Patrick Walters Joins the ChatterBait Team

Lowcountry roots and proven performance define new partnership

For Elite Series pro Patrick Walters, the decision to align with Z-Man Fishing Products was rooted as much in trust and geography as it was in performance on the water.

Walters, one of professional bass fishing’s most consistent and methodical competitors, has partnered with Z-Man to represent the ChatterBait® brand, formalizing a relationship years in the making. The move connects one of the sport’s most versatile anglers with a lure that has become a fixture across fisheries nationwide—from shallow grass and tidal rivers to expansive Tennessee River impoundments.

The partnership also carries a distinct Lowcountry feel. Walters lives roughly 45 minutes from Z-Man’s headquarters, enabling hands-on collaboration that few Elite Series pros can match.

Walters celebrates victory at the 2023 Elite Series St. Lawrence River Event.

“This was an absolute no-brainer for me,” Walters said. “Wherever you go and whatever type of lake you fish, you probably have a ChatterBait tied on. When you think of efficiently covering water for bass fishing, you automatically think of a ChatterBait.

”Since its introduction, the ChatterBait bladed jig has reshaped how anglers approach power fishing. Its ability to combine vibration, flash and profile into a single, high‑efficiency presentation—and to trigger reaction strikes when bass are scattered or not actively feeding—has made it one of the most trusted tools in modern tournament fishing.

For Walters, that versatility and reliability fit seamlessly with his analytical approach to tournament fishing. Known for preparation and adaptability, he places a premium on gear that performs the same way every time.

“There are a lot of imitations out there on the market,” Walters said. “I make a point to buy every single new lure that comes out. You might think that’s hyperbole, but it’s absolutely not. I’ve bought all of the ChatterBait imitators and fished them. When my personal money is on the line, I always throw a Z-Man ChatterBait.”

Walters' favorite ChatterBaits (from left to right): the Elite EVO, MiniMax, and JackHammer.

Consistency, he says, is what separates the original from the alternatives: “Each one is the same. Each one has quality components. Whether it’s two years old or fresh from the package, it’s going to run right. They simply get bit and catch a bunch of fish.”

That confidence shows in the baits he relies on most: the ChatterBait® JackHammer™ for its quick startup and hunting action, the ChatterBait® Elite EVO™ for its refined performance, and the downsized ChatterBait® MiniMax™ when conditions call for a tighter, finesse‑driven profile.

Proximity only strengthens the partnership. With Z-Man’s operations less than an hour from his home, Walters can contribute directly to product testing, content creation, and on‑the‑water development. 

Patrick Walters hoists the Champion Trophy at the 2024 Elite Series event on Lake Murray.

“It feels great to work with a local company,” he said. “If they need me, I’m right down the road. If I need anything, they’re nearby and ready to help. Whether we’re testing products or filming videos, we can get high-quality content done quickly and efficiently.”

The partnership also reflects a sense of regional pride—a Lowcountry angler working hand‑in‑hand with a local company whose products have become fixtures nationwide.

Throughout his Elite Series career, Walters has built a reputation for maximizing opportunities, managing risk, and trusting tools that earn their place on the deck. The new sponsorship simply formalizes what fans and competitors have long recognized: the ChatterBait bladed jig is a cornerstone of his tournament strategy across seasons and fisheries.

As the 2026 season gets underway, expect that connection to be on full display. When the moment matters most, there’s little doubt what will be tied on Walters’ line.