Spinnerbait V. Chatterbaits And Building Confidence 2024
Ohio Dave reply :
Let me begin with a confession that must seem completely absurd to most bass veterans: I have never caught a bass on a spinnerbait. There I said it in public and well I still feel dumb for it, but at least its out there.
I have bass fished for many years: mostly as a soft plastics guy. June and July I can hold my own against most anyone on the Ohio lakes I have haunted through the years. But there are times when I know there are bass to be had but I just can not connect with what they want. I need to expand what I fish and how.
I have added jerk baits to my fall plans and done well with those. I have bought into square bills for some structures but they just are not quite a go to sort of bait: I know that is a product of confidence and I will need to force myself to use those baits. (any commentary here is of course welcome)
Spring time: I have watched the videos and read all most all of which is pointing toward spinnerbaits being the best choice. To be honest, I am still not sure I have a real clue as to how to select the right version of a spinnerbait or how to fish that bait as spring goes on.
Please help me get onto a color and brand along with how to know the size that I can just plain tie on and fish until I get how to use the bait basically figured out.
Ohio Dave reply :
I almost forgot to ask: is there a difference in when you would use the chatter versions of those spinnerbaits or is it more of a preference thing over a performance difference
thanks guys for your time and knowledge
DB
stkbassn reply :
I prefer War Eagle spinnerbaits, light wire and quality components. I have done very well with those. White with gold and silver blade, white and green, white, blue, and green are pretty much my go to colors anytime. 3/8-5/8 , double willow, colorado and willow combinations. They have the finesse version which I like and weighs 5/8 oz. Casts like a bullet but smaller profile. I think you could do well with these. Just get a couple and start casting. You'll learn how to work it and when and where to throw it to get best results. Good luck and have fun!! There are tons of articles, posts, and videos on the subject here for reference.
Almost forgot, I don't know much about chatterbaits myself but I've tried them with much less success than spinnerbaits. I'm sure they have their place and know there are guys who love them and catch tons of fish on them.
Fishes in trees reply :
Years ago, there was a learning curve for me concerning spinnerbaits. I had to see other guys do well and out fish me several times before I ever started to figure them out. Some things were holding me back. First - proper gear - I was 95% spinning gear guy back then and on the few occasions that I did get bit on spinnerbaits, the gear I was using interfered with the hook set. This got better once I got some early 80's medium of the line spinner bait gear, i.e. a 5'6" MH pistol grip Berkley Lightning rod and a Shimano Custom X 2000 bait caster. That rig had enough tip to throw spinnerbaits accurately and enough spine in the lower 2/3rds of the rod to get a good hook set.
It the time, I was very much focused on light baits, light action gear. That isn't the best gear for spinnerbaits. It is much easier to cast half once spinnerbaits than it is to cast quarter ounce ones and it took me a while to "get " that.
These days, my spinner bait gear is much different. I use 6/8 to 7' MH rods now and Calcutta 200 TEGT reels. I'm picky about spinner bait rods - many MH rods don't have enough tip to cast easily and get the distance/accuracy that I want. Many M action rods are too "whippy for my tastes - so I've picked and chosen lots of different brands over the years.
Currently I have a couple of older All Star 6'8" Zell Rowland spinnerbait rods that I like. I have a 7'Kistler rod labeled as a "small swim bait special" that I like. I have a 6'9" Black Wild Carrot stick rod, which might be the very last one still in working condition - everyone I know who ever had a Black Wild Carrot Stick broke theirs within the first 6 months of ownership. Mine is going on 3 years old now and I caught a 10 pound wiper on it last fall.
When I was fishing tournaments and stuff, years ago, I made a point of looking at what different guys used for spinner bait gear and I was struck by the variety of what worked for different guys. I have one buddy who is way more into spinner baits than I am and he is happy with BPS cranking sticks. I find those way too whippy.
As far as spinnerbaits versus chatter baits, I tend to use them interchangeably, I generally have one of each tied on and switch back and forth. On any given day fish will demonstrate a preference for one over the other, but I can't really quantify why. That's something you have to experiment on and figure out for yourself. Hope this helps.
