Chatterbait Tips For Spring Bass Fishing! (Beginner and Advanced)

Chatterbaits are deadly in the Spring! Since its inception, the bladed jig has swept the market and continues to catch bass year after year despite incredible fishing pressure. If you want to be consistent its important to know that all bladed jigs are NOT created equal. Choosing the right bait is just as important as the conditions you choose to throw it in!

Today's video is for both the beginning angler and the advanced tournament pro. Tim covers basics like "what is a chatterbait" but also dives deep into different blade movements, trailer options, colors, and when to throw the different styles. Tim has specific gear for fishing around grass versus open water, and a variety of other tricks he's willing to share to help you catch more and bigger fish. 

All of the baits and equipment in today's video are linked in the description below. In addition to the baits, we've included the trailers, exact colors, as well as budget rod and reel options to really dial in your fishing this Spring. All of the links go direct to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.  

Chatterbaits... 

-Evergreen Jackhammer: http://bit.ly/2popvj6

-Z-Man Chatterbait Custom: http://bit.ly/2Ix71mI

-Z-Man Stealth Blade: https://bit.ly/30J8L8h

Favorite Colors: Green Pumpkin Shad, Fire Craw, Bluegill, Green Pumpkin

Favorite Weights: 3/8 oz - 1/2 oz

Swimbait Trailers... 

-Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Copperfield, Green Pumpkin 

-Yamamoto Zako: http://bit.ly/2fKmSRp

Colors: Green Pump White Lam, Zako

-HogFarmer Spunk Shad: http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Green pump, Tennessee Magic, Crystal Shad

Creature Trailers...

-Rage Menace: http://bit.ly/2HmX7D0

Colors: Sungill, Crawdaddy, Green pumpkin

-Rage Craw: http://bit.ly/2uoqsLJ

Colors: Dirty Craw, Green Pumpkin

-Yamamoto Cowboy: http://bit.ly/2q7AI72

Colors: Green Pumpkin Red Flake, Green Pump Black

Tim's Glass Chatterbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" MH Glass: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL K (HG): https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

Line- Sunline Sniper 17 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Tim's Standard Chatterbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'2" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL K (HG): https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Budget Chatterbait Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Medium heavy: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Want TacticalBassin Gear?  

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Buyer's Guide: Best Jerkbaits For Bass Fishing

In today's Buyer's Guide we're looking at the best jerkbaits for catching bass throughout the year. Whether you're looking for a subtle jerkbait for cold water fishing or an aggressive jerkbait for the Spring and Fall bites, we've got you covered. Understanding the differences between jerkbaits and when to throw each style will make all the difference!

The jerkbait, also known as a rip bait, is one of the best lures to trigger a feed response in a bass. The combination of aggressive movement followed by suspension is more than most bass can resist! In the cooler months, a bait that will perfectly suspend is the key. As water temperatures drop its important to let the bait pause for long periods of time between jerks of the rod. In warmer temperatures the pauses are much shorter so balance becomes less important. During these warmer periods, baits that give off maximum flash and vibration are the key to standing out amongst the baitfish. 

It doesn't matter if you're just getting in to jerkbait fishing or you're a seasoned pro, these are the baits that will help you maximize your time on the water. Below you'll find links to all of the baits shown in the video. We've also included our favorite colors for each, as well as some of the rod and reels we use to throw jerkbaits. 

Large Jerkbaits... 

-Megabass Oneten Max LBO: https://bit.ly/3dfhL9y

Colors: GP Pro Blue, Tennessee Shad, Mat Shad

-Jackall Rerange 130: http://bit.ly/2ge0qED

Colors: Blue Pearl Shad, HL Silver Shad, RT Holo Minnow

Aggressive Baits... 

-Lucky Craft pointer 100: http://bit.ly/tbpointer

Colors: American Shad, Ghost Minnow, Live Purple Chart Wakasagi

-Jackall Rerange 110: http://bit.ly/2ge0qED

Colors: HL Hasu, RT Minnow, Blue Pearl Shad

-Jackall Rerange 110 MR: https://bit.ly/2CbWr6X

Colors: Blue Pearl Shad, RT Minnow, HL Hasu

-Lucky Craft Flash Pointer 115: http://bit.ly/2aHz588

Colors: Bone Pro Blue, Ghost Minnow, Chartreuse Shad

Cold Water Baits... 

