Stephen Browning explores how changing your ChatterBait rod setups can improve success depending on the situation. Specifically, he shares his preferred rod setups for shorter casting distances, such as around cover, and his open water rod setup for making long casts. Always remember, the best bass fishing rod depends on the technique and unique situation, so keep an open mind.
FEATURED PRODUCT (retail links)
- ROD (short casts) – St. Croix Legend Tournament Series Casting Rods, 7’2” Heavy Moderate Med/Mod Fast (LBTC72MH): Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD (long casts) – St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass Casting Rod, 7’10” Extra Heavy – Moderate: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- REEL – Lew’s Tournament Pro LFS Casting Reel, 7.5:1: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE – Gamma Edge Fluorocarbon, 14-pound: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- BLADED JIG – Z-Man ChatterBait Elite EVO: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- TRAILER – Z-Man ChatterSpike: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ROD FOR CHATTERBAIT FISHING
Close-Quarters Casting
For anglers like Browning, who prefer fishing ChatterBaits up close and personal around casting targets like wood and docks, a shorter rod in the 7-foot length is ideal. Generally, a shorter rod allows for controlled, precise casts in tight spaces. The moderate action of this rod perfectly balances power and flexibility, helping Browning land each cast where intended.
Long-Distance Bombing Casts
Browning switches gears to accommodate longer casts when faced with open water scenarios, such as stump-filled flats. He recommends a longer 7’10” extra heavy, moderate-action rod while maintaining the same reel and line setup. The longer length provides the leverage needed for distance casts, ensuring you still have enough power to set the hook effectively even when a bite occurs at the end of a lengthy cast. This approach guarantees that anglers can maintain a high hookup ratio no matter the distance.
Understanding the significance of rod length and action in ChatterBait fishing can be a game-changer. Whether navigating tight cover or covering vast water bodies, adapting your rod selection to the task at hand is crucial.
