I've been having better luck with a zoom super chunk (and Jr.) but noticed hardly any flutter on the appendages. Going to be doing some restocking soon and wanted to know how the Ultra Vibe chunk is, lots of flutter? Think I'm going to add some to the rotation only if I can get some action from the "claws" as a more active option to the super chunk. If not I'll find something else.

I guess the reason the super chunk is good is because it doesn't have action.

 

For something similar that has a lot of action. I like the net bait paca chunk.

Less action and less bulk. Switched to a finesse compact jig and the super chunk jr. Just want to have the option of a more flamboyant low profile trailer if the time/need arises.  I've been using the smallest rage craws but even with those I notice less bulk with the super chunk jr. 

I'm not sure if my answer is helpful.

 

But I recently started using the Raid Egu Chunk 3" on a Free Rig. The 3" is the smallest.

 

Despite being a small bait, I can fell it buzz the rod tip on my lifts like a chatterbait. It's impressive.

 

A small Dolive Beaver which I've also used plenty makes a great trailer.

 

Something to think about and this in no way disses Rage Tail or other action trailers:

If you can, watch a craw as it scoots away from danger, specifically as it falls back to the bottom.

You can see for yourself why chunk style trailers are so effective. Unless the water I'm fishing offers poor visibility and the added vibration is a plus, a Zoom Salty Chunk is what I reach for in clear water.

I prefer the Ultravibe Speed Craw over all of Zoom's chunks. More colors, easier to thread on a hook. I do use the Swimmin Chunk as a trailer for Johnson Spoon or Snagless Sally.

 

@papajoe222 ya know I completely agree with you but was ready to respond that my home lake is dirty and 2-3 ft visibility is the typical which is why I wanted something that caused a lot of movement as an option for that lake. Then I got to thinkin if a jig is even a good idea to be throwing in water conditions like that....and now im re-evaluating some home lake strategies....lol

2 hours ago, Functional said:

@papajoe222 ya know I completely agree with you but was ready to respond that my home lake is dirty and 2-3 ft visibility is the typical which is why I wanted something that caused a lot of movement as an option for that lake. Then I got to thinkin if a jig is even a good idea to be throwing in water conditions like that....and now im re-evaluating some home lake strategies....lol

 

I prefer dirty water for a jig  😏

 

I think you get a lot more bites on jigs when visibility isn't great because they can't exactly make out what it is and all of the secondary action of the skirt and trailer combined with the water displacement from the bulk of the bait make it very effective.

 

I personally don't find that  claw action is about whether craws flutter or don't etc

 

It's more about generating a reaction strike/slowing or expediting rate of fall/creating a profile/mimicking small bluegill or perch or baitfish.

 

Bass definitely eat crawfish but I think bass bite jigs because they look alive, not because they look like a crawfish.

 

I like claws that move mostly because they seem to generate more bites in clear and dirty water regardless of how I'm working a jig/regardless of water temp.  Jñ

 

I have caught fish with chunks and I use them when I want to increase rate of fall or when fish seem to be more keyed in on dead action and less on movement.

 

 

Interesting. Again still learning the jig. I've tried the rate of fall and gone with heavier small and large profile jigs (1/2oz and 7/8oz) for the reaction in both dirty and clear water. Tried lighter jigs hopping them, etc. My most success has been keeping them on the bottom and jiggling my rod tip to work them in. Fairly different from your approach but I want to proof it out a bit more over the next few weeks. Figured with less dramatic movement some active claws would help in dirty water. Might just need to fish it out first and see how she goes. 

22 minutes ago, Functional said:

Interesting. Again still learning the jig. I've tried the rate of fall and gone with heavier small and large profile jigs (1/2oz and 7/8oz) for the reaction in both dirty and clear water. Tried lighter jigs hopping them, etc. My most success has been keeping them on the bottom and jiggling my rod tip to work them in. Fairly different from your approach but I want to proof it out a bit more over the next few weeks. Figured with less dramatic movement some active claws would help in dirty water. Might just need to fish it out first and see how she goes. 

 

 

I have a few approaches with jigs but regardless of whether I'm casting it and letting it fall or hopping it or dragging it or dead sticking it or swimming it - the previously aforementioned observations remain.  Jigs are great for catching bass in open water around structure on a slow retrieve but when you get on a REALLY spectacularly good jig bite, you're throwing the jig at every target you can see visibly and the jig is often getting smacked hard long before it arrives at the bottom. 

 

There are definitely days where I catch them on structure with jigs fishing them on the bottom too - but this is what seems to be the type of action that happens when they're On It™.

 

YMMV as always 😎🤙🏼🎣 

 

I will say to your credit - when the water is clearer - slower and lower almost always works better with jigs but when it's a little dirty - I move shallow and plan to keep that rod in my hand all day probably.

2 hours ago, Pat Brown said:

I will say to your credit - when the water is clearer - slower and lower almost always works better with jigs but when it's a little dirty - I move shallow and plan to keep that rod in my hand all day probably.

To this, my recent success of lower/slower was on a lake with fairly clear water (for our central/eastern NC). So this all tracks in my experience so far with yours.