I was late to the game when it comes to bladed jig/chatterbait fishing, but I’ve had a lot more time for fishing this year because of COVID and social distancing and whatnot, so I’ve done what I’ve always done when I wanted to learn or get better with a specific lure... I put it in my hand and tried not to put it down. I’ve grown to really like using bladed jigs, and I normally always have one on the deck. My question arises as we get deeper into fall and then into winter (we’re still dealing with temps in the 70s most of the time in South Louisiana, but we’ve had a few cold fronts and more to come in the near future lol). My go-to trailer is a Zoom Super Fluke, but I also like paddle tails like Rage Swimmers or Keitech’s. With water temps dropping, I’m wondering what others like to use for a smaller profile trailer. Obviously I plan to try the Zoom Tiny Fluke and smaller versions of the paddle tails, but I was hoping to get some other recommendations of trailers to try out. So what do you guys think??

I've actually had some good results with just a bit off stick worm. With bladed jigs you really don't need a trailer with action built in. I use spinning tackle a lot so it also keeps the bait a bit lighter than a big trailer would.

Try a 4" or 5" Yamamoto Swim Senko ~

Snip a bit off the front of the bait as needed.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Yamamoto_Swim_Senko/descpage-YSS.html

A-Jay

Zoom fluke is good start.  I also like a rage menace and gycb zako.

2 hours ago, Big_Easy_Bassin said:

My question arises as we get deeper into fall and then into winter (we’re still dealing with temps in the 70s most of the time in South Louisiana, but we’ve had a few cold fronts and more to come in the near future lol).

 

Southwest Louisiana, Lake Fork Tackle Live Magic Shad ?

LFT Live Magic Shad is a good-un. Give the Rage Sructure Bug a try, too!

 

I use a regular 4inch zoom fluke...smaller and more subtle than a super fluke. I also like a menace grub alot...they are great on a swim jig,flipping jig,chatterbait...honestly they can do anything. They may be the best overall soft plastic on the market. I know that's a bold statement but they are super versatile.

A swim senko or yum swimming dinger works pretty well! Start with 5" and you can trim them down a little bit.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Yamamoto_4_Zako_Swimbait/descpage-GYZSB.html

 

Big fan of the Zako.

I like to avoid using boot tailed trailers when im fishing a CB in post frontal conditions or really cold water.

 

Jackall iShad...It has that thin tail that gives off a subtle action without giving the bait lift

 

Arizona Custom Baits AFG Force... its essentially a zako except its hand-poured and has a little more action

Hog Farmer Spunk Shad.. much like a Jackall ishad but has a slightly beefier body

 

Ive used Zooms Fluke Sticks b4 and they work, really just a senko style bait with a split tail on the end

I go the opposite route. Bigger trailer allows for a slower retrieve and offers a large fish more food for it's effort. A 4.8" Fat Impact is my winter bladed jig trailer of choice.

Year round I use either a Zako, Razor Shadz, or Rage Menace anymore. Only thing I have a paddle tail on is a Thunder Cricket. 

 

I second the rage menace being about the most versatile plastic out there!

Zoom super chunk jr. 

On 11/29/2020 at 1:10 AM, Luke Barnes said:

Year round I use either a Zako, Razor Shadz, or Rage Menace anymore. Only thing I have a paddle tail on is a Thunder Cricket. 

 

I second the rage menace being about the most versatile plastic out there!

Any particular reason for the paddle tail on the Thunder Cricket? I have yet to try a Thunder Cricket, but I’ve had a few buddies tell me they fish very similarly to the ones I use from a local company down here in South Louisiana. 

You guys make this far too complicated.  If you are throwing a chatter bait type lure, you aren't finesse fishing.  My chatter bait box only has Zako's for trailers.  That's all I use.  If I want to finesse fish, I'll throw a finesse bait.  I'm not saying Zako is the best, or only trailer.  I just use it.  I just don't believe it matters that much.  Where your throw is much more important.  Pick one you like and throw it.  It will either catch fish, or it won't.  If they will bite a chatter bait, it will.

 

I usually just use twister tail grubs as trailers.  2 inch in the spring/fall and 4 inchers in the summer. Same for spinner baits.  I’ve done well on them while making my own chatter baits.  Three main colors of twister tails I use are white, black, and chartreuse 

On 12/1/2020 at 6:14 PM, Big_Easy_Bassin said:

Any particular reason for the paddle tail on the Thunder Cricket? I have yet to try a Thunder Cricket, but I’ve had a few buddies tell me they fish very similarly to the ones I use from a local company down here in South Louisiana. 

It looks a bit more compact and less bulky. It's also a different vibration than a jackhammer. Like higher pitched I guess. I rig the paddle tail upside down. I read that tip somewhere but i dont remember. But it doesnt interfere with the thumping of the blade.