Vibrating Jigs - Differences among the blades and how to categorize them
Bass U,
There are a lot of vibrating jig options out there to choose from. I was wondering, is there a difference in the thump/vibration/noise put off by the standard chatterbait/jackhammer coffin blade versus the rounded blades (i.e. D&M vibrating jigs) versus the round perforated blades (i.e. Picasso) versus the diamond style (i.e. voodoo)? I read a lot about the success of the original D&M bladed jigs (before patent restrictions) and wonder what made them stand out from the rest, other than how the blade was connected to the jig? With prespawn/spawn quickly approaching, would you favor one blade style over the other during different seasons? Finally, knowing that different vibrating jigs each give off varying levels of vibration, aggressiveness, and noise would you favor one blade style over another during certain situations in bass fishing (power, finesse, noise, silent, weather, water clarity, water temp)?
Thank you!
This is a very interesting question. I can't say I have all of these different baits completely figured out. Here is what I have learned from some testing I've done over the years. There are two original chatterbaits I use. Weedless and exposed hook. I find that the weedless version is excellent for coming through the cover, but it has less vibration than the exposed hook. I will also say that the trailer you use makes a big difference. The bulkier the bait, the less vibration you will get out of a chatterbait. Both of these chatterbaits vibrate and make a clicking noise. I've found that baits that have a split ring in between the blade and jig head are often silent. That's not a bad thing. Sometimes silence is better than clicking depending on the conditions. The Jack Hammer is also a great vibrating, clicking bait. The Jack Hammer also has a reputation of hunting or being erratic on the retrieve.
The best way to determine the action and sound of a bait is to do testing in a swimming pool. Go under water and listen and watch what each bait does. I've learned a ton doing this.
