Chatterbait Fishing Made Easy! ( Spring Bass Fishing Tricks )

If you want to catch more bass, you need these chatterbait tips! Bladed jigs catch a ton of fish, and giant fish too! By changing trailers you can get a chatterbait to mimic shad, panfish, crawfish, and a variety of other prey species. Chatterbaits can be a deep rabbit hole but today our goal is to simplify. Let's take a look at the best baits, trailers, and gear to help you catch more fish!
The chatterbait is incredibly versatile once you learn to adapt your trailers and retrieves. We use 4 main trailers paired to 4 different chatterbaits to meet every situation we face. The chatterbait can remain a simple option in your arsenal, or you can start adapting retrieves from a high speed burn, to a popping retrieve, to a bottom hopping presentation, to take it to a whole different level! It's up to you, but either way you need to commit to the chatterbait this Spring.
Below you'll find links to the exact baits, trailers, and gear discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes, colors, and styles for every option. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
IF YOU COULD ONLY HAVE ONE...
Bait- Jack Hammer Chatterbait (1/2 oz): bit.ly/2popvj6
Color: Green Pumpkin Shad
Trailer- Hog Farmer Spunk Shad 4.5: bit.ly/2UFkCD7
Color: Sexy Shad
5 TYPES OF CHATTERBAITS...
•Jack Hammer Chatterbait (1/2 oz): bit.ly/2popvj6
•ZMan Elite Evo Chatterbait (1/2 oz): bit.ly/3OAGB8y
•ZMan Mini Max (3/8 oz): bit.ly/3tqztzi
•ZMan CrossEyez (1/2 oz): bit.ly/2ZrZnVd
•ZMan Jack Hammer Stealth Blade (1/2 oz): bit.ly/30J8L8h
CHATTERBAIT TRAILERS...
•Hog Farmer Spunk Shad: bit.ly/2UFkCD7
Sizes: 4.5, 5.5
Colors: Sexy Shad, Electric Shad, Hematoma
•MissileBaits Spunk Shad: bit.ly/3CA8BCG
Sizes: 4.5, 5.5
Colors: Lava Craw, Bruiser Flash, Super Bug
•Yamamoto Swimming Zako: bit.ly/3fPRQsF
Colors: Zako, Sexy Shad, Pro Blue
•Big Bite Baits 4.25" Kamikaze Swimon: bit.ly/2NkSdPV
Colors: Hematoma, Green Pumpkin Chartreuse
•Netbait 4" Paca Slim: bit.ly/3QhEpRe
Colors: Black Shadow Flare, Sungill Flare
MINI MAX TRAILERS...
•Yamamoto 3" Zako: bit.ly/2fKmSRp
Colors: Sexy Shad, Blue Craw, Natural Shad
•Big Bite Baits 3.75" Swimon: bit.ly/2NkSdPV
Colors: Smoky Gold, Green Pumpkin Orange Blue
UNIQUE SITUATION COLOR PAIRINGS...
Chatterbait- BHite Delight
Spunk Shad- Hog Farmer Green Pumpkin Chartreuse
Chatterbait- Bruised Green Pumpkin
Spunk Shad- MissileBaits Super Bug
Chatterbait- Fire Craw
Spunk Shad- MissileBaits Lava Craw
CHATTEBAIT STORAGE...
Hard Boxes- Plano Edge 3700 Standard: bit.ly/2t3uHMR
Trailer Cases- Buzbe Quik Qube (Large Deep): bit.ly/3TnKHl7
Bags- Spro Mesh Pouch (Large): bit.ly/3gZvpDN
FAVORITE CHATTERBAIT COMBO...
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 883C BJR: bit.ly/2QurcHi
Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): bit.ly/2ezIBfB
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- Sunline Saltimate System Shock 20 lb: bit.ly/3oT1oq2
HEAVY COVER CHATTERBAIT COMBO...
Rod- Megabass Levante Braillist: bit.ly/2FdE3YY
Model: 7'5" Medium Heavy
Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): bit.ly/2apmDJt
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro Braid (40 lb): bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- Seaguar Blue Label (20 lb): bit.ly/48EP2Hz
SMALL CHATTERBAIT COMBO...
Rod- Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium Heavy: bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 (HG): bit.ly/2fdX1Uy
Line- Sufix 832 Sunrise (40 lb): bit.ly/3vbtuDw
Leader- Sufix Advance Mono (17 lb): bit.ly/3GJEUix
TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)
We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here...
TacticalBassin Lure Designs: bit.ly/38YpPIz
_________________________________________________________________
FAVORITE TOOLS AND GEAR…
Favorite sunglasses: bit.ly/3cLH0kl
Favorite Pliers: bit.ly/3xJFwTu
Favorite Rod Cover: bit.ly/3UewJEx
Favorite life jacket: bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite Scale: bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Favorite Lure Retriever: bit.ly/2TLTJc6
Favorite Braid Cutters: bit.ly/35KSp3O
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite Storage Box: bit.ly/3U9y4cl
Favorite Net: bit.ly/3kdZ3kA
________________________________________________________________
If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!
#chatterbait #fishing #bassfishing

