Chatterbait trailers, better luck with craw styles or bigger profile? 2024
Dwbassin reply :
Just got into chatterbaits, trying to figure out which trailer would be best. I love keitechs, but the price and durability kinda aggravated me. I have not used craws yet but have bought several to use for chatterbaits this spring. Using some Christie critters, chigger craws as well. I love miyagi swimmers by beast coast. Durable as all get out but they seem to be very far past the hook and I worry that they will be short struck often. Bulky profile and small, just wondering what worked best for you guys specifically
fishballer06 reply :
I've found that when they're on a good chatterbait bite, the trailer usually doesn't matter too much. Craws, double tail fat alberts, or any swimbait around 3.5-4" is usually a good bet.
evilcatfish reply :
I really like a plain old Zoom Super Fluke as a chatterbait trailer, easy to find and comes in tons of colors. The Zako is nice too, but a little more expensive
Dwbassin reply :
It’s fun as hell when they are, I just have so many craws that I gotta put them to use. Always read that to much action on the trailer takes away from the action of the cb itself which made me apprehensive
On 3/6/2019 at 5:35 AM, evilcatfish said:I really like a plain old Zoom Super Fluke as a chatterbait trailer, easy to find and comes in tons of colors. The Zako is nice too, but a little more expensive
The zako is what the general consensus seems to be and they are insanely expensive compared to the fluke which has multiple more per pack. Put the bulk of my flukes to use
A-Jay reply :
While every once in a while I throw in a wild card bait for fun, my vibrating jig trailers have been narrowed down to three.
SK Rage Bug.
Yamamoto 4" Zako Swimbait
5 inch Yamamoto Swim Senko
If they're not eating one of these, it's not the trailers fault.
A-Jay
Dwbassin reply :
On 3/6/2019 at 5:46 AM, A-Jay said:While every once in a while I throw in a wild card bait for fun, however my vibrating jig trailers have been narrowed down to three.
SK Rage Bug.
Yamamoto 4" Zako Swimbait
5 inch Yamamoto Swim Senko
If they're not eating one of these, it's not the trailers fault.
A-Jay
Quick question, do you rig your rage bug like a Texas rig or out the side?
Glaucus reply :
Split tails
Catt reply :
Lake Fork Tackle Live Magic Shad ????
A-Jay reply :
On 3/6/2019 at 6:39 AM, Dwbassin said:Quick question, do you rig your rage bug like a Texas rig or out the side?
Like this ~
A-Jay
Team9nine reply :
Zoom Horny toad 
Shhh...
Bankbeater reply :
I like to use a fluke or a super chunk when the water is cool, and a fat albert when the water warms up.
Mike L reply :
Zako
Rage Bug
Single tail grub
Mike
BassinCNY reply :
Grass pig junior mostly.
CroakHunter reply :
On 3/6/2019 at 6:55 AM, Team9nine said:Zoom Horny toad
Never use a horny toad on a football jig either. Doesn't work
MIbassyaker reply :
Strike King Blade Minnow. Similar to the Yamamoto Zako, but more affordable.
Catt reply :
On 3/6/2019 at 6:55 AM, Team9nine said:Zoom Horny toad
I've used a Stanley Ribbit as a jig trailer many times ????
Berchris reply :
Zoom Paddletail Fluke Jr. Pretty much all I use on chatterbaits. It’s my number one big bass bait year round.
Russ E reply :
Z man razor shadz.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Pit boss, Rage Menace, 3.5-5" paddletail are my main ones.
Dens228 reply :
I use 2.5 inch paddletails 90% of the time, the other times I use a Menace Grub.
roadwarrior reply :
Rage Tail Structure Bug
5by3 reply :
Yamamoto zako 95% of the time
Rage bug or craw the other 5%
I really don’t think the exact type of trailer matters all that much. They all work.
fishballer06 reply :
On 3/6/2019 at 8:47 PM, Dens228 said:I use 2.5 inch paddletails 90% of the time
Are you trimming your skirts down with that small of a bait?
Allaroundfishing reply :
On 3/6/2019 at 5:30 AM, Dwbassin said:Just got into chatterbaits, trying to figure out which trailer would be best. I love keitechs, but the price and durability kinda aggravated me. I have not used craws yet but have bought several to use for chatterbaits this spring. Using some Christie critters, chigger craws as well. I love miyagi swimmers by beast coast. Durable as all get out but they seem to be very far past the hook and I worry that they will be short struck often. Bulky profile and small, just wondering what worked best for you guys specifically
I use the Googan baits Krackin craw rigged sideways, grn pumpkin of black and blue with a little dye on the end, it looks insanely close to a small bluegill. most any craw will work but the Krackin craw doesnt over work the bait its a side to side kinda shimmy that works really well.
Dens228 reply :
On 3/6/2019 at 9:36 PM, fishballer06 said:Are you trimming your skirts down with that small of a bait?
No, And I just checked, they are 2.75 inches. I just add them to give a bit more action. Plus I think a little action towards the hook can only help. I only use 3/8 oz chatterbaits.
