ChatterBait Comparison Underwater: Look and Sound

The ChatterBait bladed/vibrating jig has become a staple bass fishing lure. Why? Because they're fun and easy to fish, and most importantly, catch loads of bass. This "What it Looks/Sounds" installment focuses underwater attention on several Z-Man ChatterBaits (8) to see what each one looks and sounds like underwater.
Subtle design differences can have a significant impact on bait performance in different situations. Attributes like head material and shapes, skirt ties, trailer keepers, hook manufacturers, and more, change the way each ChatterBait looks and performs. Each bait has a time and place based on design, with the full lineup providing a bladed jig solution wherever you chase bass.
We're excited to expand underwater content around the bladed jig category in future videos, so stay tuned. We'd also like to hear from you, so please drop a comment below and let us know what you'd like to see.
FEATURED PRODUCT:
-Z-Man ChatterBait Original: wired2.fish/Or...
-Z-Man ChatterBait Elite: wired2.fish/Ch...
-Z-Man ChatterBait Micro:wired2.fish/Ch...
-Z-Man ChatterBait Evergreen Jackhammer: wired2.fish/Ja...
-Z-Man ChatterBait Freedom CFL: wired2.fish/Ch...
-Z-Man ChatterBait Freedom: wired2.fish/Ch...
-Z-Man ChatterBait Project Z: wired2.fish/Ch...
-Z-Man CahtterBait Project Z Weedless: wired2.fish/Pr...
OTHER PRODUCT:
Daiwa Tatula 100 Casting Reel: wired2.fish/Da...
Daiwa Tatula Casting Rod: wired2.fish/Da...
Check out our Underwater Video Playlist (wired2.fish/Un...) for more compelling footage of tackle from unique and insightful vantage points.
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[@totalannihilation9065]

It's crazy how folks have managed to make underwater footage. We no longer take youtubers word for it we can see what they look like and hear what they sound like. Amazing video.

[@Wired2Fish]

So true! Our W2F content team loves filming underwater video with a range of difference tools. Curious to know what you'd be interested in seeing more of?

[@undeadmongoose1866]

Og: 1:57 Elite: 3:11 Mini: 4:38 Jackhammer: 6:39 Football head: 8:29 Ewg brass: 10:26 ProjectZ: 11:46 ProjectZ brush guard: 13:00

[@RyanMcIntyre]

This video was really informative and helpful, and I really appreciate that he spoke calmly and quietly to us. So many anglers holler like they're giving a post-monster truck race interview.

[@Wired2Fish]

Much appreciated, Ryan- Thank you for tuning in!

[@armandorjusino]

The way this fellow angler explain in so much detail each model and the footage makes this one of the best instructional videos i have ever seen, what a great fishing resource channel, just subd.

[@wingort9]

Great video. Thanks for the information. Finally a quality "one stop" Chatterbait comparison video !

[@larrycowden2271]

Outstanding presentation. I've heard many others, but you really killed it with the UW sound presentation and the different varieties. That definitely helps with my next purchases. And glad you listed your equipment.

[@Wired2Fish]

Glad that this could help you out!

[@jimking2299]

The Freedom bait with the offset worm hook looks like a total winner.

[@lilhito9498]

It is I ended up catching my PB on a black and blue half an ounce with a zoom craw as a trailer

[@KitebuildingGenius]

What I noticed is that the swing-head chatterbaits looks like the additional swiveling ability dampens the horizontal shimmy of the body of the bait, likely making it more effective for using swimbait trailers (where on a traditional chatterbait like the JackHammer, the action of the swimbait tail and the action of the bait itself can work against each other)

[@familybudgetfisherman]

Fantastic comparison! I just bought 15 jackhammers and 4 thunder crickets because of your education in this video. Great video!

[@shawnmoniz6617]

This was an excellent comparison. I fish the Z-Man Chatterbait like its my full time job, always tied on and the first thing i throw, but never realized all the differences between them all.