[@fishingwithtravis]

Never fails! Every time I watch Tacticalbassin, it gets me fired up to go fishing.. you can hear the passion and excitement in y’all’s voice (especially Matt). Been following you guys for years, and I still get excited to watch your videos.

[@dangerously72]

Same.....and then i go fishing and catch nothing but windburn....lmao. Of course, it helps when you fish lakes that actually have some Bass in them. Unfortunately, i'm in WV and our lakes are P A T H E T I C

[@bobrhine9057]

I've been watching you guys for about 5 or 6 years. With each and every video I am overwhelmed with your knowledge and with the knowledge you extend to me. You are totally relatable without being patronizing . You relate to the upscale professional fisherman and to a retired budget fishermen like myself. You are the best of the best. Thanks so much

[@Flyfishinfrenzy]

Amazing video! Very informative on every aspect of fishing chatter baits. Thank you for taking the time to record this detailed video. It helps tremendously.

[@christianmullins435]

I was literally one your website last night reading you chatterbait guide from last year because I'm shopping for a new rod, and bam I go on my lunch break and here you are with the 2024 guide😂, the universe works in mysterious ways🤣🤣

[@davidhidalgo5662]

You had me at chatterbait!!! I cannot wait to see more under water footage of trailers. I watch that first video of the trailers every few months a few times. You guys are the best. Thank you for all you do.

[@chundle09]

Nice to have unbiased tips man. You have no clue how much that means to us fans. Thanks for sharing always!

[@wilmerpruitt6324]

Thanks Tactical Bassin", you guys have NO EQUAL on the web for detailed tips and instructional information. Great one!

[@McFish_Snatcher]

Florida man here. Chatterbait is a must have for sure. I spoke with some r&d guys from zman that live locally to me. The coating on the Evo blades not only holds the glitter but its also chip resistant so it makes the base paint layer on longer. World of difference with those black gold red and orange blades.

[@regenbassford]

Thanks, dude I didn't know that.Appreciate it man

[@ryancoulson2732]

Best part of all this is the “start up speed” you mention. I’ve used knock offs and you’re exactly right, have to shake it or snap it to get it going. ZMan chargers are the best.

[@Arientis]

The jackhammer has been my pride and joy the past few years. It helped me win a club tourney 2 weeks ago by throwing that and a white mini max when the jackhammer bite started to go away. Most of my buddies refuse to throw the stealth and mini max, which is good for me, I’ll keep taking their money 😜

[@BassHole_JBNT]

Stealth blade is a secret weapon 🤫 🔥

[@ratbird3290]

The mini Max is incredible! I think your buddies need an IQ test. Lol.

[@oldeschoolbob1022]

Thank you, Matt, and welcome to Florida. What passes for winter weather down here has held on pretty tenaciously this year, but hopefully things have finally leveled out and you can enjoy a great angling adventure here in the Sunshine State. And wow, just looked at your subscriber numbers: looks like the countdown to 600,000 is well underway. Seems like only yesterday we were celebrating the half-million mark. Congratulations! Good luck to those who are heading out to have a go at the bass today, and I hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday!

[@smokeytheangler8387]

Chatter baits are the chick you bring back to mom. ❤

[@Arientis]

I almost like to think of them like a drug 🤤 can’t get enough of when Shamu hammers that bait

[@cliffhemstock6963]

After watching this tutorial, I threw a Z man jackhammer chatter bait for the first time today. I caught Four 4’s Three 5’s and a 6. 23 fish total today fishing all alone in the rain and driving wind. It was absolutely miserable. Best day ever! Thank you so much for the video Matt! I am a true believer in your channel. Can’t wait to start throwing swim baits

[@jayteefishing1543]

Got off work, watched this video and decided to go fish. Caught 11 in 2 hours on a 3/8 oz black and blue original chatterbait with a zako on the back. That bait combo just works here in Tennessee.

[@BorneoFishStation]

The new Metanium DC 2024 looks cool

[@robfunke909]

Matt I need a pressured water video & the different ways to approach it , living in the heart of NJ it’s non stop I’d be surprised if the lakes I fish were the most pressured in the country!

