2025 BUYER'S GUIDE SERIES: Chatterbaits, Bladed Jigs, and Best Chatterbait Trailers!

Let's Talk Chatterbait Fishing! The best baits, trailers, and equipment for Bladed Jig Fishing all in one place! Chatterbaits continue to be one of the hottest trends in bass fishing and there's no sign of slowing! From heavy cover to BFS, here are the baits and trailers you should be using!

New baits and trailers hit the market every year and the category continues to grow. The chatterbait, or bladed jig, comes in dozens of versions but there are only a few that stand out from the crowd. The JackHammer leads the pack but it's not alone, there are a few key baits you should consider adding to your line up this year. When it comes to trailers, you have a ton of options! We've narrowed it down, and can show you exactly when to throw each style.

Below you'll find links to the baits and gear in the order we discussed them. We've included our favorite sizes, weights, and colors for each and all the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of the items.

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

Buyer's Guide: Best Jigs And Jig Trailers– https://youtu.be/KVy_HzsNdv4

FULL SIZE CHATTERBAITS...

•ZMan EverGreen JackHammer (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Colors: Green Pumpkin Shad, Bruised Green Pumpkin

•ZMan Elite Evo Chatterbait (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

Colors: Bama Bream, Electric Shad, Glitter Bomb

•ZMan TUNGSTEN Elite Evo Chatterbait (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3YkW2Hd

Colors: Bama Bream, Electric Shad, Glitter Bomb

FINESSE CHATTERBAITS...

•Zman Baby Jack Chatterbait (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/4jvWTMx

Colors: Green Pumpkin Shad, Brett's Bluegill

•Zman Elite Evo Mini Max (3/8 – 1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3EahpTT

Colors: Bama Bream, Electric Shad, Glitter Bomb

•Zman Micro Max Chatterbait (1/4 oz): https://bit.ly/4odPVyC

Colors: Bluegill, Gizzard Shad, Spot Remover

FULL SIZE CHATTERBAIT TRAILERS...

Pintail– Hog Farmer Spunk Shad: http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Size: 4.5" –  5.5"

Colors: Electric Shad, Ghost Minnow, Sexy Shad

Profile– Zman ChatterShad: https://bit.ly/4jPaGOX

Size: 4.5"

Colors: Electric Shad, Bad Shad, The Deal

Profile– Big Bite Baits Kamikaze Swimon: https://bit.ly/2NkSdPV

Size: 4.25"

Colors: Smokey Gold, Hematoma, Green Pumpkin Chartreuse

Paddletail– Yamamoto Kickin Zako: https://bit.ly/3fPRQsF

Colors: Zako, Green pumpkin White Lam, Sexy Shad

Craw– Xzone 4" Muscle Back Craw: https://bit.ly/43DZXOQ

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Black Blue Flake

FINESSE CHATTERBAIT TRAILERS...

•Hog Farmer 4" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Colors: Electric Shad, Ghost Minnow, Green Shad

•Zman 3.5" Chattershad: https://bit.ly/4jPaGOX

Colors: Electric Shad, Bad Shad, The Deal

•Yamamoto 3" Zako: https://bit.ly/2fKmSRp

Colors: Pro Blue, Sexy Shad, Blue Craw

ALL AROUND CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GLX 7'3" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/3TPrt9W

Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Sufix 832 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

leader– Sufix Advance Green Mono (14 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

HIGH END CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer "Daemos": https://bit.ly/3wHoXpD

Model: 7'2" Medium+

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Line– Sufix 131 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (17 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUDGET CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel– Shimano SLX XT (HG): https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line– Seaguar Red Label (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Tricks To Catching Shallow Water Bass In Fall!

Jump in the boat with Matt for a fun day of shallow water bass fishing! Today's lake is full of grass, and full of fish. The weather has shifted, throwing Matt a curve ball, but it doesn't take long for him to figure out how to catch some fish.

Tough days are what helps us grow as anglers. Matt was expecting an easy day on the water, but when his first cast nearly cost him a rod, he should have known he was in for a surprise! Pay attention to the details today, because retrieve speed, color adjustments, and location, where all critical to Matt successfully catching fish in tough conditions.

Below you'll find links to all the baits Matt fished throughout the day. We've included the exact colors, trailers, and terminal tackle, along with the rod and reel combos he uses to fish them effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

CHATTERBAIT...

•ZMan JackHammer Chatterbait (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2popvj6

Color: Ghost Baby Gill

•Zman 4.5" ChatterShad: https://bit.ly/4jPaGOX

Color: Green Pumpkin

SOFT JERKBAIT...

•Megabass Sling Shad: https://bit.ly/41tgaaT

Colors: Light Green Pearl, Tinsel Brown

TOPWATER...

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Color: Spotlight Shad

•Jackall Kaera Frog: https://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Color: Glitter Gill

CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Xtreme 7'1" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2wlJQLu

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (17 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

SOFT JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'1" Medium Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon MG–LTX: https://bit.ly/40ltb6s

Line– Seaguar Tatsu Fluoro (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3Cje0Rw

TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 843C MBR: https://bit.ly/2SuZG15

Reel– Shimano Metanium DC 70 A: https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sufix Advance (14 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

FROG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/3vbtuDw

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Top 10 Chatterbait Trailers Of All Time!! ( Underwater Action Compared )

Come underwater to see how chatterbait trailers really move! Chatterbait trailers are not created equal! Some baits look great on store shelves and terrible in the water, while other baits have surprising actions, you'll only find by diving below the surface and watching them move. We look forward to hearing your favorites as well!