[@Wired2Fish]

Love the “full time job” call. Definitely sound differences... a lot of enthusiasts and pros swear it’s the different sound that make the Jackhammer such a fish-catching phenom.

[@jeremiahgiles3593]

The chatterbait custom and the chatterbait jackhammer are my favorites!

[@mrmalone28]

Jeremiah Giles I was just thinking that

[@curtkimbell228]

I also was impressed by the jackhammer. I’ve been using StrikeKing chatterbait , but been costuming them. Killing the smallmouth in the spring where I live👍

[@marktolmie9681]

Great info. Great presentation. Keep up the great content !

[@timperry6095]

Whelp, guess I’m expanding the number of models of chatterbaits I’m going to be carrying. Thanks for the video. It’s really similar to any other category. Each brand and model will have a slightly different look and sound quality that make it valuable in a particular set of conditions. The fun part is figuring out which is best for the conditions I fish most.

[@peter_420]

I can tell you from experience, the football head one is a killer. I caught a 4.5lber 2 days ago and a 6lber today on it. It's a very nice design.

[@mikegardiner3934]

Terrific video and great camera and sound editing.

[@bassdojo]

Long overdue comparison of the zman series. Thanks.

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks, Bass Dojo! We found it pretty compelling as well-

[@davidhodges1483]

Great video comparing the different chatter baits and the being able to hear what they sound like in the water was awesome.

[@kevinmassenburg3253]

Wow!! the underwater👀 sound is nice great job nicely done...

[@manueltrevino3828]

Excellent and very informative piece. Thank you.

[@Wired2Fish]

You’re welcome and thank you for watching , Manuel-

[@Baddmnkey1]

Nories (JDM) have been money for me last year. They come with 2 trailers and it’s something different that the fish haven’t seen.

[@shawnwhalen8314]

Great video and explanation of the Zman chatter baits. I use the weedless version in thick weeds with a Yammie Zako kicking paddle tail trailer and it's been lights-out for spring largemouth! Great for weeds.. I'm Going to check out the Freedom model this season. Thanks

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks for watching Shawn Whalen. Zako makes for a great trailer indeed!

[@Nick-te4kl]

That was a great insider of how they work and what applications they can be used for. I give that video a 10 of 10.

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks much Nicholas Estes!

[@goattiemcgoat4268]

I love my 3/8 ounce black and blue jackhammer chatter bait especially for night fishing. Caught so many fish on it last year

[@Twangtown7]

Interesting how much quieter the Project Z w/ weed guard sounded compared to all the others.

[@troyharper7546]

Thanks for your help/explanations on the Chatterbait. 💯 like you said, I had no idea there were so many different ones. Looks like I'm gonna have to get a New box for all these Chatterbaits I'm about to get lol. Thanks again 💯💯

[@Wired2Fish]

Glad you found it helpful, Troy harper. We wanted to see first hand what the differences were and we learned a lot too!

[@ReplayFan562]

Well done! Very helpful, great explanation! Take care!

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks much, LBCfun! We appreciate you tuning in-

[@Amso4]

Recencently on a slow day I started trolling chatterbaits. I had 3 rods going and messed around with a Jack Hammer, an original and a Project Z. I had the same color, weight and trailer on each. For some reason the Jack Hammer got hit every time and the other 2 chatterbaits were ignored. I took all my other chatterbaits our my boxes and bought some more Jack Hammers. I would not have believed this if I had not done it myself.

[@Mega07]

What color chatter and trailers did you use exactly?

[@Amso4]

@@Mega07 White chatterbaits and white Razor ShadZ

[@johnsemar107]

@@Amso4 wanna send me the others

[@GregK9]

@@johnsemar107 LOL!

[@danbarber67]

Awesome video. Thanks a lot for breaking each one down.

[@Wired2Fish]

Our pleasure, Dan! Thank you for tuning in!

[@shortround889]

Excellent break down and under water footage 👍.

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks much, Kayaking CrAsian!

[@strichards5337]

best detailed and comparison vid Ive seen. well done, sir. ty!

