I have an arkie jig mold and I want to make some chatter baits. How do I attach the blade to the head? What size blades do I use? I am going to make 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2. What color skirt should I look for? Thanks in advance.

If I remember what my zman chatterbait looks like, I think you use a split ring to connect the blade to the head, then some sort of snap for the line tie.  I'm not experienced in lure making at all, but I think if you just got a few different size blades and see what works best for the presentation you're after.

i think BlueBasser86 makes some homemade chatterbaits, maybe he'll chime in...

If you use a split ring, you must use an Arkie jig with the flat (horizontal) eye.

 

I use the heads with the open eye that you crimp shut with pliers. I think they were from Barlows. They blade clacks on the head better with these.

The closest head I use to the Arky is the football mold. With those I use a split ring (has to be a flat eye model) to attach the blade to the jighead. There's only 1 size blade, but there's 2 models, one with holes and one without. I use the one without holes mainly and can't honestly say I can tell a difference when fishing the 2. Some of my favorite colors;

Nice. And notice how he bent the lip down. You get alot more vibration like that.

Nice. And notice how he bent the lip down. You get alot more vibration like that.

Shhh!!!    

 

Those top two are poured on 5/0 Trokar hooks. Fish can't even look at those baits funny without getting hooked   I don't pour them with Trokars for myself though, that's too high roller for me. The baits I make for myself are functional, not pretty but they sure do work.

I use Phenix Vibrator Blades Version II. They come with the split ring and the snap.

Shhh!!!    

 

Funny rite there!

Shhh!!!    

 

Those top two are poured on 5/0 Trokar hooks. Fish can't even look at those baits funny without getting hooked   I don't pour them with Trokars for myself though, that's too high roller for me. The baits I make for myself are functional, not pretty but they sure do work.

 

those baits look good man!!! 

I use Phenix Vibrator Blades Version II. They come with the split ring and the snap.

Where do you get those blades?

Allen

Nice. And notice how he bent the lip down. You get alot more vibration like that.

 

 

The main reason to bend the blade is to get the bait vibrating more quickly once it hits the water, which is nice for very shallow water.

The main reason to bend the blade is to get the bait vibrating more quickly once it hits the water, which is nice for very shallow water.

It gives off a much stronger vibration that way also. I've tried to fish them without bending them but the vibration isn't half of what a bent blade puts out. You can adjust the angle of the bend to adjust the depth you want it to run a little bit though.

Where do you get those blades?

Allen

I get them at TW.

I am curious about chatterbaits....have never used them. where should I be using one of these? I am in Michigan with ULTRA clear water.

I am curious about chatterbaits....have never used them. where should I be using one of these? I am in Michigan with ULTRA clear water.

If you have any weedlines or any kind of cover I like to run them around that stuff. One of the lakes I fish is very clear and I do well with a solid white one with a bright chartreuse trailer. You can use them to cover water on large flats like you would with a spinnerbait as well. Get a fairly heavy one and move it quickly so they don't get a good look at it. Natural colors are another good option.

Is there a place to get the jig head molds already poured?

Is there a place to get the jig head molds already poured?

http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/shaker-head-jigs/345350.aspx

Thanks blue

I get them at TW.

Sorry for my ignorance, what is TW?

Kind Regards,

Charlie47

Sorry for my ignorance, what is TW?

Kind Regards,

Charlie47

Hey Charlie47, don't apologize.  It's no big deal.

 

Tackle Warehouse.  BPS- Bass Pro Shop. BTD- Bass Tackle Depot.  Just to give you a few more.  Guys use abbreviations to shorten their replies.

 

The one that got me when I started here was K.I.S.S.    keep it simple stupid.  

If you have any weedlines or any kind of cover I like to run them around that stuff. One of the lakes I fish is very clear and I do well with a solid white one with a bright chartreuse trailer. You can use them to cover water on large flats like you would with a spinnerbait as well. Get a fairly heavy one and move it quickly so they don't get a good look at it. Natural colors are another good option.

Hey Blue,  if you don't mind me asking, what size split ring are you using to attach the blade?  Thanks.

Hey Blue,  if you don't mind me asking, what size split ring are you using to attach the blade?  Thanks.

#2

What about the snap, what size? 

What about the snap, what size? 

Also a #2 duolock snap.