BUYER'S GUIDE: Chatterbaits, Spinnerbaits, and Best Trailers!

[@CapnPink28]

Oh my….. Biggest fish I’ve ever caught here in Southern Ohio was on a Chatterbait! (JackHammer and Zako trailer) Broke my PB 3 times in one day Mid-April in a private lake/pond, went from 5lb, to 8lb, and finally 9.57lb! The 5 pounder was on a Spinnerbait (War Eagle with a Keitech), but I lost it because I didn’t re-tie after the fight….🤷‍♂️….still a good day, I’ll never forget it! THESE GUYS KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT!!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Warren and congrats. Those are GIANTS!!

[@CapnPink28]

@@tacticalbassin Not bad for Southern Ohio!! Cant wait to make it back to Chick…..gonna try Springtime this year…gotta love Prespawn!!

[@420RyanBruce]

Y'all put in a shit ton of work around the holidays. Much appreciated.

[@rocketsurgeon1746]

Over a grand into your buyers guides. Stop making buyers guides!! I can't afford anymore :)

[@chrisjackson6115]

I feel ya I done bought 4 Metaniums 2 Aldebaran 1 Bantam 610 expride,Brailist, and 4 other Exprides, a Dobyns 700C BFS

[@jasondaniels209]

A grand? That’s it?? 😂. Bro… I’ve spent that in rods alone. Tackle Warhouse Afterpay makes it pretty easy to spend a grand lol

[@rocketsurgeon1746]

@@jasondaniels209 don't ask about last Christmas, spring sale or Black Friday :)

[@440-fishermandrock8]

Wish I had money lmao 🤣

[@mitchcieslak9476]

I’m broke and stressed 😂😂😂

[@vegasvato55]

I very much enjoy the way the two of you interact on your channel and i absolutely love the information you guys are putting out...

[@kgottula71]

The information you guys offer is unreal and so beneficial to us regular guys! I’ve increased my success exponentially just by watching and learning new techniques. My note book keeps growing, it’s nice to feel confident on the water in any given condition or season. I also appreciate the delivery method used in your videos, almost feels like I’ve been on the water myself after watching some of the raw content. Too cool, thank you again.

[@keenanmoore264]

Bangin' content as always boys. Excited for the ned rig Buyers guide. Fingers crossed.

[@tonyrubaszewski6811]

Me too

[@Twangtown7]

Another sneaky good trailer for the Mini Max is the 3.8 Keitech Crazy Flapper. Just a whole different look.

[@midwestfischerman]

First!🥇 Happy holidays everyone from snowy Chicago!☃️🎣🎄🎅🦌🎁

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! Merry Christmas!! Hang in there out on that frozen tundra 😬

[@midwestfischerman]

@@tacticalbassin Next Thursday's early forecast, high of 16°F, low of -4°F.🥶

[@oldeschoolbob1022]

Thank you, gentlemen. We love our bladed jigs down here. In case anyone is interested in knowing more about these baits, here is a link to the most recent TB "in depth" video I could find: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGinmaONiM5kZrM . Happy Holidays to one and all, and good luck out there!

[@Fonzthediy-er]

9:48 The stealth blade is so nice and compact. No trailer necessary!

[@McFish_Snatcher]

The jackhammer you held up is by far the most versatile color too. Golden shiner 3/8 jackhammer with a Tennessee magic 4.5 spunk shad will catch giants all across the country

[@richardblake4777]

Guys, that was one of your best videos ever, so much important info. A beginner could do well to use your suggestions and start catching them immediately. Y'all sold me on the Spunk Shad when you did the underwater trailers and they lived up to your praise. Thanks Tim and Matt for your wisdom.

[@FreedomFishing]

You hit on what we all have to deal with from time to time. It's good to feel the vibration of the spinnerbait, becsuse if our trailer is too long, and it fouls on a cast, we won't feel the vibration. We'll know to bring it in, and shorten that trailer a smidge.

[@VinceNiergarth]

Merry Christmas everyone! Thanks guys!

[@tacticalbassin]

Merry Christmas!!

[@lightningmusky5286]

Tim start fidgeting when Matt starts going off. Not this again lol! Good info guys! Just got a 844 NRX+ to go with my new Zillion SV. I love the CASHION chatterbait a true gem in their lineup.

