I am looking forward to spring fishing smallies using a new presentation: A skirtless chatterbait with a soft paddletail jerkbait, or scrounger with the same bait. Curious if this has been used, and which weights, style, etc have been productive. I have tried underspins and they seem to underproduce on my waters.

The only smallmouth I have caught so far on a chatterbait has been with a paddletail swimbait on it instead of the usual skirt/trailer.  

I catch a lot of smallies out of a local lake on a bright white 3/8oz chatterbait with a chartreuse trailer. It stands out big time in the clear water but they slam the thing for some reason. I've really become a fan of the Havoc Beat Shad for a trailer on it. 

I think anything yellow or chartreuse works well. The booyah versions are better as far as i think because they last longer. Usually what you get on them is big right along the weed edges. 

Chatterbaits and/or Scroungers are variations on the swim jig, with different actions/vibrations. Carry a selection of each and see which the fish perfer on any given day. They are both very productive at different times. You can also just try a 4" or 5" boot tailed, hollow-bellied swimbait (i.e.: Shadalicious) on a weighted swimbait hook. That alone is yet another variation on the swim jig. Again, with a different vibration. You've always got to be "testing the waters". The fish will let you know soon enough which they prefer.

I catch a lot of smallies out of a local lake on a bright white 3/8oz chatterbait with a chartreuse trailer. It stands out big time in the clear water but they slam the thing for some reason. I've really become a fan of the Havoc Beat Shad for a trailer on it.

There are times that smallies and chartreuse go together like peanut butter and jelly