Bladed jigs are just what the name implies, a jig with a small blade attached at the head. Sometimes referred to as vibrating jigs because of the tremendous amount of vibration they create when pulled through the water.

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Bladed jigs became popular with the release of the ChatterBait by Z Man fishing products. In fact the name ChatterBait has become synonymous with the bladed jig. Fisherman found that especially in clear water, that the vibrating jig would many times out fish the very popular spinner bait. While in line spinners have been around for decades, I understand that spinnerbaits were invented in the early 50’s. However they didn’t really gain popularity until the 70’s. During the 80’s and 90’s spinnerbaits were the ’rage’ in bass fishing. They flat our caught fish. Today, while they are still used, more and more bass fisherman have replaced (or almost replaced) their use with square bill crankbaits and bladed jigs.

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Bladed jigs can shine in weedy areas, especially in relatively clear water. They are generally used around shallow cover. While they throw off a similar amount of vibration as a spinnerbait, they have a subdued amount of flash which can be helpful in clear water. Spinnerbaits are usually better in off color water and on windy days.

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Bladed jigs come in many sizes. Some are micro baits and only weigh about 1/8 of an ounce. These are best thrown on spinning gear. A host of sizes are available up to 2 ounces. I have fished bladed jigs of up to 1/2 ounce on spinning gear but I think once you go over 3/8 of an ounce that baitcasters work best.

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These vibrating jigs come in many skirt colors including  multi colored skirts. Blades come in nickel, gold, copper and black as well as some colors. I usually like to fish with black blades and will sometimes color a nickel or gold blade with black nail polish if I can’t find the skirt color I am looking for with black factory blades.

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Bladed jigs can be fished with a steady retrieve, with a pulsating rod tip or pumped during the retrieve. Like fishing with any other lure, let the bass tell you want they want on any given day.

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Strikes on bladed jigs can be very light sometimes. Sometime all you feel is that the lure stops vibrating. This could be that it is fowled with weeds or that a big bass has mouthed the lure. So hit it hard in any case. Other times the strikes can be violent. I had a smallmouth literally almost take the rod out of my hand because of it’s powerful strike. Of course sometimes you’ll just feel the fish pulsing on the lure.

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