[@jeremyduncan9165]

That mini max has been my jam this year!! Lake of theOzark killer.

[@michael_mc_gowan]

Another great buyers guide, guys.

[@SoSaysYou]

Great video, thanks. For me, my favorite chatterbait trailer is the 10,000 fish yoto worm. I have more success with this trailer than any other. I do like the zako as well. I will try the spanking shad and other to see how well they work.

[@jasonbruno3483]

Great video again gentlemen. Can you please, please, do some testing with the Jackall Rhythm Wag as a trailer. I've tried the 3.5 on the Chatterbait Mini and the 4.5 on the Jackhammer and I fell in love. I would really appreciate your feedback on this guy's. Keep up the great work... it's truly appreciated by so many anglers of all experience levels. Happy holidays to you and your families!

[@tacticalbassin]

We've been testing and the smaller size has been really good on the mini max 👍🏼

[@edseegert71]

I too started using it this year when they came out and they have been great.

[@jfezatte517]

I'm the same way but the Mini Max took over for the Jack Hammer for me, the Mini Max & the Stealth Blade are my 1-2 punch, my bread & butter! If it's calm I start with the Stealth Blade & reach for the Mini Max once there's some chop on the water. Rarely do I have to reach for any of the other dozen setups in my boat before finding the fish!

[@Veritas84Aequitas]

Everybody sleeping on the Bottom Up Beeble. Top producer for me all season. My Megabass and OSP SB's hardly got any use this season.

[@travislalonde8310]

Spunk shad is #1. It’s also really strong on a ned rig and a drop shot because of that crazy tail

[@peterhing3608]

Now this was a much better buyer's guide guys! Great breakdown on the spinnerbaita from large full size to the finesse smaller sizes. I am a big chatterbait fan and so happy that you went over the stealth and mini max. I will be trying to get both the stealth and mini max if there is any stock left over Boxing Day sales and into the new year at my favourite tackle stores up here in Ontario Canada! I totally agree that the downsizing is key once the main bite falls off for either the spinner Bair and/or Jack Hammers. Great job guys and thanks again!

[@deanthonystokes6481]

What's a good combo that would do both that's between the $300-400 price range I like the Zodias and it's not breaking the bank what reel would be good to pair with it

[@eng62ine]

I'm about to pull the trigger on the bang for the buck chatterbait combo and was wondering which gear ratio you'd recommend for the Shimano Curado MGL? Thank you for all you do- your content is second to none!

[@tacticalbassin]

7.4:1. That’s awesome! You will love it.

[@tnbassmaster]

This was an awesome video! What do you think about using the 7 foot medium heavy mbr as an all round reaction rod for bot spinner baits and chatterbaits!

[@tacticalbassin]

You know... I've never tried the chatterbait on there but I'll bet it would work pretty well. I need to try that as well.

[@tnbassmaster]

@@tacticalbassin thanks a lot ! Looks like we are getting even more MBR from Matt!😂

[@edseegert71]

I have the NRX+ 844 MBR per Matt's advice because of all the things it can do, and yes it absolutely works great for chatterbaits.👍

[@johno7435]

Great review Matt & Tim!

[@billljones979]

I been fishing a chatterbait with a rage tail grub, turned sideways, works awesome The paca slim craws are a great bait, I didn't know about the random arm movement, Also for a finesse spinnerbait, the kvd finesse spinnerbait crushes it with a small minnow

[@bigfah2506]

Spinnerbaits! Love them!

[@alcav54]

I’m pretty stoked Just bought an Expride A 6’10” medium at TW under $200.

[@CalebSmith87]

Have y'all tried the Arizona baits afg force? That's one of my favorite chatterbait trailers for cooler water. The scooters special color pairs up good with a lot of different things.

[@Cornelius798]

Thanks guys, I always enjoy your video's thanks. I'm late to the party I've never thrown a chatterbait looking forward to get into it. Love spinnerbaits I go with 1/4 ounce War Eagle double willows.

[@makcatchem9614]

Wish they talked about the action of the bladed jig rod compared to the expride Glass

[@brucesmith7437]

IMX pro bladed jig rod is fantastic.