[@Wired2Fish]

Yur welcome and thank you for watching and commenting!

[@alexdeneau5866]

This is an excellent video. Learned a lot from this.

[@Wired2Fish]

So did we Alex Deneau. Thanks for watching!

[@charlespoling3331]

The jackhammer looks awesome, But with all the pike up here in Michigan I'll stick with the custom chatterbait from tacklewarehouse. Green pumpkin with a black blade has won me a couple tournaments this year.

[@newera_tb7294]

Tackle Warehouse Custom is my favorite as of right now as well.

[@brianrobinson9979]

The problem that I have with the Project Z model is the length of the loop where the blade attaches to. I feel like the time it take for the blade to start "Chattering" is much longer than the rest and the loop isn't fully closed so the blade likes to get wedged and will stop chattering sometimes mid retrieve.

[@hookedonbassncats]

I really like the chatterbait custom and mini max. Also the stealth blade is killer in pressured places.

[@GreenMeanie101]

Excellent video I never tried Chatterbaits but after watching this video will give them a try.

[@Wired2Fish]

They're great in so many situations. You wont be disappointed. One of those baits you can just tie on and go catch 'em.

[@stevevoelker2733]

Very informative. Underwater action is always helpful. Thanks for doing this!

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks, Steve Voelker. Nice knowing there are some options out there when you want to dial in your ChatterBait game! Again, thanks for watching and commenting-

[@shawnseabaugh]

Awesome 👍, can't get enough!!

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks Shawn! More to come-

[@tonyrubaszewski6811]

Thanks.. Great video. Gives me an advantage to the sound that I'm looking for

[@Wired2Fish]

That's the idea, Tony. Thanks for watching!

[@lexwaldez]

Well done sir and thank you.

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks for watching lexwaldez!

[@giovannim5101]

Thank you for the info i did learn something new on the chatterbaits.

[@kgraham64kg]

I love chatterbaits till they get hung up and you lose them 😔😆😆

[@Lsmoe]

Great Video ! Heard a lot about Z man Baits . Gonna add them to my arsenal. Great Camera Footage and presentation. Learned a lot ! Thanks

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks, Lsmoe3. We had fun making this video. They are definitely deadly baits!

[@Lsmoe]

How did you go about getting the underwater shots ? It's one thing to talk about something. This was the full experience of sound and visual. I always wonder what the he'll is going on down there ? Which one is your favorite if you had to pick one ? To be honest I will buy all of them. My friend has the knock off version , I always wanted quality vs cheaper .Lmao thanks again your newest follower ! #Catch Fish Not Feelings !

[@JoeJoe-mn6jt]

My go to luer!! Even catch Clown Knife on a Chatter Bait... Gotta match the trailer with the same action as the Chatter Bait you're using too in my opinion. Thank you for the video my man!

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks, Joe Joe! It’s a fish Catcher for sure.

[@IronBassVk]

Awesome video. Thanks!

[@Bluegillandbass]

What underwater camera do you use amazing quality 😁

[@DrakeShaw04]

Most likely a GoPro, mine looks just like this underwater

[@JonJonsOutdoors]

Fantastic video!! I use Chatterbaits every time I fish and they’ve helped me catch my biggest bass. I love how informative it was seeing the underwater action. I also use the fish head spin chatterbait and it has the best action I’ve ever used. It goes all over and causes a ton of reaction strikes!! I like it more than any of the Zman, but I’ve not shelled out the $20 to buy one yet! Thanks for another great video!!

[@algwoutdoors9481]

Jon Jon's BBQ and Catering are you talking about the fish head primal spin?