Koz reply :
Berkley Havoc Pit Boss. In my waters I've caught a lot of 4 and 5 pounders with this combination.
FryDog62 reply :
On 3/6/2019 at 6:55 AM, Team9nine said:Zoom Horny toad
Breaking Bream Project Z Chatterbait - with Zoom Horny Toad in Watermelon Craw... (double shhh)
Dwbassin reply :
On 3/6/2019 at 10:07 PM, Allaroundfishing said:I use the Googan baits Krackin craw rigged sideways, grn pumpkin of black and blue with a little dye on the end, it looks insanely close to a small bluegill. most any craw will work but the Krackin craw doesnt over work the bait its a side to side kinda shimmy that works really well.
Been wanting to try there baits, I have so many bags of Pitt bosses and rage craws I need to actually use them. I just found the 4 pack of the glo markers scented garlic too it’s almost like being a kid coloring all your soft plastics lol
On 3/7/2019 at 12:13 AM, Koz said:Berkley Havoc Pit Boss. In my waters I've caught a lot of 4 and 5 pounders with this combination.
Best all around soft plastic for me, blue perfection or whatever name the blue and orange caught me my first 5 plus.
Missouri Rigging reply :
I'm a huge z-man fan. With saying that I been watching Brain Latimer on YouTube and one technique he used was to put a creature bite on sideways, it makes it look like a bigger baitfish then your normal kietech.
Dwbassin reply :
On 3/7/2019 at 6:28 AM, Missouri Rigging said:I'm a huge z-man fan. With saying that I been watching Brain Latimer on YouTube and one technique he used was to put a creature bite on sideways, it makes it look like a bigger baitfish then your normal kietech.
He has the best personality on your besides glam imo, and I rigged a Christie craw sideways and the is a bit skinny. Rage bug and the likes looks to be money rigged sideways
TOXIC reply :
Zako.
Beachpig reply :
I really like the Zako but I also use Keitech. Got this one last week up here outside Chicago area on a chatterbait with Keitech trailer.
Trappernewt reply :
On 3/6/2019 at 6:45 AM, Catt said:Lake Fork Tackle Live Magic Shad ????
X2!
Amazing trailer for Chatterbaits and spinnerbaits.
Kyhokie reply :
On 3/6/2019 at 6:45 AM, Catt said:Lake Fork Tackle Live Magic Shad ????
Shhhhhhhh!!!????
kylek reply :
I talked to a Strike King pro fisherman this weekend and he mentioned that the Game Hawg was one of his top trailers. I am going to give them a try this year.
Choporoz reply :
Since @roadwarrior first suggested that I put a Rage Bug on, several years ago, i have not had a reason to change. Tried a few paddle tails/swimmers, but always went back to Rage Bug. 90% of the time it is white....GP the remaining 10
smr913 reply :
Ultravibe speed craw. Bout the only plastic I use now.
PhishLI reply :
I'm just throwing this out there as it's unconventional. I've had good results with a Zako. OK results with a Reaction Innovations Kinky Beaver, Rage Chunk, Rage Baby Menace, and so on. On a whim I cut down a Yum Thump'N Dinger in Junebug to about 4", then put it on a 3/8oz Black/Blue Jackhammer. Bites and catches went up significantly. I only lost two tails due to short strikes. They usually inhaled it. Could've been dumb luck? Who knows? But that combo was my best chatterbait producer last year by a wide margin.
ww2farmer reply :
#1 for me is the Z-man Razor Shad
#2 is a GYCB single tail grub
Other honorable mentions are GYCB Zako's, D-shads, double tail grubs, and R.I. Twerks.
I am not a fan of paddle tail's on a chatterbait.
waymont reply :
On 3/9/2019 at 12:16 PM, Beachpig said:I really like the Zako but I also use Keitech. Got this one last week up here outside Chicago area on a chatterbait with Keitech trailer.
Yo where's the open water near Chicago????
Mr. Aquarium reply :
I love fishing a chatterbait like a jig. I use big craw and big creature baits as a trailer. Brush hog has caught me some big big fish.
Burke reply :
On 3/7/2019 at 1:53 AM, FryDog62 said:Breaking Bream Project Z Chatterbait - with Zoom Horny Toad in Watermelon Craw... (double shhh)
This blows my mind ----
Horny Toad ?????? Could someone take a picture of this cuz I cant even picture that. Whats more, another reason to a pack of horny toads watermelon craws to cart at TWH.
lmbfisherman reply :
Rage Menace - two ways, standard and sideways.
Rage Craws - two ways, standard and sideways.
Beachpig reply :
On 3/13/2019 at 1:17 PM, waymont said:Yo where's the open water near Chicago????
Hey there. Braidwood powerplant cooling lake opened March 1st. Air temp was 32 degrees but water temps were 50-65 already. LaSalle power plant cooling lake opens today. Very different lakes the way they are layed out.
waymont reply :
On 3/16/2019 at 5:18 AM, Beachpig said:Hey there. Braidwood powerplant cooling lake opened March 1st. Air temp was 32 degrees but water temps were 50-65 already. LaSalle power plant cooling lake opens today. Very different lakes the way they are layed out.
