In this video, Wired2fish joins Stephen Browning and his son, Beau Browning, as they demonstrate the latest bladed jig techniques using the Z-Man Tungsten ChatterBait Elite EVO. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, this video provides insights on how to fish ChatterBaits in shallow water using the yo-yo retrieve technique, fishing around vegetation, and tips for choosing the right ChatterBait trailers, colors, and rod setups.
FEATURED PRODUCT (retail links)
- BLADED JIG – Z-Man Tungsten ChatterBait Elite EVO Jig (1/2- and 3/8-ounce), colors – Spot Remover, Bama Bream, and Chartreuse and White: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- TRAILER – Z-Man ChatterShad, colors – Hot Snakes, Chartreuse and White: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- TRAILER – Z-Man RazorShadZ, colors – Hot Snakes, Chartreuse and White: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE – Gamma Edge Fluorocarbon, 16-pound: Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
ROD SETUPS
Steven
- ROD – St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass, 7’10” Heavy Moderate Casting Rod: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- REEL – Lew’s Tournament Pro LFS Speed Spool, 7:5:1 Gear Ratio Casting Reel: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
Beau
- ROD – Jackall Japan BPM 7’2″ Medium-Heavy Moderate-Fast Casting Rod: Shop Casting Rods at Bass Pro Shops
- REEL – Shimano Chronarch MGL Casting Reel, 7.1:1: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
TARGETING SHAD AND VEGETATION FOR CHATTERBAIT SUCCESS
Fishing with bladed jigs requires understanding the habitat, and Stephen highlights the power of targeting areas where shad and vegetation meet. Browning goes through his approach to finding that sweet spot with the Tungsten EVO, particularly in the shallows. He covers water quickly, emphasizing the importance of cadence and color, especially in mixed water conditions.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TRAILERS FOR CHATTERBAITS
One key element in ChatterBait fishing is choosing the right trailer. Beau demonstrates the benefits of using the ChatterShad trailer, explaining how its slim profile improves blade contact against the head, which creates the ideal sound and vibration. The Brownings experiment with different colors, comparing Beau’s brighter chartreuse and white bait with Stephen’s more natural shad color.
BENEFITS OF TUNGSTEN IN CHATTERBAITS
The Tungsten EVO offers more sensitivity for anglers, making it great for those that may be new to bladed jigs. This heightened awareness helps read the cover and detect subtle bites. Sound can be a key factor too. The hard and defined tungsten head create a unique clacking sound, making this model particularly effective in varied conditions. Check out our Best ChatterBaits feature for information on a wide range of bladed jigs.
BOAT SETUP & MISC
• BOAT – Ranger Z521R Commanche: Check out at Ranger
• OUTBOARD – Mercury Pro XS 250hp: Check out at Mercury
• FISH FINDER – Lowrance HDS PRO 12 Fish Finder/Chartplotter: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
• LIVE SONAR – Lowrance ActiveTarget Live Sonar: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
• TROLLING MOTOR – Lowrance Ghost Freshwater Trolling Motor: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
• SHALLOW WATER ANCHOR: Power Pole 8 ft. Blades: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
