Jacob Wheeler dives into how to fish ChatterBaits to locate and pattern bass spread out across large expanses of cover. From selecting the right colors to understanding gear ratios, Wheeler shares his proven system for covering water efficiently and triggering more bites. Whether you’re fishing grass, wood, or rock, his tips will elevate your ChatterBait game.
FEATURED PRODUCT (retail links)
- CHATTERBAIT – Z-Man Evergreen ChatterBait JackHammer, color – Brett’s Bluegill: Buy at Academy | Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- TRAILER – Rapala CrushCity Freeloader, color – Sungill: Buy at Academy | Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD – Duckett Jacob Wheeler Select Series Casting Rod, 7’4” Medium Heavy – Moderate Fast: Buy at Buy at Academy | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- REEL – Shimano Curado 150 MGL Casting Reel: Buy at Academy | Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE – Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon, 17-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- HAT – CrushCity Large Patch Hat: Buy at Rapala
WHY CHATTERBAITS ARE PERFECT FOR COVERING WATER
Bladed jigs are one of Wheeler’s go-to lures for exploring new water. You can fish them at various speeds, and they come through cover exceptionally well. Sound and vibration add fish-drawing power, helping open up the strike window further. Wheeler treats every fish catch as a clue, making repeat casts while analyzing location details. Once he locates fish, he’ll slow down and refines his presentation with other lures like jigs.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CHATTERBAIT TRAILER
According to Wheeler, trailer selection can make or break your success. For natural, erratic movement, a minnow profile is the best ChatterBait trailer. It adds realism and bulk without impeding the natural balsa-like hunting action of the ChatterBait. The natural hunting action, coupled with sudden directional changes upon contacting cover, is essential for triggering bites.
When choosing colors, Wheeler keeps it simple:
- Black and Blue: For stained water.
- Green Pumpkin: Ideal for slightly clearer conditions and bluegill waters.
- Shad Patterns: Best for clear water and shad-based fisheries or bites.
Depending on water clarity, he customizes the trailer color to match the bait or add contrast.
WHEELER’S CHATTERBAIT GEAR SETUP
The right rod, reel, and line setup are critical for ChatterBait fishing. Wheeler emphasizes using a longer medium-heavy rod with a slower taper to balance power and forgiveness on the hookset. While a lighter line can work, 17-pound fluorocarbon is his go-to for delivering strength and durability without losing sensitivity.
Reel speed depends on depth:
- 6.2:1 Gear Ratio: For deeper water to slow down presentations.
- 7.3:1 Gear Ratio: For shallow water, to quickly cover ground and keep up with moving fish.
HOOKSETS AND STRIKES: WHEELER’S METHOD
Wheeler stresses the importance of a controlled hookset with ChatterBaits. Instead of snapping the rod, he advises reeling steadily and letting the rod load up before setting the hook. This method ensures a higher hook-to-land ratio, as it prevents the blade from popping open the bass’s mouth.
