If you are fishing in a pond or a smaller body of water or there is a lot of fishing pressure the stepping down to a bladed jig with a smaller profile might be a good option. Like a standard bladed jig, this lure can do very well if the visibility is lower and also does better around grass than some other lures, but the overall profile is a little smaller. As a result it can do better when the bite is tough and as an example I was actually surprised to get a couple of bites on one the other day which was in the middle of the summer when it was very hot outside.
In terms of rods to use you can use I typically just use a standard crankbait rod for this lure, which in my case is currently a Dobyns Champion XP 705CB. The reason for this is even though I’m still throwing a 1/2oz weighted lure, the overall size (and weight) of the lure is smaller and as a result I like using that rod over something like the 736 that I use for standard bladed jigs and deep diving crankbaits. In terms of specific lures I like the Z-Man Chatterbait Elite Evo Mini Max which was released earlier this year, but you could also throw a regular mini max since they are about the same in terms of size, weight, and trailers that you would want to use.
Lure Summary – Small Bladed Jig
Suggested Rod Length: 6’10” – 7’2″
Suggested Rod Power: Medium Heavy
Suggested Rod Action: Moderate Fast
Suggested Reel Type: Casting Reel
Suggested Gear Ratio: 7.2:1
Lure Weight (est.): .67oz
Tackle Required
- 14lb Fluorocarbon Line
Suggested Baits
- 1/2oz Z-Man Chatterbait Elite Evo Mini Max
Suggested Soft Plastic Baits
- 3.38″ Strike King Midsize Rage Bug
- 3.5″ Hog Farmer Spunk Shad