Let’s Talk About Z-man CHATBAIT FREEDOM CHART/WHT 3/8ozGOLD CBF38-02
The Z-man CHATBAIT FREEDOM CHART/WHT 3/8ozGOLD CBF38-02 is a bladed swim jig designed to trigger aggressive strikes from bass. Made by Z-man, this lure combines the erratic action of a crankbait, the profile of a jig, and the flash of a spinnerbait into one versatile package.
I was looking for a bait that could handle heavy cover yet still provide a good presentation in open water. Spinnerbaits are great, but I wanted something with a bit more thump and a profile that could be easily customized with different trailers. The ChatterBait Freedom seemed like it could deliver exactly that.
Upon unboxing, the Z-man CHATBAIT FREEDOM CHART/WHT 3/8ozGOLD CBF38-02 felt solid and well-constructed. The blade had a nice gold finish, and the chartreuse and white skirt looked vibrant. The hook felt incredibly sharp, promising solid hooksets.
I’ve used Strike King’s KVD ChatterBait and the original ChatterBait. While those are proven fish-catchers, the Freedom‘s swinging hook design intrigued me. This seemed to offer more freedom of movement for the trailer and better weedless capabilities, so it’s what sold me.
My initial impression was one of excitement. This bait looked like it could be a real workhorse, capable of handling a variety of situations and delivering consistent results.
Real-World Testing: Putting Z-man CHATBAIT FREEDOM CHART/WHT 3/8ozGOLD CBF38-02 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Z-man CHATBAIT FREEDOM CHART/WHT 3/8ozGOLD CBF38-02 was on a local lake known for its heavy vegetation and largemouth bass population. I fished it around weed edges, submerged timber, and lily pad fields.
The lure performed admirably even in somewhat murky waters. The water had about 2-3 feet of visibility. The gold blade created a noticeable flash, and the bait vibrated intensely, even at slow speeds.
The swinging hook design took a little getting used to when rigging. Once I figured out the best way to attach my chosen trailer (a 4-inch swimbait), it was smooth sailing. I was impressed by how easily it came through the weeds without snagging.
After about an hour, I hooked into a solid 3-pounder that smashed the bait right near a patch of lily pads. The hookset was solid, and the fish was landed without any issues. This first trip confirmed my initial excitement.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Z-man CHATBAIT FREEDOM CHART/WHT 3/8ozGOLD CBF38-02 has held up exceptionally well. The blade’s finish shows minimal wear, and the skirt remains intact.
The hook point is still incredibly sharp. I’ve fished it around rocks and heavy cover, and so far there is no sign of wear. I’ve been careful to rinse the lure after each use to prevent corrosion.
Maintenance is simple. A quick rinse and occasional inspection are all that’s needed. Compared to other bladed jigs I’ve used, the Z-man CHATBAIT FREEDOM definitely outperforms them in terms of durability and weedless performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Z-man CHATBAIT FREEDOM CHART/WHT 3/8ozGOLD CBF38-02
Specifications
- Weight: 3/8 oz. This is a versatile weight that allows for both shallow and mid-depth presentations.
- Hook Size: 5/0 VMC X Long Wide Gap Hook. This hook size is perfect for accommodating a variety of soft plastic trailers.
- Color: Chartreuse/White, Gold Blade. The chartreuse and white combination is highly visible in various water conditions, while the gold blade adds extra flash.
- Quantity: Per 1. Each package contains one Z-man CHATBAIT FREEDOM.
- ChatterBlade: Stainless steel, hex-shaped for maximum vibration. This is crucial for attracting fish in murky water.
- Line Tie: Extra-strong quick clip. This makes it easy to change lures quickly on the water.
- Hook Design: Swinging hook with Freedom Tackle advanced interchangeable design. This allows for easy hook changes and customization.
Performance & Functionality
The Z-man CHATBAIT FREEDOM CHART/WHT 3/8ozGOLD CBF38-02 excels at attracting bass. Its erratic action and intense vibration trigger reaction strikes from even the most finicky fish.
The swinging hook design significantly improves weedless performance. It also allows the trailer to move more freely, creating a more natural presentation.
The lure meets my expectations and exceeds them in some areas. Its weedless performance is exceptional, and the swinging hook design definitely seems to improve hookup ratios.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The materials are durable, and the lure feels well-balanced. The skirt is securely attached, and the blade spins freely.
The lure is very user-friendly. Rigging a trailer is straightforward. The quick clip line tie makes it easy to switch between different lures.
Durability & Maintenance
The Z-man CHATBAIT FREEDOM CHART/WHT 3/8ozGOLD CBF38-02 is built to last. The durable materials ensure that it can withstand the rigors of fishing in heavy cover.
Maintenance is minimal. Rinse it after each use and check the hook point regularly. Replacing the hook is easy thanks to the Freedom Tackle design.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Z-man CHATBAIT FREEDOM CHART/WHT 3/8ozGOLD CBF38-02 doesn’t come with any accessories. However, it’s highly customizable.
It pairs well with a wide variety of soft plastic trailers, including swimbaits, craws, and creature baits. The Freedom Tackle design allows for easy hook swaps, letting you customize the hook size and style to match your trailer and fishing conditions. It is also compatible with most standard bladed jig trailers.
Pros and Cons of Z-man CHATBAIT FREEDOM CHART/WHT 3/8ozGOLD CBF38-02
Pros
- Exceptional weedless performance thanks to the swinging hook design.
- Versatile action that combines the best of crankbaits, jigs, and spinnerbaits.
- Durable construction and high-quality components.
- Easy to customize with different trailers and hooks.
- The chartreuse and white color pattern is effective in a variety of water conditions.
Cons
- The swinging hook design can take some getting used to when rigging trailers.
- It is slightly more expensive than some other bladed jigs on the market.
Who Should Buy Z-man CHATBAIT FREEDOM CHART/WHT 3/8ozGOLD CBF38-02?
The Z-man CHATBAIT FREEDOM CHART/WHT 3/8ozGOLD CBF38-02 is perfect for bass anglers who fish around heavy cover, such as weeds, timber, and lily pads. It is also great for those who want a versatile lure that can be customized to match different fishing conditions. This bait is a solid choice for both beginner and experienced anglers.
Someone who primarily fishes open water with minimal cover might not fully appreciate the Freedom‘s weedless capabilities. Anglers on a tight budget might also find it slightly expensive compared to other options.
A good selection of soft plastic trailers in different sizes and colors is a must-have accessory. Consider a trailer hook for increased hookup rates in certain situations.
Conclusion on Z-man CHATBAIT FREEDOM CHART/WHT 3/8ozGOLD CBF38-02
The Z-man CHATBAIT FREEDOM CHART/WHT 3/8ozGOLD CBF38-02 is a highly effective and versatile bladed jig that deserves a place in any serious bass angler’s tackle box. Its unique swinging hook design and durable construction set it apart from the competition.
While it may be slightly more expensive than other bladed jigs, the improved weedless performance and customization options justify the price. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and effective bait for fishing around heavy cover.
If you’re ready to experience the power of the Z-man CHATBAIT FREEDOM, head down to your local tackle shop or order one online. Get ready to catch some fish!