Ohio Dave reply :
Great guys, thanks so much. I have a 7' mh rod I was planning to use. I debated heavily between floro and braid but don't want to start a fight about that LOL
If I am hearing you all right: I should get some white and green baits, maybe a couple of profiles, and just start pitching.
I sure can find worse ways to spend my time LOL
Senko lover reply :
3/8s oz, chartreuse/white. Double Willow blades. That'll help you gain confidence and you can go from there. Or, a small 1//8 oz. with a Colorado will crush them as well on lighter tackle.
bass_masster reply :
I kill it with spinnerbaits, moreso in spring and fall than summer, but you can use them year round.
I like to put some movement in my spinners, stop/start reeling, jerk it like a jig to slow it and flare the skirt. Lot of the times I burn it reeeeeal slow, so it's just bumping off the bottom.
Also, running it through/bumping it off thick cover is great, it's a versatile bait you can fish different ways. Another is to burn it just below the surface and use the blades to make an almost wake-bait, and when you break the surface is sounds like bait fish being chased.
My favorite are white or shad double silver willow blade Terminator spinners, and I top it off with a shad colored Zoom fluke as a trailer.
Took me a while to get confidence in spinnerbaits as well, but not they're an integral part of my arsenal, just have to stick with them.
Edit: lot of people use chatterbaits and spinnerbaits interchangeably, but I still prefer spinners, to me chatter baits are more of a jig-blend.
Zach Nute reply :
I would use a 3/8oz Chatterbait over a spinnerbait any day of the week, no matter the conditions. On the chatterbait I love putting the 4" Reins Fat Rockvibe Shad as a trailer..! Hope this helps you!!
Derekbass02 reply :
:jaw-drop: I haven't really caught many bass on Spinnerbaits either but I have caught a few small fish.
Matthew2000 reply :
What lakes in Ohio do you fish ? Whenever I am in Ohio I religiously throw chartreuse and white or lime and white.On 4/22/2015 at 1:25 AM, Ohio Dave said:Great guys, thanks so much. I have a 7' mh rod I was planning to use. I debated heavily between floro and braid but don't want to start a fight about that LOL
If I am hearing you all right: I should get some white and green baits, maybe a couple of profiles, and just start pitching.
I sure can find worse ways to spend my time LOL
Ohio Dave reply :
I roam around most of Northwest Ohio. I plan to hit Erie for the first time bass fishing this year. When I find the time that is: 
thanks to all for taking time to share your thoughts
jhoffman reply :
You gotta be willing to wing them into stuff you might not get it back. Coming over a log and kill it, make it look like wounded bait.
Biggest difference for me in a chatterbait is the lack of lift. A spinnerbait blades create lift, chatterbaits not so much. A chatterbait is closer to a crankbait and a jig than a spinnerbait.
curtis9 reply :
I pretty much always have a spinner bait on. Either white or chartreuse. As has been mentored already don't be afraid to throw into cover. Try to vary your retrieve until you find what's working. I think my first few years fishing I didn't know you could catch fish on baits other than a chartreuse spinnerbait.
bassr95 reply :
On 4/22/2015 at 12:58 AM, stkbassn said:I prefer War Eagle spinnerbaits, light wire and quality components. I have done very well with those. White with gold and silver blade, white and green, white, blue, and green are pretty much my go to colors anytime. 3/8-5/8 , double willow, colorado and willow combinations. They have the finesse version which I like and weighs 5/8 oz. Casts like a bullet but smaller profile. I think you could do well with these. Just get a couple and start casting. You'll learn how to work it and when and where to throw it to get best results. Good luck and have fun!! There are tons of articles, posts, and videos on the subject here for reference.
Almost forgot, I don't know much about chatterbaits myself but I've tried them with much less success than spinnerbaits. I'm sure they have their place and know there are guys who love them and catch tons of fish on them.
Pretty much exactly what I was planning to reply. A 1/2 oz white and chartreuse War Eagle catches fish everywhere, from ponds to natural lakes and reservoirs. The only downside to these baits is that eventually the wire will break after it gets bent by dozens of bass. Not a big deal in my book.
thomas15 reply :
Dave, I've never caught a bass with a jig. Anyway, most of my bass experience has been small pond bank fishing in NJ and for me small willow blade like the mini stanley on dark colors always work there. Nothing though that worked in NJ works for me now in PA, larger clear water impoundments, fewer weeds and fishing from a boat. Having said that spinner baits are more of a reaction strike so just throw what you have.
stkbassn reply :
On 4/22/2015 at 8:27 AM, bassr95 said:Pretty much exactly what I was planning to reply. A 1/2 oz white and chartreuse War Eagle catches fish everywhere, from ponds to natural lakes and reservoirs. The only downside to these baits is that eventually the wire will break after it gets bent by dozens of bass. Not a big deal in my book.