[@JonJonsOutdoors]

ALGW OUTDOORS yes! That thing has such amazing action!! It will jump 3-6” sometimes bc of the extra spin. I just missed my PB on the crawdad colored one. I thought I had a log bc he picked it up b4 I reeled and I so I popped it and it took off. My drag was spooling off and I couldn’t set the dang hook!! As the drag was going out and I’m trying to set the hook he jumped in the air and spat the bait!! It was 7-8lbs.!!! Not bad for our 1.5 acre pond in front of our house in Cincinnati OH. My drag was just to loose I guess. I do notice w Chatters I do not catch as many fish but I always catcher bigger fish!! My PB here is 5lbs on a Blue Gill colored ZMan Project Z. I use a creature trailer that looks like troutish color which looks dead on a bluegill in the water. I’d love to see you guys do one on trailers for them!! Different trailers make such a difference in each bait!! I loved the video!! Thanks for it!!

[@ronaldmcdonald3965]

Nice job on the video. You were clear and concise.

[@Wired2Fish]

Much appreciated and thank you for watching, Ronald!

[@mikemason4792]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@Wired2Fish]

Glad to hear it. Thanks for watching Mike!

[@dzborn2fish]

Thanks for the demo! triple thumbs up to you!

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks DZ born2fish!

[@kerryparks1979]

Great information Thanks 👍

[@joshfeister6566]

I fish a chatterbait 90% of the time love them ..fish catchers for sure

[@Wired2Fish]

No doubt! 🙌🏼

[@g-mane7497]

Very informative and easy video to watch without all that noisy music in the background.

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks, JDM Yaj! Gotta hear that Chatter-

[@lairdpop1239]

My favorite is the zman buck tail chatter bait

[@johnsemar107]

another great one in cold water, also the diesel for bass is underrated.

[@BlueLineFishing]

Great information in this video. I love the Jackhammer but after watching this I'm going to give a few other models a try. I especially liked the brass headed chatterbait with EWG hook. Should be great for the heavy timber I fish a lot. Keep up the great work!

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks a lot Blue Line Fishing. Seeing these baits opens the door to some new possibilities and scenarios to narrow down.

[@tomselick6983]

Awesome topic to cover

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks Tom, appreciate you taking the time to watch.

[@frankleaney6267]

Love the swing head type chatter baits. I fish for small mouth and seem to have a higher ratio of landing them because when they jump, they can’t spit the hook as easily. Cadence? You must be military? Great chatter bait video, thank you 🙏

[@Wired2Fish]

Our pleasure and thank you, frank leaney. Smallmouth are quite acrobatic and the swinging head helps absorb the leverage they have to throw hooks for sure.

[@davidtreichler5616]

1 of best videos ever.

[@ericbrayman3244]

Great video and great information! Thank you!

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks a lot, Eric. Glad You enjoyed!

[@thatguyfrombuffalo2442]

Please make more longer videos like this. The info is so valuable

[@Wired2Fish]

Will do- Thanks much for watching!

[@mthomas91088]

@thatguyfromblo where in buff are you?

[@mthomas91088]

You ever at foot of ferry?

[@thatguyfrombuffalo2442]

@@mthomas91088 I’m from East Side of Buffalo. When it comes to fishing. I mostly fish chautauqua lake.

[@mthomas91088]

@@thatguyfrombuffalo2442 gotta get on the upper river man, they're hitting really good now.

[@joeyphillips1181]

They all sounded the same to me 🤷🏻‍♂️ I'll just stick with the original and the original with the hand tied skirt and use the extra money to buy more of them lol

[@user-by6yc8yl7v]

Great video, very informative. When I want noise I throw a rage blade. Otherwise I use the original zman chatter bait most of the time

[@treerat7631]

Always liked them

[@robertchapman2025]

Thank you that was awesome!

[@Waldo183]

Very helpful thank you

[@Wired2Fish]

We learned something too- Thanks for watching!

[@rlsoutdoors997]

Awesome footage!

[@upstateangler9575]

Yeah the ChatterBait swim jig and drop shot for a finesse technique with a nose hook minnow presentation should be honorable mentions

[@robertlane7348]

Why would someone mention a dropshot during a Chatterbait video? That makes zero sense....

