As the title states, what are your current favorite vibrating jig plus trailer pairings for a : 1) Baitfish Profile and a 2) Craw Profile ? There are new entries it seems just about every month being released . For me, I like the ZMan Jack Hammer , Elite EVO or Strike King Thunder Cricket (licensed from ZMan) because they hunt on the retrieve in open water above grass. If I fished in thicker vegetation I wouldn’t place as much emphasis on the hunting ability of a vibrating jig but still would want the blade to head clacking sound. I mainly fish shallow so a 3/8th oz. works for me in either a lighter weight combo using ZMan Elaztec trailers such as the Chatter Shad and Chatter Spike (baitfish profile) and the GOAT (craw profile). If I need more weight to get the chatter bait down more without going to a 1/2 oz. weight I will use a Hog Farmer / Missile Baits Spunk Shad , Yamamoto Zako, or Strike King Blade Minnow (baitfish profile) . I’m not one for using paddle tail trailers with vibrating jigs as the actuon of a paddle tail trailer seems to fight against the action the vibrating jig already provides. For craw imitators, I’ll use a Strike King Rage Mennace , Rage Craw, or Zoom Ultravibe Speed Craws … I’m sure there are other combinations I did not mention above - what has been your favorite vibrating jig plus trailer pairings recently along with those you want to try soon ?

Having used almost every trailer you mention above plus a few you didn’t, I have settled on the spunk shad 100% of the time. 3.5”, 4.5” and 5.5” depending on the size of the baitfish around and how aggressive the bass are that day. As for the bait itself, the elite Evo is my choice for a combo of performance and price. Sure, I think a bladed jig is maybe 5% better, but it is 2x the price. An elite Evo on sale is the best buy going and I’ll pick up one or two when I see them marked down. I fish 1/2 and 3/8 based on depth and speed. And, I’ve even slimmed down to 3 colors in the box- black and blue, green pumpkin (and other bluegill variants), and a natural baitfish. Mix and match trailer colors as needed.

I like the Evo. I'm not trying to profile craws or bait fish. I use Z-Man Goats or beaver style baits rigged horizontally. This helps the lure go over snags without rolling over plus its better for skipping.

1/2 bladed jig with missile baby d bomb or zman 4" curly tail grub..

Best performing for me (by far) has been the pinhead bladed jig by LS lures with a CC ned BLT as a trailer. Always have one on now.

I keep it simple.

3/8 & 1/2 Wiggle wagons towing along a 4 inch Zako.

A-Jay

https://youtu.be/o9xew3tWuuU?si=KoWmX66xJwXSOCnB&t=1014

https://youtu.be/sITpRNLz_04?si=7KmxZV03rHikuxss&t=196

https://youtu.be/ex3v1uogEcg?si=qwxAwokq8WpRNc11&t=329

1 hour ago, A-Jay said:

I keep it simple.

3/8 & 1/2 Wiggle wagons towing along a 4 inch Zako.

A-Jay

https://youtu.be/o9xew3tWuuU?si=KoWmX66xJwXSOCnB&t=1014

https://youtu.be/sITpRNLz_04?si=7KmxZV03rHikuxss&t=196

https://youtu.be/ex3v1uogEcg?si=qwxAwokq8WpRNc11&t=329

Agreed, but exclusively 1/2 oz for me. I like the action of the Spunk Shad as a trailer a lot and I'm still playing with them, but the Zako is still the king for me for both numbers and size.

I’m the same as @casts_by_fly only I use the crush city freeloader also along with spunk shads. Green pumpkin was my go to early this spring. Basically tutored by him though and his methods flat out work. I caught tons on it.

2 hours ago, A-Jay said:

I keep it simple.

3/8 & 1/2 Wiggle wagons towing along a 4 inch Zako.

A-Jay

https://youtu.be/o9xew3tWuuU?si=KoWmX66xJwXSOCnB&t=1014

https://youtu.be/sITpRNLz_04?si=7KmxZV03rHikuxss&t=196

https://youtu.be/ex3v1uogEcg?si=qwxAwokq8WpRNc11&t=329

Your make keep your trialers simple, but the only simple description of this picture is simply obscene.

-Jackall Super Break Blade with Zako, Spunk Shad or OSP Action Trailer (which is an extremely thin craw)

-Flashback Mini with Raid Fishroller. These is basically an "automatic" rolling/strolling bait. Incredibly effective!

I have one "wildcard" that I use exclusively for Smallmouth. It's a Decoy Zero Dan Flash. It's essentially a bladed Jika. That paired with a Grumpy Goby and either popped or dragged along bottom is very effective. Photo below.

Spring, OSP Metal Blade with a Dolive Stick.

Summer, Grass Piece or bladed jig with a Sakamata, Volup Minnow, or Spunk Shad. Bellows Shad rigged flat if I have to keep it up, up, up.