Yes, I have had a few War Eagles eventually break from being repeatedly hit by bass but I believe it's that very same thin wire that makes that bait so special. I love this spinnerbait! It holds up for a good while but does have to be bent back into shape often. Worth the effort definitely worth the money.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I much prefer bladed jigs over spinnerbaits unless I'm in really clear water. Stained to dirty water and around vegetation is when bladed jigs really shine!
Hurricane reply :
I love using the booyah pikee spinnerbait in sunfish color.. Caught a nice 4lb Largemouth and a 2 1/2 pounder last night.. Awesome spinnerbait. .
Zach Dunham reply :
I fish them on very similar equipment. My general rule is: if there is a lot of grass or cover I throw a chatterbait. They come through the weeds amazingly. In more open areas I will throw a spinnerbait.
Ohio Dave reply :
thank you guys, I appreciate you all taking time to help! Bass Pro shop sent out a coupon for ten bucks off if you spend 30. Sounds like I am buying some spinner baits and chatter baits
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/22/2015 at 7:18 PM, Ohio Dave said:thank you guys, I appreciate you all taking time to help! Bass Pro shop sent out a coupon for ten bucks off if you spend 30. Sounds like I am buying some spinner baits and chatter baits
Try the new Project Z chatterbait, it's much better built than their previous models.
Ohio Dave reply :
I will look for those thanks
redux reply :
War Eagle 3/8 in the Mouse color is a killer in my area. I've never had an issue with the wire breaking, but the point of the head where the wire comes out always blows out so the head starts to wobble freely after a few dozen fish. I'll fish it that way until I can't keep the bait running true. It takes a while to get there so it's not a big issue. After the bait isn't working I disassemble it and save the blades to use for underspins or to screw into worms.
I've used a few other brands, but the quality is always below WE. Less fish, cheap split rings, broken wires.
I normally throw WEs on a 7' M Veritas with 15# Yo-Zuri. I'll switch to a 6'6" M if I'm in a tight spot. When I'm around heavy cover, lilly pads, grass, etc I prefer to switch to a 7' MH Veritas or 7'3" MH *** Black on 65# Sunline FX2.
I don't use trailers or trailer hooks with these baits.
Ohio Dave reply :
thank you sir!
Cgrinder reply :
I don't always throw a spinnerbait, but when I do, I prefer Siebert Compact spinnerbaits.
Choporoz reply :
PSA: Spinnerbaits don't come out of overhanging trees very well.
robster80 reply :
i havent thrown spinnerbaits long but im really getting into the technique. love the war eagles with a colorado willow or dbl colorado. i like feeling the thumping blades. ive had luck varying retrieve speeds,killin it. mostly white chartreuse or black is what i use.
Mr_Frodo reply :
The two biggest fish I've caught on artificial lures have been on a spinner bait . The biggest fish I've ever caught was on a gigantic live shiner in Lake Okeechobee. As far as numbers of large fish goes I've caught them mostly on jigs with trailers. A big jig with a big trailer catches big fish .
bigturtle reply :
If there are no logs or very dense vegetation, I always fish a bladed swimjig (ie. chatterbait).
Ohio Dave reply :
I am starting to get a much better picture of how and when. Much appreciated
CWB reply :
Didn't throw a spinnerbait for a few years. It seemed everybody and their brothers was throwing them. I always went in a different direction. Couple years ago started throwing a double Colorado blade and did well and have been doing well ever since. I seem to get more bites on the double Colorado. Fished behind guys using Willow and picked up fish. Call me old school but double Colorado for me when not using chatterbait.
einscodek reply :
On 4/21/2015 at 10:07 PM, Ohio Dave said:Let me begin with a confession that must seem completely absurd to most bass veterans: I have never caught a bass on a spinnerbait. There I said it in public and well I still feel dumb for it, but at least its out there.
