One of the most popular bass lures during the past decade is a vibrating jig, which is the generic term for the original ChatterBait from Z-Man Fishing. Unlike some bass lure designs that are a century old, the ChatterBait was invented in 2004; it is very much the new kid on the block.

While many anglers own and use vibrating jigs, the vast majority of them could be catching more bass by implementing the advice explained below from professional angler Matt Stefan. I’ve fished vibrating jigs a lot for bass, and my experience matches that of Stefans. In summary, he recommends the following five tips:

1. Trim the skirt
2. Choose a straight-tail trailer
3. Impart as much action as possible during the retrieve
4. Bang the lure into obstructions during the retrieve
5. Use a powerful, long rod (at least 7 feet) with moderate action and lighter tip

To prevent bite-offs from northern pike when fishing a vibrating jig, add a flexible wire leader. As shown here, smallmouth (left) and largemouth (right) don’t notice the leader, especially in dark-colored water.

P.S. If you are targeting bass in waters that contain a high population of northern pike, consider using a flexible wire leader instead of tying your line directly to the vibrating jig. My favorite is the Berkley Steelon Wire-Wound Leader; 9 inches long, 30-pound break strength, black. You can buy a three-pack of these leaders for $2. In my experience, this leader doesn’t change a vibrating jig’s action, and because the lure is generally being retrieved at a high speed, and often in dark-colored water, the bass don’t see it. The leader prevents bite-offs from pike, saving you lures and money!