Name: Z-Man Project Z Chatterbait
Brand: Z-Man
SKU: AgAAADAA9NjCkhqKQv65lrNU7aAv9Q
Price: 8.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Question 1

Which ChatterBait is best?

Accepted Answer

Q: [b]Which ChatterBait is best?[/b] There are multiple versions and I'm not sure which one I should get. A: [b]It depends on your circumstances.[/b] If you're on a budget and are prone to losing lures, the Original Chatterbait is best suited for your needs. If you fish clear or highly pressured bodies of water, Project Z will likely be more productive. If you have a lot of confidence in ChatterBaits and fish in heavy cover, you might want to consider the Jackhammer. [b]There are multiple versions of Z-Man's ChatterBait that are designed to meet anglers' needs depending on their specific conditions.[/b]

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The Jackhammer is a popular ChatterBait and many would argue it is the best. 3/8 oz. to 5/8 oz. are the more effective sizes. Darker color choices such as black/blue, brown/orange, pumpkin, or green pumpkin are more effective.

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Z-Man is maker of the original ChatterBait and they have many different models. The big question is which one is the best? From my personal use, and its track record in winning millions of dollars in fishing tournaments, I don't think there is much contest. The JackHammer ChatterBait is the best when it comes to bladed jigs like the ChatterBait line up. The components and design set the Jackhammer apart from the rest. The blade is stainless steel, the design of the head has channeled grooves with provide extreme hunting action and really fast start to the vibration, a premium heavy wire Gamakatsu flipping hook, hand tied silicone skirt and durable paint finishes. For me, there is no other choice in ChatterBaits than the Jackhammer the action and components make it the best option for bladed jigs.

Question 2

When should I fish with ChatterBait?

Accepted Answer

Q: [b]When should I fish a ChatterBait?[/b] I want to find out how to make the most out of this lure. A: [b]In the summer when bass are the most aggressive is the best time to fish a ChatterBait.[/b] Slowing down the retrieve and fishing them close to the bottom can be productive in the early spring. When bass are spread out in the fall, a ChatterBait is an excellent way to cover water quickly and catch some fish. [b]ChatterBaits can be fished all throughout the year and by varying your retrieve they are a versatile way to catch big bass.[/b]

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Although the Chatterbait can be fished from late winter through the autumn months, spring is the best time to fish one of these. Chatterbaits do very well around grass and the pre-spawn period when a chatterbait can come through grass is a great time.

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One of the biggest questions with the ChatterBait is when should you fish it? There really isn't a bad time to fish a ChatterBait, however there are optimal times. This bait is really designed to be fish in and around grass cover, as well as light woody cover. The bait acts as a crankbait/spinnerbait/Jig hybrid, but its vibrating blade really excels in grassy conditions. Anytime bass are relating to shallow cover especially in the spring, summer and fall. I will say depending on where you fish it's not great to use in the wintertime in the cooler climates. In conclusion, fish the ChatterBait anytime you are targeting shallow fish in grass or woody cover Spring thru Fall when fish are keying on baitfish or bluegill and experiment with different colors to match the forage of your fishery.

Question 3

How do you rig Zman ChatterBait?

Accepted Answer

Q:[b]How do you rig a Z-Man Chatterbait?[/b] I've been wanting to get into fishing chatterbaits, but I'm not sure where to start. A: [b]ChatterBaits work best with a simple swimbait trailer.[/b] Swimbaits with a paddle or boot tail can create too much secondary action when rigged on a bladed jig. A Yamamoto Zako or Z-Man RaZor Shadz are well-suited for a ChatterBait trailer. [b]ChatterBaits are a great lure for bass and work well paired with a simple swimbait trailer and fished on a medium heavy baitcaster.[/b]

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To rig a Zman ChatterBait, the first step is to tie it to the line with a strong knot. Depending on your fishing conditions, you may need to trim the skirt if you are fishing for smaller bass or in highly pressured water. Then place your soft plastic bait on the hook and secure with superglue for a longer hold if desired. Your favorite plastic will do. The soft plastic does not need to have action as the ChatterBait will. This action can be altered by the trailer. The bulkier the soft bait is, the more it will hinder the action of the ChatterBait.

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The Zman Chatterbait can be rigged in several different ways, this will explain those ways and when each is best. You always want to rig a ChatterBait with a soft plastic trailer such as a swimbait or craw trailer. Without a trailer the bait will not run correctly. the optimal swimbait size would be 2.5"-4" long, the longer the soft plastic trailer the higher in the water column the bait will stay. If you want to fish the bait deeper, go with a shorter trailer. I prefer a 3.8" Keitech or similar soft plastic swimbait, the Yamamoto Zako is a very popular trailer as well. In some instances you may want to opt for a craw trailer such as a Zoom swimming chunk or Strike King Rage Craw. I prefer the craw trailers when fishing very shallow grass and trying to keep the bait higher in the water column as the kicking action will keep the bait running shallower. I also prefer to throw the jackhammer on fluorocarbon line from 12-16lb test, this provides a little bit of stretch and allows the bait to have its full range of action. Rod selection is also very important, I recommend a 7'-7'4" rod with a moderate fast tip. So, always use a soft plastic trailer and experiment with different ones to match your preferred fishing depth, use 12-16lb line (preferably fluorocarbon) and use longer rods in the 7' - 7'4" range with moderate fast tips and medium heavy to heavy powers.

Question 4

Is the ChatterBait jackhammer worth it?

Accepted Answer

Q: [b]Is Z-Man's Jackhammer ChatterBait worth the price increase?[/b] I have a lot of success while fishing ChatterBaits and I'm having a hard time justifying the cost. A: [b]Yes, in some circumstances it is.[/b] The blade on the Jackhammer is thinner, so it's more responsive than a standard ChatterBait. That also means that it can come through cover more easily. The hook is also sturdier and sharper so it can penetrate grass for an easy hookset. [b]For Chatterbait Enthusiasts who fish around lots of heavy cover, Z-Man's Jackhammer is worth the higher price tag.[/b]

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The ChatterBait Jackhammer has premium components from the hook, snap, eyes, double wire bait keeper, head weight etched on the bait, and a hand-tied skirt; all of these will increase the price. The Jackhammer also catches more fish. Whether or not these thing matter to you will determine if it is worth it.

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The Z-Man ChatterBait Jackhammer is one of the most popular models of their lineup of ChatterBaits. This will help you determine if the Jackhammer is worth the price for you. The biggest difference in the jackhammer is the components used in the bait. The blade is stainless steel and it uses a heavy wire Gamakatsu flipping hook, which is very strong and sharp. The head of the lure has a channeled groove which causes the blade to strike the head causing an audible sound and also creates a side to side hunting action. One of they key features of the jackhammer is the speed at which the blade begins its vibrations, which is almost immediately once the retrieve begins. The skirt and paint job are premium as well which adds to the price. These components, materials and unique design set the jackhammer apart from other models of the ChatterBait.

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Z-Man Project Z Chatterbait