Wondering How To Fish A Chatterbait? All Tips Here!

Being an avid angler, I find chatterbaits to be highly effective fishing lures. One of the things that I like about chatterbaits is their versatility; you can use them in almost every season or situation. Therefore, it is important for beginners to learn how to fish with a chatterbait. Besides, you also need to know the best cases for using chatterbaits and how to maximize catches using this lure. I have used many fishing lures in the course of my fishing expeditions.

However, there are very few fishing lures that have as big an impact as chatterbaits do. I still remember the experience I had when I used my first chatterbait. My first catch using my chatterbait was a 5-pounder that got me much praise from my friends and fellow anglers. In this article, I will explain how to fish a chatterbait for beginners.

Essential Chatterbait Gear Guide

One of my favorite chatterbaits is the Z-Man Fishing Chatterbait Elite with a Quantum Smoke 7 foot Rod and Quantum Speed Freak casting reel. The chatterbait also features a 10 lb. Gamma test copolymer line and a Palomar knot.

Best Chatterbait Color

Choosing suitable chatterbait color is important. Chatterbaits come in a wide range of colors for different applications. Before I tell you how to fish using a chatterbait, I would first look at suitable chatterbait colors. Chatterbaits come in four main colors or color combinations including black and blue, shad, bluegill, and chartreuse.

Chartreuse and shad are appropriate for fishing in waters with lots of white fish or white matter. On the other hand, bluegill is most suitable for winter. Lastly, blue and black chatterbaits are appropriate for use in dirty or murky waters.

Chatterbait Fishing Tips For Different Seasons

1. Winter Chatterbait Fishing

Chatterbait fishing during winter is not easy because the fish have migrated from the shallow ends to the beds. Many anglers put their fishing gear away during winter, but you can still catch fish during winter if you can brave the cold weather.

One of the most valuable tips for winter chatterbait fishing is to look for schools of baitfish. You are likely to find fish once you locate the bait. The lake that I often fish in during winter has a depth of around 12 feet. I frequently find baitfish and fish in the 6 to 9 feet range. However, the bait has to be right in front of the fish to initiate a strike.

You may be able to rig a white and silver chatterbait with swim bait that has matching colors. The color of the swimbait should match that of the bait. The main aim of the swimbait is to give the bait a larger profile to entice the fish to bite. A three to four inch swimbait works fine for me during winter.

What I usually do is that I lift the rod tip as I bring the bait back to the boat. Also, I allow the bait to rise and fall at the bottom. The trick is to keep the bait vertical for as long as possible to entice a strike. I have caught so many fish during winter using chatterbait. It has become one of my favorite winter pastimes.

2. Spring Chatterbait Fishing

Chatterbaits in water often shine during spring as the water begins to thaw and snow begins to melt. Although I find chatterbaits effective in all seasons, spring seems to trigger impressive strikes that will leave you bustling with excitement. I like to use my bait in the sections of water bodies where the shallow ends suddenly drop into deeper waters.

As the waters begin to warm up, these places often contain much fish. Besides, sections with rock and wood are often warmer and attract more fish. Another ideal fishing location during spring is where rivers or streams flow into larger water bodies. Spring is often the start of the spawning season for many fish. The shallow ends are often the best fishing areas during spawning.

I like to fish my chatterbait in a slow roll while letting it move over the bottom. In addition, I usually give the chatterbait a few jerks and let it fall to the lower part before I bring it back to the boat. I repeat the retrieve several times while paying close attention to the vibration originating from the bait. If the vibrations become weak then that is probably an indicator of weeds stuck on the bait. A quick pop of the bait will free the vegetation.

Pay close attention to the movement of the fish to the shallow waters. I have hooked some of my best catches right on the shoreline. If you see the sunfish on the seashore, chances are bass near.

3. Summer Chatterbait Fishing

I consider summer as the best time to use the power fishing technique with my chatterbait. In summer, I usually cover as much water as possible while fishing. The best time to fish during summer is at night when the bait gives off a high and intense vibration. You are likely to get the trophy fish you want if you fish at night.

4. Fall Chatterbait Fishing

The summer fishing patterns will begin to change during fall. The change will affect the fish making fall fishing a bit more complicated. During fall, I often find myself throwing crankbaits, jigs, and swimbaits trying to hook a prized catch. However, I usually use the spring chatterbait fishing tips during fall. Autumn is the best time to use bladed baits. Jigging the bait on suspended fish will work well. Use a slow steady presentation in case the vertical suspension does not work.

My preference for chatterbait runs deep and has worked for me on many occasions. Chatterbait has enabled me to catch fish when other baits failed. This is truly one of the most effective baits on the market.

In general, I hope my chatterbait fishing tips will help beginners have successful fishing expeditions. In addition, I understand that there are many other chatterbait fishing tips for beginners. We would like you to share your experience of chatterbait fishing in the comments section below.