-Megabass Vision 110 Jr. +1: https://bit.ly/2LnK389

Colors: GP Pro Blue, Tennessee Shad, Mat Shad

-Megabass Vision 110 Jr: http://bit.ly/2OeAFBf

Colors: GP Pro Blue 2, GP Deadly Black Shad, Tennessee Shad

-Megabass Vision 110: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb

Colors: Clear Laker, Mat Shad, Tennessee Shad

Megabass Vision 110+1: http://bit.ly/2iGYOCX

Colors: GP Pro Blue 2, Mat Shad, Tennessee Shad

Jerkbait Storage... 

-Plano EDGE 3700 STD: http://bit.ly/2t3uHMR

High-End Jerkbait Combo... 

Rod- Megabass Orochi XX Jerkbait Special: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line- Sunline Sniper 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Mid-Priced Jerkbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL K HG: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget Jerkbait Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 6'8" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX XT HG: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Previous Buyer's Guides... 
-Spinnerbaits and Chatterbaits: https://bit.ly/2Lj4hjk

-Dropshot: https://bit.ly/2KgBr2w

-Craws and Creatures: https://bit.ly/3lU4vLe

-Ned Rigs: https://bit.ly/3fo75GV

-Deep Diving Crankbaits: https://bit.ly/3kXuH6h

-Big Swimbaits: https://bit.ly/395vTT6

-High End Combos: https://bit.ly/35PNOeu

-$500 Combos: https://bit.ly/3lW1o5I

-$400 Combos: https://bit.ly/3lSfwwz

-$200 Combos: https://bit.ly/2USSCJv

-$100 Combos: https://bit.ly/37aupED

Advanced Jerkbait Tricks For Cold Water Bass Fishing

As cold nights set in and temperatures around the country drop, bass begin acting in peculiar ways. Yes, some of them continue to ambush baitfish in the shallows when they can find it, but many are shifting toward Winter haunts. As these fish gather near outside structures their feeding habits begin to change and the way you target them should as well. 

If you live in the Southern half of the country your fish are still feeding aggressively in warmer water than our Northern brethren are currently experiencing. Your fish are most likely actively corralling baitfish in the backs of creeks and coves, feeding voraciously several times each day. During these times an aggressive jerkbait with maximum flash and movement is the key to consistent success. You need to distract these fish from the 1000’s of real prey so they will target the single, injured minnow that you are presenting. 

For those in the Northern half of the country, Winter is fast approaching. Many are already seeing freezing temperatures and water temperatures are beginning to plummet. This cold snap marks one of your best opportunities of the year for a giant bass! While many anglers shy away from the cold, you are the stand out who carries on and will be rewarded. When you’re targeting bass in cold water (below 50 degrees) flash becomes less important, the bait’s ability to suspending in place will be the triggering mechanism to make your fish bite. 

Below you’ll find links to both styles of jerkbait, the gear we use to throw them, and the terminal tackle we use to modify and perfect this presentation. All links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

If you Could Only Have One Jerkbait... 

Bait- Megabass Vision 110: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb

Colors: HT-Ito Tennessee Shad or GP Pro Blue

Aggressive Jerkbaits… 

Shallow- Jackall Rerange 110: http://bit.ly/2ge0qED

Colors: Blue Pearl Shad, Silver Shad, Hollow Minnow

Shallow- Lucky Craft Flash Pointer SP: http://bit.ly/2aHz588

Colors: Bone Pro Blue, American Shad, Aurora Black

Midrange- Jackall Rerange MR: https://bit.ly/2CbWr6X

Colors: Hollow Minnow, Silver Shad, Ghost Wakasagi

Suspending Cold Water jerkbaits… 

Small- Megabass Vision 110 Jr: http://bit.ly/2OeAFBf

Colors: Ito Tennessee Shad, Mat Shad, GG Deadly Black Shad

Standard- Megabass Vision 110: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb

