterbait. I like to target docks, laydowns, and other areas with cover when fishing a chatterbait for pressured bass.

Bass pro Brett Hite is a renowned chatterbait specialist who has worked with the folks at Zman to develop not only the JackHammer model but also a finesse version, the Stealth Blade. 

Take a few moments as watch as Hite explains his approach to using the Stealth Blade when fishing highly pressured waters…

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.

Chatterbaits: An Effective Bait for Cold-Water Bass

As winter begins to wane and spring approaches, many anglers start to shift their focus to targeting bass as they move towards the shallows on a prespawn feed. One of the most effective lures during this time of transition is the chatterbait. Chatterbaits are versatile lures that can be fished effectively in a variety of conditions, making them a staple in the tackle boxes of many anglers.

What is a Chatterbait?

A chatterbait is a type of vibrating jig that features a metal blade connected to a skirted jig that creates a unique action when retrieved through the water. This action, combining a unique combination of flash and vibration, makes chatterbaits incredibly attractive to bass, and they can often trigger even the wariest fish to strike. 

Chatterbaits come in a variety of sizes, styles and color patterns providing a potential bait option for just about any fishing situation. The most popular sizes range from 3/8 oz to 3/4 oz with the 1/2 oz size being great option for most conditions. As with most bass lures, chatterbait color pattern options are numerous but white n chartreuse, black n blue, green pumpkin, and red craw are probably the most common colors found in angler's tackle boxes. Consider adding a soft plastic grub, swimbait, worm, or craw trailer to help enhance action and add "drawing power" to your chatterbait.

Why Chatterbaits are Effective in Late Winter/Early Spring

Soft Stickbaits as Chatterbait Trailers?

Most bass anglers use some style of soft plastic lure as a chatterbait trailer including fluke-style baits, split-tail spinnerbait trailers, twin tail grubs, blade style minnow baits, and in some cases even paddletail swimbaits.

Some folks, like bass pro Matt Stefan, believe that trailers with few moving appendages work best since they do not interfere with the chatterbait's natural side-to-side, erratic hunting action that helps trigger strikes.

But does it make sense to use a soft stickbait, one of the most subtle action soft plastic baits on the market, as a chatterbait trailer?

Matt sure thinks so and describes why in the following video on his preferences when selecting a chatterbait trailer...

Interesting points though I still believe a small, thin-profile paddletail like the Swim Senko or Yum Swim'n Dinger work well with limited impact to the chatterbait's hunting action.

Making Your Own Custom Vibrating Jigs

Are you one of those DIY folks that loves creating baits and catching bass on them? Are you looking to make your own chatterbaits with the blades connected directly to the jighead with quality components and save some $$$?

Then take a moment and watch the following video that describes the molds and materials you need to start making your own custom chatterbaits at home...

Catching bass is always great but catching them on baits you've created and customized takes the exhiliration to a whole new level.

New to the idea of making your own lures like those shown in the chatterbait tutorial above, all of the stuff you need from molds, pre-poured jig heads, blades, skirts, split rings and snaps is available via the Lure Parts Online web store. 

Click on the image below and see what they have to offer!

Have fun and as always, tight lines especially with your new DIY custom chatterbaits!

Fall Bassin' with Big Bladed Chatterbaits

When it comes to chatterbaits, I have always been a little late joining the party (like it was almost a decade after it hit the market before I fished one!). So I guess it's no surprise it took me almost a year to finally buy a couple of ZMan Big Blade Chatterbaits this past summer.

Since I often use a 3/8 oz for much of my chatterbait fishing, I purchased the smallest size available, the 1/2 oz in green pumpkin candy and black n blue candy; two staple color patterns for all my blade baits as well as jigs. Shortly after receiving the order, I rigged one up to try at one of my favorite bank fishing ponds. 

After a few casts with my new Zman Big Blade Chatterbait I noticed a couple of key features almost instantly: 1) the vibration is much more intense then other chatterbaits I use and 2) though the bait weighs 1/2 oz it rides high in the water column even on a medium speed retrieve. I quickly thought of several conditions where this bait should shine particularly through the spring and early summer.