[@upstateangler9575]

@@robertlane7348 I was actually watching a different video and the comment section switched to this one . Incase you have nothing else to worry about . So now you know you can go question someones response to fulfill your day

[@TheMass33]

Number 7 is the one I used today and got spooled by a Cobia.

[@af4od02]

Excellent video.

[@Hanak1579]

Awesome video and thanks for you presentation

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks a lot, Steve! Appreciate you checking it out.

[@ilovenangs4759]

You don't need the micro one for smallmouth though, the big ones where much more efficient for me when fishing smallie.

[@Wired2Fish]

We've had good smallmouth bass success on big ChatterBaits (up to the 1-1/4 ounce JackHammer) but the small ones can outproduces when smallmouth are fussy or size-selective with forage. Different tools for difference situations.

[@Milehighsnake98]

Just to clarify, the Jackhammer and Freedom are both lead heads. There is a new Tungsten model of Jackhammer (the Jackhammer TG), but the standard one is NOT tungsten. Also the Freedom bait has a brass insert on the head, but the head itself is still lead around it. Take your pocket knife, and try to dig the point in to both. It'll cut into both heads.

[@Wired2Fish]

That is true Sean. The Modo Jackhammer of japan is Tungsten but the standard Jackhammer is not tungsten. The Freedom heads have a coating but are made up of brass. Still behaves differently especially compared to solid lead. Thanks for the comment. Definitely worth clarifying!

[@brookmiller1986]

GREAT video!!!

[@Wired2Fish]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@BassManStrikes]

Not sure if it was mentioned but the Jackhammer does not have a tungsten jig head.

[@Wired2Fish]

Only JDM. Sorry for not clarifying.

[@shawnbeck2303]

Now that I have watched video's of lures under water. I don't buy a bait that I haven't seen under water. I want see how it looks and the action. Please go to Academy Sports Store. Man, They have a great selection of lures, rod's and reel's. At a great price. Shawn

[@Wired2Fish]

You really learn a lot and it helps with confidence.

[@justinshedaker1229]

Chatter Baits get it done. Awesome video.

[@m2m-minutestomidnightbassi925]

Wait a minute when did the US version of the Jack Hammer become Tungsten? It’s been a JDM only product since last year and wasn’t released in the US. Seriously need this answered

[@Wired2Fish]

Sorry for the false alarm. Still no tungsten Jackhammer in the US at this time. It was worth mentioning as they do exist with the properties mentioned but not in our market as of yet.

[@BRandomFishing]

I just bought the elite series one because it looked the best to me in the water!

[@Wired2Fish]

Good deal BRandomFishing. Hope you're able to get out and put it to work a little.

[@toddmartin309]

Great Video!!! Made me subscribe.

[@tagg946]

i like matching the trailer and the blade movement, if im using a smaller blade with less movement, ill go for a paddle tail swimbait that doesnt kick around much to match the subtlety. If im using one with alot of movement and sound, i like a boot tail swimbait threaded on upside down so that boot gets caught in the wake of the blade and really kicks around to match the movement of the blade, it seems to make a world of difference.

[@Wired2Fish]

That's interesting, many anglers feel that a boot tail competes with the action being generated on the front end of the chatterbait. Seems to take away the tight wobble but hey, if everyone is not throwing a boot tail, might as aswell be that little something different behind the other guy?!

[@tagg946]

@@Wired2Fish you may be right, i havent noticed any short strikes though, as if theyre keying in on that boot tail more than the blade vibrating, and ive been slow rolling it/bottom fishing all winter, getting some serious reaction strikes in water thats hanging in the mid 30's. I guess everywhere is different, im in indiana. most water is pretty stained and full of algae or laydowns here, could be why, im still catching fish on lipless cranks and squarebills fishing half frozen ponds and lakes here.

[@paultopnotchfishing7506]

I like the micro an jackhammer best... An killer video....😎🎣👊🔥

[@Wired2Fish]

Can't wait to throw that thing for spring crappies! It will be good when they are in cover like shallow brush and bulrushes.