I have bass fished for many years: mostly as a soft plastics guy. June and July I can hold my own against most anyone on the Ohio lakes I have haunted through the years. But there are times when I know there are bass to be had but I just can not connect with what they want. I need to expand what I fish and how.
I have added jerk baits to my fall plans and done well with those. I have bought into square bills for some structures but they just are not quite a go to sort of bait: I know that is a product of confidence and I will need to force myself to use those baits. (any commentary here is of course welcome)
Spring time: I have watched the videos and read all most all of which is pointing toward spinnerbaits being the best choice. To be honest, I am still not sure I have a real clue as to how to select the right version of a spinnerbait or how to fish that bait as spring goes on.
Please help me get onto a color and brand along with how to know the size that I can just plain tie on and fish until I get how to use the bait basically figured out.
First off many many years I ago I was where you are. How the heck does a fish hit such a clunky and ugly thing?
Nowadays I practically have one tied on one of my rods in nearly all conditions including blue bird days high noon.. yes even now prespawn cold water.. caught one today on a 1/4oz spinnerbait.. barely felt the hit but there he was in my hands a few seconds later.
Brand? Any.. I used to catch lots of fish on walmart cheapos and Bomber spinnerbaits $1 a piece.. I'd modify them etc.. kinda fun.
Nowadays I'm finding myslef doing lil less modifying and stickin to a base Booyah spinnerbait with minor mods.
But the answer still is if a walmart el cheapo can catch lotsa fish.. so can most other brands.
You want at least a small 1/8-1/4 oz spinnerbait for when the fish are finnicky and 1/2oz+ one for when you find they arent hittin the midgets and want somthing BIG for dinner.
Oh and chatterbaits are great too but theyre more useful before the weeds start overgrowin later on.. so chatterbaits Ill use now in early spring into the spawn and alil afterwards.. and then its all spinnerbaits baby!
Advice is to get a natural looking 1/4oz spinnerbait and take nothing else.. learn to throw that thing every which way shallow/deep fast slow.. adjust the blades.. put colorados on put willows on.. see the difference fer yerself.
If its good enough fer Jimmy Houston, Rick Clunn, KVD.. its good enuf fer you and me.. those guys put ALOT of confidence into spinnerbaits.
hatrix reply :
On 4/22/2015 at 1:55 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I much prefer bladed jigs over spinnerbaits unless I'm in really clear water. Stained to dirty water and around vegetation is when bladed jigs really shine!
Pretty much this. I rarely throw a spinner any more but always have a chatterbait tied on. Plus a chatterbait comes through vegetation better although a spinnerbaits does pretty good also.
Ohio Dave reply :
I am thankful for all of you taking time to share your thoughts. Much appreciated Now if it would stop snowing and warm back up a bit. 29 for a low tonight yikes!!
CWB reply :
On 4/23/2015 at 5:03 PM, hatrix said:Pretty much this. I rarely throw a spinner any more but always have a chatterbait tied on. Plus a chatterbait comes through vegetation better although a spinnerbaits does pretty good also.
Not sure about chatterbaits coming through vegetation better. Might be type of vegetation. Was out Sunday and weeds are coming up. Found a few spots where chatterbait didn't get fouled but when fishing the weeds (which is where I caught all my fish) the chatterbait would get caught in weeds and muck every cast unless I burned it back and kept it on top. Didn't get any bites doing that. Spinnerbait did much better. Northern Ill. natural lake. Caught most fish on Shadalicious swimbait anyway.
hatrix reply :
On 4/24/2015 at 4:53 AM, CWB said:Not sure about chatterbaits coming through vegetation better. Might be type of vegetation. Was out Sunday and weeds are coming up. Found a few spots where chatterbait didn't get fouled but when fishing the weeds (which is where I caught all my fish) the chatterbait would get caught in weeds and muck every cast unless I burned it back and kept it on top. Didn't get any bites doing that. Spinnerbait did much better. Northern Ill. natural lake. Caught most fish on Shadalicious swimbait anyway.
