How to Tie on a Chatterbait

A chatterbait can be an extremely useful tool for those who enjoy fishing, but they can be a little tricky to get tied onto your line. To help you out, we're going to take a look into what a chatterbait can do for you and the steps you need to take in order to get it properly tied onto your line.

What is a Chatterbait?

At the most basic level, a chatterbait is a special kind of fishing lure. It's a jig that maintains the appearance of a small fish and is made to move as a smaller prey animal would. That way, larger bass that may find such a small fish tasty will be attracted to the lure.

Even more specifically, chatterbait lures are made to look like a small fish in a vertical direction rather than a horizontal one. The idea is that as you reel in the lure, it swims along and draws attention to itself. Furthermore, the blade on the lure adds a flash that larger fish can't help but love.

Benefits of Using a Chatterbait

Due to the flashy appearance and the jerky movements that mimic a small fish, larger species of fish love these jigs. They see the jig as easy prey, and most animals are unlikely to resist a quick meal.

The little blade on the jig is also made to help it avoid becoming snagged, which is a huge convenience for fishers who don't want to lose their lures. On a similar note, it's also made to be easy to retrieve once a fish has latched onto it, reducing the chances that it will be swallowed fully and unable to use again.

How to Tie on a Chatterbait

What you need

It's important to tie your lure correctly so that it not only stays on the line, but also moves in the correct ways to attract larger fish. If you aren't familiar with tying these kinds of lures onto your line, you'll need to learn how to tie a Palomar knot. Luckily, it's not too difficult to learn.

You'll need the lure and your fishing line to start with. Just about any kind of line will work, so make sure you're using something that will suit the type and size of fish you're planning to catch.

Tying the line

Start by carefully holding the lure by the blade. Take into consideration the amount of length you'll want, which will depend on where you're going to be fishing. In some areas, one or two feet will be enough but in others you may need four or five feet.

Adjust the line on your pole so that you have the ideal amount free. At the end of the line, you'll be ready to start tying on the lure. Do make sure to be careful and avoid the hook on the jig, as it can be very sharp.

Doubling the line

Next, you'll want to double the line by moving the end of the line back through the hole. This will get you started on your knot. With the end of the line that you have now looped, you'll be able to create an overhand knot by taking the free end of the loop, moving it around the portion that is standing, and then passing the loop through that standing section.

While it may seem complicated, if you carefully follow the steps and get some practice in you'll be a pro at getting your lure tied on in no time.

Looping

Now you'll want to pull the line, but make sure it's loose enough that you'll be able to move your lure through that loop once again. This might take about three or four inches, depending on your chatterbait lure. It's better to leave it too loose rather than too tight so you don't accidentally poke yourself with the hook on the lure.

At this point, you're going to want to take that loop and place the chatterbait inside of it carefully. Make sure all of the lure is in the loop, or the knot may not work correctly.

Finishing it up

Now, you should find that the hole is now above the loop in your line. You may choose to wet down the line slightly using either water or saliva if you choose. What this can do is help to keep the lines from easily becoming stiff or tangled after it has been completely tied.

Finally, you'll want to pull at both ends of the line. It should close slowly, tightening up the knot and making it as secure as possible. If you find it hasn't worked, try again! Otherwise, there is one more bonus step that you can take if you want to.

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The optional step

This option can be a good way to add a little more security to the line. If you grab the end of your line that is free and move it once again through the eye of the hook, pulling it downward, it will ensure that the knot is then on the inside of the eye.

That extra step is just one you can take that will help the knot to be straight, keeping it more protected from any debris in the water that may scrape against it.

Conclusion

Overall, tying a chatterbait lure onto your line doesn't have to be difficult. Just taking the steps one at a time and carefully practicing can ensure that you get it figured out in no time. If you find that you need extra help, then there are plenty of videos you can find online as well to supplement the steps here.

After a few times getting it correct, you'll be able to tie on these kinds of lures efficiently with ease. Then, you'll be able to spend less time dealing with getting your lure connected and more time reeling in that big catch. Many find that with the right kind of knot, these chatterbait lures can be highly effective.