[@zebur4170]

Again, much love from upstate ny. Merry xmas tim/matt

[@tacticalbassin]

Merry Christmas!!

[@tikka243412]

Nice video. Expride 7’2” is great…fishes like a 7’ with the long handle though. I went to the Dobyns champ 735 cb glass for braid to mono and the Curado mgl. Great combo too. Any chance you guys could put together a stand alone video of the latest combos explaining just the actions and the reel gear ratios for the specific techniques. Would be nice to see the actual actions of the rods in an open zoomed out format with a static load on the rod to get an idea of the bend. 👍

[@frankwestphal4525]

Will you ever do an underwater video comparing swimjig trailers underwater?

[@kevinbeaudean704]

I second that request, but on normal swim jigs not those gorilla size swim jigs.

[@davelerner8461]

Great stuff guys and thanks for keeping this "real" as you always do, very practical information for all of us. Happy Holidays to you and family!

[@tacticalbassin]

Merry Christmas Dave and thanks for being part of the Tactical Family!

[@ThatGuy-hj4xj]

I personally fish the mini max 1/4 and 3/8 on my Shimano poison adrena glass rod, with a Shimano curado 70 hg reel,with 12lb fc sniper line. 🙌

[@1304GT]

Great info as always!

[@tacticalbassin]

Sorry you got hit with spam, obviously that's not us. But we appreciate you Steve!

[@christopherlawrence3927]

I also use the jackle I shad for the minni max it has the same tail as the hogfarmer but the body is a little more slender I feel it's another great option

[@tacticalbassin]

We've been experimenting with it too, great choice

[@dickiehoskins9835]

Question what is the length of your leader do you use for your chatter and spinnerbaits? And also great video

[@TheQmanguy]

Do y’all have a budget option for a chatterbaits? Would the 7’2” MH SLX glass or Bass X 7’2” MH Moderate be a good option?

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

Just bought a 7'2 mh glass curado for 111$ at American legacy, used excellent condition, hopefully it gets delivered that way.

[@yummygogolak]

ALF knows how to ship rods.

[@djradrs199]

Braid & Line Size ?? listening at work not sure if I missed that part 🤷‍♂

[@FutureBassmaster4469]

Hey guys, just ONE suggestion im here in Ohio when you guys are talking about slow rolling a 5lb glide bait in California I instantly turn away... I know a bunch of guys too, me n my partna have a saying in a tourney, when we can't find the fish but a few 12 inchers, "call tactical bassin they'll say tie on a 4oz jig n catch some 6lbers" 😆 🤣 I'm just saying if you could do some videos, when a 5-6lber is the biggest bass caught all year in the club, that aren't based on Texas, cali or Florida waters id be SO HAPPY!! Great video, merry Christmas to both of you guys and your families 💯🎣👊🎅

[@alltree78]

I love the menace on my chatterbaits

[@lestribble9810]

I’m surprised you didn’t talk about the slobber knocker. I bought some on the Black Friday sale but I haven’t had a chance to try them yet. It looks like with the way the blade is mounted it might not roll as much and my prevent some hangups in wood. Not sure how the action is going to be.

[@ok313114]

How about the Loomis NRX+ blade rod? overkill? (7’4” Medium-Heavy NRX+ 883C BJR)

[@bassmedic]

Those hog farmer baits are about all I use for chaterbaits. I've got a few different colors in all 3 sized from the 3.5 up to the 5. Ill even use them on a spinnerbait sometimes.

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

Throw a pit boss on, change your game up big time, especially in hot craw

[@KyleSeledic]

When would you throw a smaller finesse spinnerbait vs an underspin?

[@davidgerdes1815]

Are you guys fishing the big blade chatterbait much?

[@katiedolfman6496]

Love me some chatterbaits!

[@mitchfarmer9509]

Ha to hit you guys up quick in hopes of a response. I went out to Bass Pro and they had none of the three crank rods I wanted to check out. Luckily I have learned of a St. Croix Bass X rod for swimbaits. Would the smaller of the three, I think it’s 7’10” heavy, fast rated at like 1/2-3ozs. I hear it’s highly recommended for treble hook hard baits. Would it cross over to throw the biggest cranks well like the 10XD? It falls perfectly in my price range at $150. Thanks guys and have a great weekend!

