Join Wired2fish contributer Dan Quinn as he dives into the art of fall bass fishing with heavy ChatterBaits. Quinn demonstrates how a 1 1/4-ounce bladed jig, when paired with the correct trailer, can be the ticket to catching bass during the cold water months.
TACKLE USED (retail links)
- BLADED JIG – Z-Man Evergreen ChatterBait JackHammer Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- TRAILER – Rapala CrushCity Freeloader: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD – 13 Fishing Omen Black III, 7’3″ Med-Hvy: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- REEL – 13 Fishing Concept A II, 6.8:1: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE – Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon, 17-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
Slowing Down in Cold Water
Quinn emphasizes the importance of fishing slow when water temps are at their lowest. Whether it’s a spinnerbait, ChatterBait, or even a crankbait, the key is to slow your presentation down and let those fish react to the bait. Quinn suggests that keeping the bait close to the bottom and bumping into various forms of cover can significantly increase the chances of a reaction strike
Choosing the Right ChatterBait Trailer
One of the critical aspects Quinn discusses is selecting the correct bladed jig trailer for the application. In this video, He explores the use of straight-tail trailers, which, unlike boot tails, help the bait to hunt more. The unique action creates erratic movements that trigger more bites. Less drag on the bait also allows it to stay deeper and maintain a more natural movement in the strike zone.
ChatterBait Technique and Equipment
Quinn shares his technique and cadence for maximizing the ChatterBait’s potential. He advises watching the line closely, as many bites occur on the fall. Quinn prefers a 6.8:1 gear ratio for maintaining a slower retrieval rate, which is essential when fishing in deeper than normal waters.
By focusing on slowing down, selecting the right trailer, and understanding the versatility of the ChatterBait, anglers can significantly improve their success rates in cold water conditions with an often overlooked presentation.