[@collinvannotric1255]

I’m pretty sure tackle warehouse has profited millions of dollars just from TacticalBassins videos alone. Thanks guys for fueling and encouraging my addiction to tackle haha, your videos have taught me more than any other source. Watching the new TacticalBassin video is the peak of my day if I’m not fishing lol

[@DavidBronstein1961]

Mini max has been fire for me on local ponds. And I learned about it from you guys!

[@donnieblackketter7897]

Thank you so much it’s time to buy a whole lot of chatterbaits I really appreciate the knowledge that you guys give us.

[@efishnseetv2082]

Love the detail and enthusiasm guys! I was wondering … fire craw orange blade vs black and why? Also hog farmer blow torch vs missle lava craw? Appreciate the expertise!

[@frankcouste4785]

We are in a beautiful time of the year. thank y’all for all the advice brothers. God bless.

[@douglasspickler4925]

Great video, as always. Thanks for sharing the baits and rods/reels. That really helps an angler when purchasing.

[@MattWood-kz7ek]

Another amazing rod for the Jackhammer, is the St. Croix Legend Xtreme 7’ MH Fast. The control, sensitivity, and action on that rod is perfect for chatterbaits.

[@RobertMiller-se9cm]

Thank you one of the most informative videos out there. Keep up the great work

[@Mjones8383]

Stroking a chatterbait just like a jig will get you right with a big bag buring the late spring also. The Raid Japan chatterbait works the best for this around wood and mostly rip rap, it has weed guard wires to keep from getting hung as much. Premium hardware and blade to head connect

[@tonyb-50]

This is the best channel for chatter baits. It’s my go to bait, and I still watch every one of TB videos on em

[@makcatchem9614]

Well by God, it's about time you guys mentioned the cross eyez in one of these bladed jigs videos. I've been fishing that model since it debuted. And it is my primary chatterBait that I throw. And I'm quite glad you guys haven't mentioned it till now because I never worry about them not being in stock

[@Dmnazdaq]

Great timing- one of my goals this year is to catch more bass on chatterbaits! Thanks for the links.

[@merleshuff8640]

Great detailed video,we all appreciate your time that you take to put that out there for all of us. Just wanted to give a big thanks to you, god bless and be safe out there.

[@619SoCaL]

Thanks For Ur Daily Grinding 🎣💪🏼

[@fishgillst.v.7884]

I never really used them not really confident but past few years been watching you guys I've improved 💯 everything especially locating them but I figured I'd try the chatterbait this year wow fun fun fun thanks guys for the tips and tricks

[@chadsmith5146]

Holy moly what a good video that 1 1. 2 straight up looked like a catfish in the net 🥅 that dude was huge

[@jaredb9909]

Thorough and detailed as always

[@nicholashernandez3518]

I watched this and placed an order for some spunk shads and chatter baits. Went out yesterday and caught my first 5 pounder. Thanks fellas!

[@terranceleonard960]

Thanks for the tips on chatter baits

[@theoriginaltech019]

I've been doing very well on the chatterbait so far!!

[@shawntitsworth4878]

Another good rod for bladed jigs is the poison Adrena 6’11” Medium + Great rod and it’s very versatile

[@tjrou2005]

Agree on the spunk shad and haven't really looked back since. Another I found is the Beast coast blade runner. It has so much action, like the spunk shad, but they are super tough.

[@1Cast1Fish]

It's fun to get creative with the trailers

[@jaredb9909]

I really like an old school single tail grub on a chatter bait it doesn’t interfere with the hunting action and on heavily pressured fish I feel like it offers a slightly different profile than what most guys are using

[@FishingThePNW]

I've been making my own custom chatterbaits for years but as soon as the queens tackle switchblade came out, I haven't bought another type of blade. I absolutely hated using split rings to the standard blades but due to this design, I can just use a jighead with a vertical line tie and it just works. The blade starts spinning immediately

[@kensimpson8581]

Love your videos, been watching almost everyone for about 3 years. Thank you for not making us pay a membership like alot of guys nowadays. I have a question, do you ever use the 4.5 spunk shad on the mini max?

[@TX_TOAST]

Just had my first chatter bait catch and is also my PB , so much fun 😎

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

👏👏👏thank you Matt,awesome job ❤

[@toddpossum]

Thanks!