[@focus365365]

One question please and by the way, your bass videos have taught me how to fish for bass. I grew up catfishing and started bass fishing 2 years ago and have had great results from listening and learning from the both of you, so thank you very much! But my question is for the chatter bait G Loomis IMX Pro 8883C BJR rod what size and weight rod do you use? I didn’t quite get that information in the video.

[@chanceheck6551]

Y’all talk about the evergreen 7’0 medium heavy glass and the 7’3 heavy glass it’s my favorite chatterbait rod

[@hankwilliams999]

I hammered them on the stealth blade in lily pads I was catching them 3 to 1 on my cousins who had regular chatters

[@cjtfishing384]

Is there a rod out there that performs well fishing spinnerbaits and chatterbaits

[@johnbutler307]

Thanks guys your the best.

[@jimmcculloch5825]

Have you ever done a video on what type of line (mono, flor, braid, or braid to leader) you like to use on various types, or method, baits? If not, please make one,

[@jameshefferman6492]

What about the big blade chatter bait? What's your thoughts?

[@tacticalbassin]

It certainly works but it's window of opportunity is smaller than the others.

[@mattquinlan4629]

@@tacticalbassin when would you all say is the best “window” for the big blades? Thanks

[@phatpakbaits]

Does the naked chatter bait really fish weedless? Will it come through standing timber and brush without hanging up ?

[@cristameckler]

How about the 4" Easy Shiner for a spinnerbait trailer ?

[@shanedrennen5086]

Hi, have y’all tested the Berkley slobber knocker at all?

[@nathanbarnard]

Do you guys prefer the NRX Vs the IMX Pro for chatter baits? I’m torn about what to get this season

[@34jcub]

Any trailer suggestions for mini max?

[@Basstimestwo]

Always love your videos. Worth mentioning - there are two Megabass rods that are fantastic for spinnerbaits - the Orochi XX Diablo Spec-R, and the Destroyer P5 Dark Sleeper. IMO either of these (especially the destroyer) can hang with the Loomis MBR when it comes to throwing Spinnerbaits and Bladed Jigs.

[@P11Bass]

Great video

[@youtubzkoz]

Jdm Beeble spinnerbait with that front blade is $$$

[@Taygen_Smith]

What is the length and power on the GLX 844c MBR? Looking to order one for Christmas

[@tacticalbassin]

7' Heavy (but that's a very misleading rating)

[@frstysnowman]

have yall tried insanity like throw swimjigs on an a-rig? or maybe just the bottom one then regular swimbaits for the others..

[@frstysnowman]

damn autocorrect

[@BasslivesmatterLLC]

Spunk shad the chatterbait trailer king reaction strike 💪🏿💪🏿

[@brianrobinson9979]

What was the spinnerbait that you talked about in the past Matt? The one with the really thin blades that flex as they spin.

[@tonyrubaszewski6811]

What is your leader knot?

[@Mr.Higgs.]

Speaking of the spunk shad, if you look on Omnia, you will see that Misslebaits is coming out with their own spunk shad. They aren't in stock yet but they are there to view. I see you guys are tagging braid to leader. How long of a leader and what knot?

[@tacticalbassin]

Yeah, the Missile collaboration will be at all retailers soon. We've had the pleasure of seeing some of those colors already. Pretty awesome!

[@laprice8509]

Love the videos, have you had a chance to try the slobber knocker by Berkley yet?

[@ColsenTaylorFishing]

Great video!

[@nathanprovost2162]

I noticed you guys don’t have a vid on how you clean rod/cork handle. Any tips on preferred methods for that?

[@tacticalbassin]

U40 cork sealant before it even gets dirty is the key 👍🏼

[@youtubzkoz]

Check out the tackle warehouse videos they just put out

[@keenanmoore264]

I'm on the Canadian side of Lake St. Clair. I spanked a bunch of fish this year with my first season having a boat. I through the ned rig pretty much exclusively. What are some power techniques I could try next year? I picked up a 13 Fishing Concept C2. Need to pick a rod to pair with it. The techniques I'll use will determine the rod (length and action) I get.