[@Y.B.Normal]

good video and info,. thank you

[@kevinzap.fishing]

Do jack hammer vs strike king thunder vs picasso

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks for the thought Kevin, we're considering doing some expansion vids to your comment is noted.

[@tonybass5662]

@@Wired2Fish I would second Kevins recommendation.

[@jackholt2471]

Yessss

[@MongoFishing]

I don't think the Jackhammer is Tungsten. I say this for several reasons. 1. The head dents pretty easy. Bounce it off of a seawall and you will see what I mean. 2. Evergreen sells the Jackhammer and a Tungsten Jackhammer. They had a few Tungsten ones at the 2019 Forrest Wood Cup. It looks the same but the size stamp on the chin is labeled different than the regular Jackhammers.

[@Wired2Fish]

You would be correct!

[@ksdesjardins7194]

Is the blade the same on the elite as the jackhammer? Which one cuts through grass the best?

[@treerat7631]

The mirco is great for ultra lights

[@FishingLakeCountry]

cRAPPIE. I have a video on catching crappie on a 1/8 oz. chatterbait. Fishing Lake Country

[@jimwarden9617]

Great vid. Good job w2f. You're right, didn't know that there are 8 Zman chatterbaits.

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks Jim Warden. Technically there are 11. We missed the "Mini" (not the micro) and the "Custom". There are also two swimbait style ChatterBaits as well. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ericlin4016]

There’s also the Chatterbait Pro, a Bass Pro exclusive

[@mojarritamartinez7798]

Hi...good vídeo👏👏 Thanks

[@HooKSetzWithRyan]

Great video

[@bhyat]

What brand of snap do they use on the jackhammer models?

[@timothyleger4385]

Awesome video !! I subscribed !!

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks much Timothy Leger!

[@TheClutt]

Can anyone give me a pointer on what to use to make my black jackhammer blades black again? The paint has worn off and is now shiny.

[@Ferraillesmetaux]

Excellent video. 👌🏼

[@kerstinr.1]

Great video! 👍🏼

[@trevorbraden5448]

Man I love chatterbaits

[@Wired2Fish]

Gotta love em!! 😍

[@erichillsr9086]

Excellent information

[@Wired2Fish]

Glad you liked it Eric Hill Sr! Thanks-

[@DAndy4201]

what kind of line do u have on in the video??? and if its not the same as what u use what line do u use for chatterbaits

[@jdeanschlosser77]

I caught some decent ones on the micro, but it stretches out the clip. Seen a video of the jackhammer vs a generic bladed jig and it was a tie. Tells me there's no point in spending nearly 20 bucks on one when I can buy a couple cheaper ones that get the same results

[@judweaver3635]

I've heard that the Jackhammer is the only one that has that "hunting action" & that it starts vibrating right away as opposed to having to give the lure a jerk. I definitely often have to jerk the Zman Weedless to get it going & after a deflection, so an instant start up & erratic hunting action is why I bought my 1st Jackhammer. I think they're around $15 at Gander.

[@glenndaugherity6187]

You can get em for 12.50 if you look around. They make a difference

[@its_not_me999]

The jackhammer definitely looks and sounds great but priced too high for this weekend angler. Nice video though, thanks.

[@Milehighsnake98]

I'm a weekend angler. I have a box full of jackhammers. Why? Because they just work and work better than the originals. Think about it like this. Most anglers are "hoarders" in reality. We buy a ton of stuff we never use. How many crankbaits do you own, and how many have you caught fish on consistently? If you're like me, you have a whole box of squarebills, maybe 15-20 of them, but have only caught fish on 3 of them. At $5-10 each, you have probably $100-150 just sitting there not catching fish. A couple jackhammers on sale are $11-12 (best time to buy them) and will catch fish.

[@johnsemar107]

@Stoney Lonsome buy a b Hite delight and zako, throw it where you won't lose it, trust me.

[@MangujankWikwik]

Mantap bang.. coba sy nyari nya di belanja

[@fishinfool3795]

Why did Booyah stop making the Boogie Bait? I caught soooo many fish on those.