In the high-pressure bass fishing world, Brett Hite has mastered various finesse techniques, from Neko rigging to even finesse ChatterBait fishing. Join Hite as he unveils his finesse ChatterBait tournament secrets for targeting hard-to-catch bass.
TACKLE USED (retail links)
Bladed Jig Setup
- LURE – Z-Man ChatterBait JackHammer StealthBlade, 1/2-ounce: Buy at Tackle Warehouse, Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- TRAILER – Yamamoto Zako, 3-inch: Buy at Tackle Warehouse, Buy at Bass Pro Shops
Rod Setup
- ROD – Evergreen Combat Stick Casting Rod. 7’3′ Heavy: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- REEL – Daiwa Tatula Elite, 6.3:1: Buy at Tackle Warehouse, Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LINE – Sunline Super FC Sniper Fluorocarbon, 14-pound: Buy at Tackle Warehouse, Buy at Bass Pro Shops
As a ChatterBait fishing expert, Hite shares his extensive knowledge of retrieval techniques with finesse bladed jigs. He stresses the significance of keeping the bait in the strike zone while avoiding snags in brush or grass. The ChatterBait JackHammer StealthBlade was designed to deliver a more subtle and tighter vibration. It’s an excellent option for challenging fisheries where you still want to cover water with a moving bait.
Hite breaks down the unique design attributes of the JackHammer StealthBlade. He covers the clear blade, wire trailer keeper, reduced skirt bulk, and thinner hook designed for lighter lines. So what’s the best ChatterBait trailer option? His go-to is the downsized 3-inch Yamamoto Zako trailer for the ideal blend of profile and subtle action.
Gear selection plays an essential role in finesse ChatterBait fishing. Hite opts for a 7′ 3″ heavy power glass rod for the ideal power and parabolic action blend for accurate casts and effective hook sets. A reel with a 6.3:1 gear ratio provides the desired versatility in retrieval speed. He spools up with a 12- to 16-pound fluorocarbon for excellent castability, abrasion resistance, and low-visibility attributes.
Hite shares his go-to techniques for working the finesse ChatterBait, including strategic pauses and erratic retrieves to mimic hunting or deflection actions. He harnesses the bait’s subtle vibration by casting near bushes and other cover to trigger strikes from tentative bass unwilling to commit to other moving baits.
Check out our Best ChatterBaits for 2023 guide if you want to learn more about the versatile and effective bladed jig lure category.