[@kschmo3981]

Great info

[@tjdean00]

Went out this morning with the Evo and hog farmer trailer exact colors as you said in the video and was catching bass every cast I made.. had about 4 between 18-22 inches and several other smaller ones.. I don't think I'll ever go out without a chatterbait in the boat

[@CrackingBass]

Love the crosseyez bank fishing, the TW exclusive custom is my favorite overall because of the value. Wish they had a stealth version of a non Jack hammer. Picked up a couple mini max, excited to try them this year.

[@TomStarcevich-fb3qo]

I caught a lot of big northern pike in Canada 🇨🇦 on chatter baits they work great 👍

[@chadmichael2640]

LOVE your Chatterbait videos! Esp because it’s my top technique for covering water and versatility. You mentioned experimenting new trailers. With all the straight tails coming around - would like to get your feedback on Zman’s Chatterspike? Is it a more durable Spunk Shad? Or just a less effective poser? Can’t wait to hear more from @tacticalbassin!!

[@user-rm3yz2eu5e]

Heck yeah first one here! Love to absorb all this knowledge!

[@austinidol95050]

after every video fishing lesson , my credit card gets used buying the exact lures and colors , appreciate your work and knowledge professor matt

[@delcampo077]

I love CHATTERBAIT

[@kesterharding1819]

Lets go TB family!!!

[@jeremyaslinger1808]

I noticed that Hog Farmer makes a 3.5 inch spunk shad, i was not aware of that. Have you guys tried that on the mini max? Seems like that could be a great pairing. Thanks for all the awesome bass fishing videos!!

[@fresnocascabel7571]

The black and blue mini max with a swimon trailer has become the go to bait between my buddy and I. We've caught so many quality fish with that lure, it's become a joke that whoever throws it first in the day is said to be "cheating."

[@user-pd3sv3ly4u]

I really like the Evo

[@c.shoefish]

Great video. I definitely need to restock, this video was perfect timing. Man I can't wait to get down there, I'm waiting for my house offer to be accepted. We found a house in Soddy-Daisy, it's only 10-15 minutes from Chickamauga. Maybe I'll see y'all around! Great video Matt.

[@pure_michigan_angler303]

Strike king tour grade rage blade is by far my fav and best producer

[@ReactionGiants]

We need a GrassHammmer version haha but the crosseyez is my favorite

[@claybaitsoutdoorchannel00]

Been slaying them on a chatterbait around isolated stumps

[@CanoeAngler]

Bought some trailers on your link.

[@bradyrohr8423]

Love the video and the tips are awesome; just wish you’d look into the best most affordable combos that could also go along with the baits

[@randallrandolph4977]

On the mini max I love the ZMan hula stick

[@kingsfan8888]

Would love to see you guys review the NRX+ BJR rod!!!!!

[@zelerim362]

I’ve never clicked on a video so fast. 👊🔥

[@Xvinity23]

This is what I was lookin for I just bought a jack hammer yesterday

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

Just 1? Better go buy a couple more, they like to get snagged 😅

[@GregoryPotts-wz7mu]

Matt - another awesome video from Tactical Bassin -- I see you constantly wrap your set up (rod/reel) line around one or two of your rod guides as you demo a tied-on set up, then go to set it back down on your boat deck -- I am assuming its all about keeping the line tight and not getting crazy while driving down the water -- can you go into some details about this, and other "boat management" tips for those of us that are new ( and maybe some of us who aren't new) to being on the water with multiple rod/reels, with full bait set ups? All tips are appreciated!

[@vincentgelles3805]

I fish a lot of ponds and obviously bluegill is the primary forage source. Because of that, I mostly throw the mini max but I’ve been having an issue with the snaps opening up on me. Is there a beefier snap I can use or am I using too heavy of a rod? I do use the same rod that I use for the jackhammer with the mini max which was a 7’2 mh glass Expride but I recently switched to the Loomis IMX pro chatterbait rod. I have tried changing to a heavier Decoy snap but they are difficult to change and I always feel like I compromise the snap getting it on there. Any suggestions would be helpful because I don’t want to lose a pb because of the snap.

[@zach8973]

Good god I’ve had a fun few days with bass Geting on beds here in fl and throw a big blade (gill) over top . I think the big blade might be my favorite and wish I tryed sooner .

[@chevydad83]

Making the same face when that 11 pounder came out of the net. 😮

[@mrstackracks1189]

Yes the spunk shad on the chatter bait works even from the bank

[@5.7.0bassin2]

My fav color is that b-hite delight and now the hot snakes in the evo but I haven’t thrown it yet still cold here in pa but I’m not a fan of the gold blade wish they left it black or green pumpkin but we’ll see if it pays off

[@gmoneyoutdoors1437]

Love your videos. Been watching for years! Have you ever tested the berkley chigger bug? I pair this on a jackhammer and do really well in Wisconsin on bluegill lakes. Definitely also fish the hog farmer spunk shad as well.

