Ladson, SC – These days, when you’re up on the casting deck, setting hooks and lipping big bass hitched to a favorite ChatterBait® JackHammer™, you can bet other boats are sharing in the fun, successfully slinging the same legendary lure. That multiple anglers on the same lake can all partake in the JackHammer jubilation, and that big bass continue wolfing this tournament-best bladed jig without hesitation speaks to its undeniable powers of attraction.
But when bites get super tough; when certain water, weather or forage-base conditions emerge, a fresh treatment of ChatterBait color in all the right places can rapidly turbocharge a previously stale bite.
New for fall 2024, Z-Man®, Evergreen International and eminent ChatterBait tactician Brett Hite have rolled out four fresh JackHammer patterns, elevating the definitive bladed jig’s warpaint count to 22 pro-driven patterns.
“The more we throw this amazing lure, the more we discover different bass catching niches, such as deep, clear water smallmouths, suspended spotted bass programs and overlooked reservoir bites for big largemouths,” notes Hite, who credits ChatterBait bladed jigs for well over a million dollars in bass tourney winnings.
“When you’re fishing against so many anglers casting the same lure—especially in high pressure tournament scenarios—the more critical it becomes to really dial in to the conditions, presenting precise skirt / blade / jighead color combinations preferred by big, selective fish. These new-for-2024 JackHammer patterns unmask some pretty awesome possibilities.”
“We created Morning Dawn to tap into the aura of that killer West Coast worm pattern. Strands of glitter white silicone around pink and purple base fibers produce a super cool glow effect in the water,” explains Hite.
“This pattern’s metallic pink head and muted chrome blade accentuate the subtle illusion—an overlooked color configuration for clear water lakes and deep reservoirs. This one is a sleeper for big spotted and smallmouth bass, too. And again, the combination of color elements almost hum with a luminous glow, giving it a neat baitfish halo effect in clear water.”
Hite: “Mimicking one of sweetest swimbait colors going, Smallmouth Magic also represents the first JackHammer with a subdued watermelon blade.” Color matched head and skirting each present watermelon and blue flake on top with crystal white below.
“This is a terrific all-around shad pattern, but with a naturally toned-down blade that isn’t so showy in the water for more stealth and subtlety,” Hite observes. “I predict this one will sell out fast.”
“Anglers have been asking us to make this JackHammer pattern for a while and it’s a good one,” Hite divulges. “All monochromatic, matte black, all over. Skirt, head and blade applications offer relatively low reflectivity and the subtlety to entice super pressured bass.
“While some anglers view Black Jack as a night color, I prefer to throw it in dirty water, stained Florida lakes and at times for big smallmouth. (Hite compares this pattern to the allure of a solid black marabou jig.) This color shines in coldwater and around the prespawn period. But don’t overlook it when brighter hues and metallic blades aren’t producing like they should.”
Hite: “You can’t help but notice this lure’s showy red throat, which accentuates the pattern’s blood-red sparkles, splattered across its green pumpkin blade and green pumpkin / watermelon red skirt.
“It’s a great two-tone pattern with a really perch-like feel to it. Swim it just above the bass and give ‘em a loud splash of red surrounded by a naturally muted body and blade. Another potent JackHammer pattern for almost all conditions, with a red gill-like flash of color. One more way to separate yourself from the pack.”
Pressed to divulge one more off-the-radar ChatterBait JackHammer pattern, Hite responds in a flash. “You want a sleeper? Something that’s been around, but that I don’t see many anglers throw? Golden Shiner, for sure. That one’s been killing it for me recently. Great all-around color, not just a Florida special, but anywhere. Love the gold blade and color-matched, tri-tone body—black back, metallic gold midsection and clear / white underside. That thing’s just extra tasty.”
The pre-eminent vibrating jig today, the ChatterBait JackHammer is a collaborative effort between Z-Man Fishing and Japanese luremaker, Evergreen International, designed by professional angler Brett Hite. Available in 3/8-, 1/2-, 3/4- and 1-1/4-ounce sizes, the ChatterBait JackHammer now features 22 color-matched patterns, compatible with a variety of ElaZtech® trailers. New-for-2024 JackHammer patterns will be available in December. For additional intel, check www.zmanfishing.com.