Colors: GP Pro Blue 2, Mat Tenn Shad, Killer Kawaguchi

Deep- Megabass Vision 110+1: http://bit.ly/2iGYOCX

Colors: GP Pro Blue, Mat Shad, GP Skeleton TN

Extra Deep- Megabass Vision 110+2: http://bit.ly/2BLQIBA

Colors: Mat Shad, Ito Tennessee Shad, GP Pro Blue

Hook and Split Ring Upgrades… 

Split Ring Replacement- Owner Hyperwire Black (Size 2): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

110 Replacement Hook- Gamakatsu Finesse Nano Treble (Size 5): http://bit.ly/2dWWAut

110 Junior Replacement Hook- Gamakatsu 1X Black (Size 8): https://bit.ly/3oSXVXp

Matt's Favorite Jerkbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line- Sunline Assassin 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Alternative Reel: Shimano Curado 70 MGL K: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

Mid-Range Jerkbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Curado 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2gUWTft

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL K: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget Jerkbait Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 6'8" medium: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX MGL 70: https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Other Great Jerkbait Rods... 

-Megabass Orochi XX 6'11" Jerkbait Special: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

-Megabass Destroyer Oneten Special: http://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

-G Loomis IMX Pro 812 JBR: http://bit.ly/2QurcHi

-St Croix Legend Elite 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

-Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Related Jerkbait Videos... 

Fall Jerkbait Fishing! Everything You Need To Know! (2020): https://youtu.be/mLkjULrvQFA

Winter Jerkbait Fishing- Tricks To Get More Bites (2019): https://youtu.be/_eOGx2ZXkzY

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Blade Bait Tricks You Need To Try This Fall and Winter!

Most anglers have no idea how to fish a blade bait effectively. They might know that its traditionally considered a cold water lure but they have no idea it can be fished shallow around grass, worked aggressively, and even substituted for a lipless crankbait. Blades have so many uses in Fall and Winter, you really need to experience it for yourself. 

Traditionally the blade bait is hopped slowly along the bottom in cold water. It gives a slight vibration on the hop then "dies" and flutters back to bottom. Its remarkably effective for trophy smallmouth in frigid water but for the average angler, its applications stop there. That original cold water use is still effective and should be a part of your Winter arsenal but today is about expanding how you fish the blade bait. We use 2 retrieves throughout the Fall to get consistent bites. 

When the bottom is free of debris we fish the blade on the bottom. We use the exact same hopping motion as we use for the LV-500 to trigger a feed response. While that application is very traditional, you might be surprised to find out we often do it in 2-10 feet of water. The blade is not just a deep water bait, its incredibly effective in the shallows as well! The 2nd retrieve is a burning retrieve. 

We cast and wind the blade much like a traditional lipless crankbait, ripping it free when it comes in contact with grass or other debris. When fish have been pressured by tournaments or negative weather conditions, the switch to the silent vibration of a blade bait is deadly. Blade bait season is just beginning, you need to get out and give it a try!

Below you'll find links to our favorite blade baits along with the rods, reels, and gear we use to fish these baits effectively. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Traditional Blades... 

-Silver Buddy: http://bit.ly/2AcTelj

Preferred Colors: Silver Plated, Stainless Steel

-Blade Runner Blade Bait: http://bit.ly/2XMNoQj

Preferred Colors: Natural Shad, Chartreuse White

Custom-Style Blades... 

-Megabass Vibration X: http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Preferred Colors: Ito Hiuo, Jukocho Shad, Craw, Gill OB

-Damiki Vault: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Preferred Colors: Black Holo, Real Shad, Red Craw, Flash Gill

-Jackall Keeburn: http://bit.ly/2or8sy0

Preferred Colors: Clear Shad, Dera Shad, Red Tiger, Silver

Hook and Hardware Upgrades... 

-Owner Hyperwire Split Rings (Size 2): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

-Owner STX-38 Treble (Size 8): http://bit.ly/2oNIeCD

Tim's Favorite Blade Bait... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL K XG: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 30 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Matt's Favorite Blade Bait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Aldebaran 50 MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget Blade Bait Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Power Pro 30 lb Braided: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G