[@motowncooking6125]

Perfect timing as I just bought a green pumpkin shad Jack hammer. You feel your recommendation of green pumpkin shad will work all around the country ? I was gonna go straight green pumpkin then I remember you same in the past about the shad color

[@steveshepherd1046]

Have you ever used the Strike King rage blade? I've caught some big bass on that bait in southern Illinois. You boys do a great job of explaining everything. Thank you very much.

[@alvarotarancon4497]

Congratulations Matt on your videos. Besides using it for fishing with bladed jigs, what else can I use the BJR883 for? Half ounce spinnerbaits? Swim jigs? Thank you and greetings from Spain

[@nicholaszimmerman3355]

What line would you recommend for the zodias 6'10 / Curado 70 hg combo? Thanks for the video you got me encouraged to get out there today!

[@andreaseichmann-qu5zx]

I do Love how you only recommend Z-Mann, keeps my baits hotter than a Jackhammer which account fur less than 25% of my chatterwagon fish yearly. Love the content Gents, even though I chatter a lil different

[@jamesamaro]

I wish i could go fishin with u guys

[@trentfindley7212]

try a keitech shad impact on the back of a mini max

[@jimmcculloch5825]

I agree that yours is the most informative, and fun, fishing channel on KZbin. The shape of the Big Bite Swimon would indicate that it should be rigged with the flappers vertical. Is this correct?

[@aaronitchkawich3565]

Have you tried the 3.5” spunk shad on the mini max? I bought some for mid strolling but plan on trying it on the mini too.

[@A1K3NFISHING]

Levante Braillest, that literally made my head 🤯. Thats the second time you’ve done that with a form of Braillest. I’ve almost always used the expride 7’2 glass. Recently started noticing something was missing when fishing heavier grass with the glass rod. Might’ve just found the solution.

[@backwoodzbassin44]

@matt do you run that paddle tail zako like you hook up the old kietechs upside down ? Or do they actually run good on the bladed jiggy??

[@juicebox8560]

That green pumpkin/chartruse jackhammer caught me my PB. Put a Green Pumpkin Yamamoto Zako on the back as the trailer. The chatterbait looks like a bluegill/sunfish swimming when it moves in the water. Mainly bc bluegill are darker towards the top of their body and lighter towards the bottom. Will always be in the lineup til the day I die.

[@juicebox8560]

I believe the color way is called Bhite Delight. Only reason I came across this chatterbait is bc of Matt. So thank you 👍🏼

[@debtheuniversityofgods2842]

I knew Matt was gonna say it was a Jack hammer.

[@georgebramblett6078]

Was wondering if you've tried the Rapala freeloader and what you think

[@ronjelvik2450]

@Matt, since you're talking about Chatterbaits. What do you think of Berkleys Slobber Knocker chatterbait?

[@battoch8574]

gotta bring back that pause man hey guys matt allen here....... WELCOME BACKTOYAFEEEME

[@TheMOJOdaJOJO]

Jackhammer caught my first fish of the year the last 2 years

[@DaveMarshallJrCOMEDY]

Bretts Blue Gill colored Jackhammer with a Green Pumpkin Delight colored MISSILE Baits Spunkshad and Clearwater Shad colored jackhammer with Blue Gizzard colored Hogfarmer Spunkshad are straight 🔥🔥🔥

[@mattw5277]

Hey Matt, ever try " the Fogy " Chatterbait? Love them.

[@leonxie843]

Sir! I know Jackhammer is always the top choice. But recently I got a Berkley Slobberknocker. By just one day try out it works not bad. I want to also hear from professional for sure as well. What do you think of it?

[@rosscampbell4884]

Of all the bladed jigs in my box the jackhammer is the only one that has never caught a fish. Do most of my catching with the original or a cross-eye

[@AaronCrispbassin]

How you feel about the evergreen combat stick the jackhammer rod?

[@kens.8124]

I almost pulled the trigger on the gloomis bjr but was convinced the poison adrena 172MH glass was a better stick for the job. Any opinions on that poison adrena?

[@raytubach8988]

Hi Matt 👋🏻. How important is that 883 to fishing grass? I’m using a Levante EMTF as my main rod - a mistake?..

[@dannybailey5477]

What box do you recommend for chatterbait storage

[@LuckyLucky-bm1pg]

are you guys going to try the crush city mayor & free loader as chatter bait trailers??