How To Tie A Chatterbait

Chatterbait fishing lures to have in your fishing tackle. Chatterbait fishing is one of the most popular choices used by many anglers. Of course, there are several baits to choose from but chatterbait are common for the obvious reasons. They are easy to use and flexible in different ways. You can fish it like a spineless rattle crank bait, like a jig or even fish it like a spinnerbait.

It’s important that you understand how to tie a chatterbait for you to have a successful catch. You need to know how it works and how to use it effectively as well. Learning the tricks can take time especially for beginners but you’ll get used to it in due course. This article will take you through the basics and give you tips that will help you make a better catch in your next outing.

What Is Chatterbait Used For

Chatterbaits are usually ideal for use for freshwater fishing because of their astounding action that allows retrieval in various ways. The versatility of the chatterbait is what makes it so great. In the event that you opt to retrieve with a spinnerbait but the fish come on slow, you might need to change your lure or else catch nothing. A chatterbait can be the vital tool in such scenarios to save your day.

Tying A Chatterbait

Chatterbait is a popular choice for fishing but many find it a challenge to tie it. A typical one incorporates a pitching jig, duo lock, split rings and blade. Putting this all together from scratch only takes about three minutes. Make sure to order from legit sites if you have to buy it online. Otherwise, if you have to do it yourself, then the number one rule is to avoid neon color pitching jigs as they may distract fish upon sighting it.

Start by separating the rings on the split rings. A pair of pliers can help you on this. Attach the ring to the pitching jig through the small eye on the jig. Then slide the bottom end of the blade onto the ring. The blade has a hole on it so basically, you just have to get the ring through the hole to attach them together. That’s it.

How Does A Chatterbait Work?

Casting and Retrieving:

Casting: Cast the chatterbait to your desired location, aiming for structures like weeds, logs, or drop-offs where fish might be hiding.

Retrieving:
Straight Retrieve: A steady, medium-speed retrieve will cause the chatterbait to vibrate and flash, attracting fish.

Pause and Jerk: Occasionally pause or jerk the lure during the retrieve to imitate a struggling baitfish.

Slow Roll: In colder water, slow down your retrieve, allowing the chatterbait to stay near the bottom.

What actually makes the chatterbait so effective is the blade. Aquatic animals have sonar ability – they can track movement in water with the use of vibrations or wave sounds in water. The blade creates a clicking or rattling sound that also creates vibrations in the water. The fish detects the vibrations and are lured to find the origin of the vibration. This leads them to the bait which they eventually take.

This trick is especially great in fishing in muddy waters and waters with plenty of weeds where it’s difficult for fish to see subtle offerings. The chatter bait’s streamlined shape, the refractive blade and single hook allow it to avoid getting caught or tangled in aquatic vegetation. This allows anglers to fish in densely vegetated waters where a crankbait might be difficult to fish. In crystal clear waters, you might opt to work with a more natural-looking lure.



On most occasions, all you have to do is cast the chatterbait and retrieve it back quick and steady. Most often, a few twitches and pauses can help in drawing the strikes. Considering that a chatterbait usually stays closer to the surface, pausing the lure can cause it to flicker down thus resembling a dying bait fish. To increase effectiveness, cast the lure close to cover as possible and ensure it’s not snagged. Retrieve it among lily pads, close to the edge of a weed bed or alongside boat docks.

Choosing The Best Chatterbait

Choosing the best chatterbait involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. Here’s a few ways to help you select the best chatterbait:

1. Blade Material and Shape

• Material: Most chatterbaits have metal blades. The material affects the vibration and durability.
• Shape: Different blade shapes produce different vibrations and actions in the water. Use various shapes to see which one works best for the type of fish you are targeting.

2. Weight

• Choose the weight based on the depth of the water and current. Heavier chatterbaits are suitable for deeper waters and stronger currents, while light ones are better for shallower waters.

3. Hook Quality

• Ensure the chatterbait has a sharp hook. Good quality hooks improve hook-up rates and prevent fish from  getting away.

4. Skirt Material and Color

• Material: Silicone skirts are common and provide good movement. Some chatterbaits have skirts made of living rubber, which has a different action.
• Color: Match the skirt color to the water clarity and the type of prey fish. Natural colors work well in clear water, while brighter colors can be effective in murky water.

5. Trailer Options

• Many anglers add trailers to their chatterbaits. Consider the use of the chatterbait with different trailers like soft plastic swimbaits, craws, or grubs.

6. Brand Reputation

• Go for better brands. Popular brands include Z-Man, Strike King, and Booyah.

7. Target Species

• Tailor your choice to the type of sih you’re targeting. Different fish respond to different chatterbait styles and colors.

8. Price

• Higher-priced chatterbaits often feature better materials and craftsmanship. However, there are budget-friendly options that perform well.

9. Reviews and Recommendations

• Read reviews and ask for recommendations from other anglers. Online forums, fishing groups, and local tackle shops can provide valuable insights.

10. Personal Preference and Experimentation

• Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role. Experiment with different chatterbaits to find what works best for you.

Bottom line

Chatterbaits are considered as one of the best chatterbaits for bass fishing. But, to get the most of it, you need to understand how to tie a chatterbait, how it works and how to pick the best. Always choose one that looks more natural to effectively attract the treasures of the sea.