As I was scanning YouTube today, I came across a cool video from the folks at W2F regarding an application for the big blade I hadn't considered; fishing it around receding vegetation patches in the early to mid fall. 

Deciphering Chatterbait Options

If you enjoy fishing chatterbaits (vibrating swim jigs) and have checked out the options Z-Man fishing now produces, you might end up with "a deer in the headlights" feeling. 

Over time the number of chatterbait (CB) options have increased dramatically to meet the needs for differing situations.

Fortunately Z-Man pro bass angler Stephen Browning has take a couple minutes to explain his main CB selections, the situations when hes uses each and the different trailers he matches for those conditions in the following video...

Finesse Power Fishing Tip

It's not often people use the terms power fishing and finesse fishing together but here is one time it definitely applies.

The folks at Z-man Fishing came up with a new twist on their original chatterbait to be used any time bass are chasing smaller forage as bass pro Stephen Browning discusses below!

I can think of several applications where this will shine this season...

Bottom Bouncing with Chatterbaits

Chatterbaits, A.K.A. bladed swim jigs, are probably best known as a cool water bait or one that is most effective when fishing around submerged vegetation…

When used around soft forms of cover, many if not most bass anglers employ a straight or pulsed retrieve in the upper to middle part of the water column. More sophisticated chatterbait anglers may also use a “slow-rolling” retrieve to work the bait through bottom cover…

But did you realize that fluttering or bottom bouncing a chatterbait off the bottom can be highly effective too?

Take a moment and listen to FLW pro Brian Latimer explain why a bottom fluttering retrieve is rapidly becoming one of his favorite presentations when fishing a chatterbait...

Definitely a new chatterbait presentation I will use the next time I am on the water … how about you?

Fishing for Early Fall Bass with Chatterbaits

The days are getting shorter…

Air and water temps are getting cooler…

Baitfish are schooling and migrating between available types of cover and the bass have put the feed-bag on prepping for winter…

What a great time to tie on a chatterbait and catch some of the biggest bass of the season!

Bassmaster Elite Series pro Stephen Browning explains why a chatterbait is one of his favorite baits when chasing early fall bass in this short video…

Time to tie one a chatterbait on for your next fall bass fishing trip?

I’ll have one rigged when I go out for sure 😈

Chatterbaits & Trailers

Vibrating swim jigs, bladed swim jigs and chatterbaits are different terms referring to the same type of bass lure…

Although many bass anglers often generically call these baits “chatterbaits”, in reality, the Chatterbait was a name given by the manufacturer, Z-Man Fishing…

A few years ago, Z-Man added a new member to the Z-Man line calling it the “Chatterbait Elite” with several upgrades over the original model…

In this video, bass pro David Walker talks about the features of this new bait, how to fish it and different trailers to enhance the presentation…

Enjoy!

What is your favorite chatterbait trailer?

Fishing the Z-Man Chatterbait

Though introduced nearly 10 years ago, many bass anglers are just starting to take the Z-Man Chatterbait seriously!

It’s not hard to see why, since it has not only gained a reputation as a great lure but also one for catching quality bass as well…

Not familiar with the bait?

Take a moment to watch this video and see how fishing the Z-Man Chatterbait can help you put more and bigger bass in the boat!

Fishing Vibrating Swim Jigs

It doesn't matter whether you can them chatterbaits or vibrating swim jigs, this type of bladed swim jig can be deadly on big bass!

In this video, FLW Pro Terry Bolton provides a great intro to the equipment needed and techniques for fishing vibrating swim jigs…

Many anglers feel vibrating swim jigs (chatterbaits) are best in cool water periods but I like them anytime ice is not covering the water!

Ending My Bladed Swim Jig Virginity

If you stopped by and checked out my tackle collection, you might think there can’t be many baits missing from the stash…

Even though they have been around for several years, there is one type of bait you wouldn’t find in the numerous, drawers, trays, bags and boxes … a bladed swim jig – a.k.a. chatterbait!

Or at least that was the case until a few days ago…

After researching new material about bladed swim jigs for the site, I learned how effective they can be as a big bass bait.

So I decided it was time to add them to the arsenal thereby…

"Ending My Vibrating Jigs Virginity"