[@theangleraquarist]

Tubes, finesse jigs, chatterbaits (especially the stealth), jerkbaits and drop shots. Those are just off the top of my head what I think. But check out tightrope fishing jigs to imitate gobies really well.

[@keenanmoore264]

​@@theangleraquarist Thanks! I caught a few on swimjigs, chatterbaits, drop shot, keitechs on a plain jig head. I want to try a soft plastic fluke this year. Used to be one of my fav baits.

[@johnnystone5432]

Don't overlook the mini max chatterbait. Excellent!

[@pierce873]

You should do a video with googan baits and give us your opinion on them

[@junito121486]

Do you use a braid to fluro for spinner bait also or just straight fluro?

[@tacticalbassin]

Sorry you got hit with spam! We use braid to leader on the spinnerbait.

[@shawng3340]

Yes!!!

[@cadendickey4536]

Is the 7’2” mh glass the same action in the zodias as the expride

[@tacticalbassin]

The Expride is much more "crisp" in that particular model.

[@hunterkingfishing6253]

You guys should get the new Berkley power stinger and give us a review. I’m thinking it could be the new zako. Colors look great and that honeycomb design seems like it would give good action

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

Yep, just picked up 8 packs from Dicks, they look great 👌

[@brandonsmith606]

You guys are killing me first it thr R2S bling so I buy a box full now we're on to totally different ones lol

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! The bling is still such a deadly bait and we own a stockpile of them too! With so many companies competing there are constantly new, innovative improvements coming out.

[@brandonsmith606]

@@tacticalbassin for sure I'm always looking for the next possible trophy catcher. You guy's have changed how I fish, and I'm a certified junky now lol. My PB came on a Bling in August

[@keenanmoore264]

Is it odd or not recommended to pair, let's say a SLX spinning rod with a Stradic or Vanford. Any combination of one high end piece of gear with a low end? Whether it's rod and reel or reel and rod.

[@tacticalbassin]

You can absolutely do this 👍🏼 Typically we go higher on the rod, lower on the reel... but not always.

[@keenanmoore264]

​@@tacticalbassin For max sensitivity I'm assuming? Watched the buyers guides 4-5 times each. Just need to pull the trigger on a few things now. thanks boys!

[@davidcrump2348]

I still use a 3” or 4” grub on back as a trailer

[@dangerfield85]

Surprised you didn't cover the willow blade

[@danmonahan8594]

Check out the Dobyns Colt 734C for chatterbaits. Its a pretty moderate rod and only $79.99 its hard to beat

[@mandogfish7418]

I"m surprised you didn't choose the G. Loomis NRX+ Bladed Jig Casting Rod as your best high end rod.

[@retflo2583]

Great just great !!!

[@progradepainting3755]

Welcome back to tactical Santa

[@davidcrump2348]

Trailers I like white grubs or chartruse with silver glitter trailers.

[@shadybanks8625]

What's up with so few companies making 3/4 and 1oz spinnerbaits? I usually catch my largest bass of the year slow rolling spinnerbaits from Winter to post spawn. You can work them from inches of water out to 20 foot better than any other bait I know of.

[@Twangtown7]

Curious why, when you're talking about chatterbait rods, you mention how important a glass rod is (Expride), but your favorite/high end chatterbait rod (IMX Pro) isn't glass.

[@tacticalbassin]

The proper action can be achieved different ways. That specific IMX Pro is a very slow action, despite not being a glass rod.

[@Twangtown7]

@@tacticalbassin Gotcha. I use a composite rod for my bladed jigs, which I really like. Kind of the best of both worlds.

[@paulenglish1741]

How about a braid and mono buyers guide!!!

[@yummygogolak]

To be honest I am not enamored with stealth blade, in my hands if I want to go finessier I am much better off with Okashira or just soft swimbait on weighed hook.

[@davidcrump2348]

Colors in spinnerbaits I like white, chartruse, cheartruse/white, chartruce blue, chartruce blue white, chartruse lime white, and “carrot color” chartruse orange brown

[@markdotson607]

No trailer for the Finesse Bates

[@markdotson607]

Baits lol