We started with underwater footage of 50+ trailers before narrowing it down to this "Top 10" list. Do you agree with the list? Was your favorite missing, or in the wrong spot? A lot of these judgement calls are up to the eye of the angler, and now that you know what we see, we'd love to hear your thoughts as well.

Below you'll find links to the chatterbaits, the trailers, as well as some of our favorite rod and reel combos for fishing these baits effectively. 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): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Color: Green Pumpkin Shad

Trailer– Hog Farmer Spunk Shad 4.5: http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: Sexy Shad

THE TRAILERS (IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE)...

•Zoom Split Tail Trailer: https://bit.ly/2nL3wAd

Colors: Glimmer Blue, Chartreuse Glitter

•ZMan 5" Big Ballerz: https://bit.ly/3F4Xd5I

Colors: Beer Run, Pearl, Red Bone

•Zoom Super Fluke: https://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Colors: Smokin Shad, Green Flash, Watermelon Seed

•Yamamoto Cowboy: https://bit.ly/2q7AI72

Colors: Blue Craw, Tilapia Magic

•Gratt Mixer: https://bit.ly/3NDIBLM

Colors: Craw, Green Pump/Blue Flake, Green N Purple

•Xzone 4" Muscle Back Craw: https://bit.ly/43DZXOQ

Colors: Black Blue, Summer Craw, Green Pump Black

•Hog Farmer 5" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Colors: Electric Shad, Green Shad, Sexy Shad

•Big Bite Baits 4.25" Kamikaze SwimOn: https://bit.ly/2NkSdPV

Colors: Flamethrower, Smoky Gold, Green Pump Orange Blue

•Yamamoto Kickin Zako: https://bit.ly/3fPRQsF

Colors: Sexy Shad, Blue Craw, Zako

•Hog Farmer Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Electric Shad, Sexy Shad

TOP 3 CHATTERBAITS...

•Jack Hammer Chatterbait (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Colors: Green Pump Shad, TW Green Pump Watermelon, Ghost Baby Gill

•ZMan Elite Evo Chatterbait (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

Colors: Electric Shad, Bama Bream, GlitterBomb

•ZMan Mini Max (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3tqztzi

Colors: Spot Remover, Black Blue, Bluegill

HIGH END CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer "Daemos": https://bit.ly/3wHoXpD

Model: 7'2" Medium+

Reel– Shimano Metanium DC 70 A: https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (17 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

MID PRICE CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 883C BJR: http://bit.ly/2QurcHi

Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate System Shock 20 lb: https://bit.ly/3oT1oq2

BUDGET CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel– Shimano SLX XT (HG): https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line– Seaguar Red Label (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Chatterbait Fishing Made Easy! (Beginner To Advanced Seminar)

These Chatterbaits tips will help you catch more bass! Bladed jigs don't just catch numbers, they catch giant fish too! By changing trailers you can get a chatterbait to mimic shad, panfish, crawfish, and a variety of other prey species. Chatterbaits are an enormous category, but today we're simplifying it in a way that any can understand.

The chatterbait is incredibly versatile once you learn to adapt your trailers and retrieves. We use 5 main baits, paired to a handful of trailers, 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): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Color: Green Pumpkin Shad

Trailer– Hog Farmer Spunk Shad 4.5: http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: Sexy Shad

5 TYPES OF CHATTERBAITS...

•Jack Hammer Chatterbait (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

•ZMan Elite Evo Chatterbait (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

•Zman Tungsten Evo Chatterbait (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3YkW2Hd

•ZMan Mini Max (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3tqztzi

•ZMan CrossEyez (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2ZrZnVd

Natural Jackhammer Colors...

•Clearwater Shad, Green Pumpkin Shad, TW Green Pumpkin Watermelon

Bold Jackhammer Colors...

•Bhite Delite, Fire Craw, Green Shad

Natural Evo Colors...

•Electric Shad, Spot Remover

Bold Evo Colors...

•Glitter Bomb, Hot Snakes, Lava Craw

PINTAIL TRAILERS...

•Hog Farmer Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Sizes: 4.5, 5.5

Natural Colors: Sexy Shad, Electric Shad, Hematoma

Bold Colors: Green Pumpkin Chartreuse, Blow Torch

•MissileBaits Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/3CA8BCG

Sizes: 4.5, 5.5

Colors: Lava Craw, Bruiser Flash, Super Bug

•Hog Farmer Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Sizes: 4" and 5"

Colors: Green Shad, Electric Shad, Ghost Minnow

CRAW AND BAITFISH PROFILE TRAILERS...

•Xzone 4" Muscle Back Craw: https://bit.ly/43DZXOQ

Colors: Black/Blue, Green Pumpkin Black, Summer Craw

•Gratt Mixer: https://bit.ly/3NDIBLM

Colors: Black Blue, Green Pumpkin Blue, Craw

•Yamamoto Swimming Zako: https://bit.ly/3fPRQsF

Colors: Zako, Sexy Shad, Pro Blue

•ZMan Big Ballerz: https://bit.ly/3F4Xd5I

Colors: Beer Run, Pearl

MINI MAX TRAILERS...

•Hog Farmer 4" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Electric Shad, Albino

•Big Bite Baits 3.75" Swimon: https://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

MAIN CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 883C BJR: http://bit.ly/2QurcHi

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate System Shock 20 lb: https://bit.ly/3oT1oq2

GLX CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GLX 7'3" Med Hvy BJR: https://bit.ly/3TPrt9W

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (17 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

MEGABASS CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer "Daemos": https://bit.ly/3wHoXpD

Model: 7'2" Medium+

Reel– Shimano Metanium DC 70 A: https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (17 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUDGET CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel– Shimano SLX XT (HG): https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line– Seaguar Red Label (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz