When should I use a lipless crankbait instead of a chatterbait?

Fishing with lipless crankbaits and chatterbaits can be an exciting venture, especially as the season transitions into spring. Both of these lures are fantastic for targeting bass, but they shine under different conditions. Let's break down when you might want to opt for a lipless crankbait over a chatterbait, and vice versa.

Lipless Crankbaits

A lipless crankbait is a versatile tool in the angler's arsenal. These lures excel when you're targeting bass in open waters with vegetation or structures like rocks and wood. Because of their ability to sink and be retrieved at various depths, lipless crankbaits are superb in cooler water temperatures, which is often the case in the early spring as the water begins to warm up. The tight wobble and rattle of a lipless crankbait can entice those lethargic bass out of hiding.

When to use:

• Cold Water: Early spring when the water is still chilly.
• Covering Water: When you need to search for fish across a large area.
• Vegetation: When fishing around grass lines or submerged vegetation.

Chatterbaits

On the flip side, a chatterbait is excellent for fishing in heavy cover and murky water. Known for their vibrating action, chatterbaits create a lot of commotion, making them ideal in situations where visibility is low, and you need to attract fish through sound and vibration. This can be particularly effective in springtime as well when fish are moving into shallower, muddier waters to spawn.

When to use:

• Murky Water: When water clarity is low, and you need extra vibration to attract fish.
• Shallow Cover: Around docks, logs, and bushes.
• Active Fish: When fish are more aggressive and responsive to noise and vibration.

Handy Tip

For early spring fishing, try starting with a lipless crankbait to cover a lot of water quickly and locate bass schools. Once you find the fish, switch to a chatterbait to provoke more aggressive strikes, especially if the water is muddy.

Resources for Further Learning

• Watch this video on Lipless Crankbait vs. Chatterbait for more insights on when to use each type.

• Check out these MadBite Bladed Jig Fishing Lures for a reliable chatterbait option.

Embrace the challenge of fishing with these two dynamic lures and let the fish decide which they favor on any given day. With the right approach, you'll be reeling in those big ones in no time. Happy fishing!