They have a stronger vibration and you can rip them really hard and clear it usually. Spinnerbaits go through weeds pretty well themselves but weeds can get wrapped around the arms or blades and make it almost impossible to unfoul.
aprilbass101 reply :
Both are great baits! You can't go wrong with either but the chatterbaits is a little more weedless than the spinnerbaits! I usually throw some type of trailer on the chatterbaits (swimbaits) most of the time! Spinnerbaits "Trailer Hooks" a must at least for me! My opinion! You won't worry about the skirt slappers! Z-man Original Chatterbaits are very good but at BPS your limited to only hand full of colors & sizes! Where as Tackle Warehouse has 27 colors to choose from along with different makes, models, & sizes so you have a larger variety to choose from! As for spinnerbaits War Eagle, Strike King, & Booyah all make pretty good ones at a reasonable price. Here in Northwest Ohio....Depending on water clarity & cloud cover chartreuse/any color "dark" works well in stain water with single colorado blades or tandem with a willow blade for the western basin of Lake Erie. If your fishing more towards the North, Middle, & South bass islands the water is very clear you would want to use more natural colors like whites, silvers, & greens with tandem willows or indiana blades! More flash than thump-like you would get from the colorado blades! Just like crankbait selections! You can use them any time of the year but spring is a good time to use them to cover a lot of water! Hopefully this helps
hatrix reply :
On 4/23/2015 at 5:45 PM, Ohio Dave said:I am thankful for all of you taking time to share your thoughts. Much appreciated Now if it would stop snowing and warm back up a bit. 29 for a low tonight yikes!!
Tell me why it was snowing yesterday in Cleveland... I still went out in the evening though and caught half a dozen on cranks 
Its crazy to think just last Saturday when I was fishing I actually thought d**n it really hot out right now with the sun beating down.
Ohio Dave reply :
bass pro is about 30 min or so from my house so that is where I am going to go. I like to see all the goodies before I buy LOL
Thanks again for all of you sharing thoughts. I am glad that we don't all agree on which is better. That means to me that both will out fish the other in certain times and I should have both
hatrix reply :
FYI you can actually make a kind of ghetto chatter bait for any lure by putting a hole through a suction cup and put it on in front of your lure facing out.
5fishlimit reply :
On 4/22/2015 at 6:29 AM, Ohio Dave said:I roam around most of Northwest Ohio. I plan to hit Erie for the first time bass fishing this year. When I find the time that is:
thanks to all for taking time to share your thoughts
When you do find the time to get to Erie then you should check out East Harbor. You can stay in the harbor and get your fill of green fish, and if you feel like getting some brown fish then you can quickly head over to the islands and go for them! I love going to East Harbor!!!
Ohio Dave reply :
not heading to the islands in my 10' plastic boat but the Harbor is always an option when the wind it not to high
CWB reply :
Most likely depends on type of weeds. Up here in the natural lakes there are several types of weeds an alot of muck on them too. Once this crap gets caught between the blade of a chatterbait and the line tie it's not going anywhere. A spinnerbait sheds this kind of crap with a good yank or two alot of times. I don't see where vibration plays a part, at least where I'm usually fishing. There are some weeds you aren't getting either through clean.On 4/24/2015 at 7:24 AM, hatrix said:They have a stronger vibration and you can rip them really hard and clear it usually. Spinnerbaits go through weeds pretty well themselves but weeds can get wrapped around the arms or blades and make it almost impossible to unfoul.
Ohio Dave reply :
I will have to read up on how to post picks but my first bass of the year was also a chatterbait largemouth. 3+lbs fish two 4 lb small mouth on the same green chatter. I am starting to get the hang of these baits. Thanks so much guys!!!
ChrisWi reply :
my favorite lake gets pounded with Spinnerbaits, so I decided to change it up with a swimjig last year and ive been killing fish on them ever since!On 4/23/2015 at 9:23 AM, CWB said:Didn't throw a spinnerbait for a few years. It seemed everybody and their brothers was throwing them. I always went in a different direction. Couple years ago started throwing a double Colorado blade and did well and have been doing well ever since. I seem to get more bites on the double Colorado. Fished behind guys using Willow and picked up fish. Call me old school but double Colorado for me when not using chatterbait.
Ohio Dave reply :
I worried a bit about that too but I have had some early success. I think I will keep a spinnerbait tied up on one of my rods from now on
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