Cool Thanks.
blckshirt98 reply :
4-5" Kalin Single Tail Lunker Grub. D&M packaged some of their original chatterbaits with single tail grubs so it was the first one I used and the one I've had the most success with. Blue Pearl Salt & Pepper Single Tail on a Sexy Shad pattern chatterbait is an AMAZING combination.
Sam reply :
Fluke or swimming Senko.
Gundog reply :
My vote is for the SK Rage Tail Craw.
pauldconyers reply :
On 3/7/2019 at 7:13 PM, TOXIC said:Zako.
For something with this fat a belly do you trim the bottom any to thin it up or just roll with it?
bh91 reply :
So it seems like the trailers catch fishermen more than fish do
TOXIC reply :
On 3/24/2019 at 5:43 AM, pauldconyers said:For something with this fat a belly do you trim the bottom any to thin it up or just roll with it?
No need to. There is a slit in the belly that allows plenty of room for the hook.
pauldconyers reply :
On 3/25/2019 at 4:30 AM, TOXIC said:No need to. There is a slit in the belly that allows plenty of room for the hook.
Cool, that Zako color looks like a real versatile choice to go with to see what I think of them. Think I'll pick up a pack.
jtharris3 reply :
On 3/6/2019 at 6:55 AM, Team9nine said:Zoom Horny toad
I stumbled on to this by accident last season! Awesome combo!
i also like to throw the Chigger Craw, pumpkin w/ green flake on a green pumpkin chatterbait is a great combo!
The rage menace and rage craw are also also some of my favorite trailers.
Rpratt reply :
For the people that offered up the tip about using Havoc Pit Bosses as trailers...
THANK YOU! ????
Never really caught anything using chatterbaits, I was out yesterday and decided to give it another go. I changed out the swimbait that was on it for the Pit Boss (I remembered this thread from earlier this week) and within 3 casts, I started nailing them. So thank you very much.
Glaucus reply :
On 3/29/2019 at 8:53 PM, Rpratt said:For the people that offered up the tip about using Havoc Pit Bosses as trailers...
THANK YOU! ????
Never really caught anything using chatterbaits, I was out yesterday and decided to give it another go. I changed out the swimbait that was on it for the Pit Boss (I remembered this thread from earlier this week) and within 3 casts, I started nailing them. So thank you very much.
*Looking through my soft plastics*
I ain't doin nothin
Dwbassin reply :
On 3/7/2019 at 6:28 AM, Missouri Rigging said:I'm a huge z-man fan. With saying that I been watching Brain Latimer on YouTube and one technique he used was to put a creature bite on sideways, it makes it look like a bigger baitfish then your normal kietech.
He has the best personality on your besides glam imo, and I rigged a Christie craw sideways and the is a bit skinny. Rage bug and the likes looks to be money rigged sideways
Thanks to everyone who responded, I ponied up and bought some jackhammers. 150% worth it, and rigged the blue Gill with a falcon lake rage bug and it absolutely slayed. I had a white chartreuse as well with a skinny dipper and had some follows but only took about 3 casts with it. Definitely liking creature baits rigged sideways for sure
ChrisD46 reply :
On 3/6/2019 at 8:47 PM, Dens228 said:I use 2.5 inch paddletails 90% of the time, the other times I use a Menace Grub.
*You mean 3.5" ?
I like to keep a chatterbait trailer somewhat minimal with a Super Fluke Jr. or a Strike King Perfect Plastic Minnow - otherwise the chatterbait action can fight with the trailer , so no boot tail swim baits or craws for me. A single or double tail grub is about an aggressive of a trailer as I would use .
snake95 reply :
I had a lot of success throwing Project Z in green pumpkin or blue with a Yamamoto Zako in Tenn Shad. Its a really subtle and translucent color but it did great for me in the brown, heavily stained water of Georgia ponds and also way after dark.
I also threw a Netbait paca craw on the Project Z and just killed them after dark. It won me over to chatterbait fishing.
I'm basically a plastics agnostic but love Z man and bought a bunch of Razor Shadz to try this year. Interested to hear how guys feel is the comparison between Razor Shads and Zakos (aside from I would guess durability).
Dens228 reply :
On 4/3/2019 at 8:33 PM, ChrisD46 said:*You mean 3.5" ?
I like to keep a chatterbait trailer somewhat minimal with a Super Fluke Jr. or a Strike King Perfect Plastic Minnow - otherwise the chatterbait action can fight with the trailer , so no boot tail swim baits or craws for me. A single or double tail grub is about an aggressive of a trailer as I would use .
Yes, I meant 3.5!
Sam reply :
Depends on the water temperature and clarity.
NorthernBasser reply :
On 3/24/2019 at 6:15 AM, bh91 said:So it seems like the trailers catch fishermen more than fish do
Fish catch fisherman??
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