Z Man Jack Hammer

I'm thinking about ordering a few of them. Are the skirts replaceable? Are they really that much better than the lower cost Chatterbaits? What's your go to color? I'm thinking (1) White (1) Fire Craw (1) Blue Gill. What do y'all think?

No need to replace the skirts. They last. Yes they are that much better. I throw white and B.Hite Delight. Firecraw is over rated in my opinion

Yes, much better than the standard chatterbait. But there are other brands that make great vibrating jigs for a more affordable price, that every angler around you isn’t throwing.

Spot remover, white, and green pumpkin is all you need. 1 of each in 3/8 and 1/2 and you’re set for basically any conditions.

All of these +Black/Blue

So I only need 8 at 15 bucks each....
Good to know

Exactly!! Thats why i dang near have a stroke when i check out on Tackle Warehouse. lol

I've tried for the last year to get the jackhammer to out fish the elite and custom version. Hasn't happened yet. My personal preference is the new elite version. Handtied skirt, bigger hook than jackhammer and slightly thinner blade. I also like the custom version on tackle warehouse so I can choose the hook size. I've tank tested them up close and in the pool, literally no difference in the action. But...if it gives you confidence to have the jackhammer go for it. I've also had issues with jackhammer clip opening up versus the twisted clip on the elite.

And for colors I literally only throw 2. Either straight white/chartreuse or green pumpkin

That clip looks a little light for that bait.

It's a great bait don't get it twisted, I just haven't out fished the elite or custom in the past 12 months.

I agree, I have caught more fish on it than the hammer. I can’t explain it, it just gets more bites.

No,you need a backup for each in case you lose one and 2 sizes (3/8 and 1/2) so that's 32.

Spot Remover and White/Chartreuse are my go to colors. I keep Black/ Blue and Bruised Green Pumpkin in the boat depending on the time of year and water clarity. This bait flat out catches them!

Don't waste your money, buy Bohonk.

Get the elites for 1/2 the price. They work very well.

And you will lose them!

I personally like the strike king thunder cricket. Not much difference in price just preference. I think the whole thing with these two is how fast they start and not normally need a hard jerk to get them vibrating. Ive had good luck with the Zman elites. Their about half the price.

And zman makes the thunder cricket also...

The tackle warehouse custom is great for the money , I wire tie the skirt when I get em and use em till they junk ! The jackhammer will start a tick faster and I use them at times but mainly just to show the fish a different sound, for my money the custom does the job !

I just got in the elite and it's hand tied with wire. I was surprised

I've shared this before. This is what happens when a stock Jackhammer meets a big fish. It also happens after 40-50 two to 3# fish. I swap out the snaps with the Hog Farmer 80# Egg Role snap now.



It does not have an adverse affect on the action of the bait but is twice as strong as the 40# Decoy snap that comes on the bait

What trailer are you throwing on the chanteuse/white?

I'll need to change them out being that all of my fish are big.

Either white paddle tail, white zako, or white lake fork magic shad 4.5"

Or heavy cover like brush or pads.

Thx

Just get Alex Finch's nasty thumper. 1/3 the price and 10x better.

What makes them better? Just curious.

They have a slower harder thump and "hunt" better. The jackhammers and thunder crickets have a tighter wiggle and vibe more like a rat-l-trap. They all have their situation but I have never seen where a jackhammer or cricket will out fish the nasty thumper .They seem to catch better quality. I thow them all alot for a long time.