Jerkbaits - An Exciting Lure to Fish!

Jerkbaits are one of the few hard baits where the fisherman himself imparts all of the action. Almost everyone has at least a few in their tacklebox. Some jerk baits float, some sink, and some are neutral. Different sizes, colors, and actions can make jerk bait selection tough. Yet each bait has it's place and under the right conditions can be very effective.

All jerkbaits have a few characteristics which set them apart from all other baits. Jerk baits are long and slender. Although most jerk baits are high floaters, they all trigger the bite while underwater, which separates them from a pure top water lure. All of the hard jerkbaits have some type of lip to pull the bait underwater, much the same as a crank bait. But the thing that sets them apart from other lures is the way they are worked. To get the most out of a jerk bait, you use the rod in short or long jerks without reeling. This rod action is what gives jerkbaits their name, and their action underwater.

Jerkbaits also have two or three treble hooks which tend to be rather small compared to hooks on a crankbait the same size. Other than a couple of specialty baits, they float high and level. Most have a one piece body, although some surface types have a joint or ring in the middle. Examples of the jerkbait are Rapala, Bomber Long A Series, Bagley's Bang-O-lure, and the Smithwick Rogue.

Jerk Baits are reaction lures. Since they resemble the profile of a threadfin shad, bass will strike readily. The quick action of the jerk, sometimes combined with splash if worked on top, can attract fish from long range. Jerk baits can be fished in several situations, depending on the mood of the fish and the particular bait and tactic you use.

Jerkbaits are almost solely a horizonal presentation, so you need to know exactly the depth you're trying to fish. The small treble hooks can pose some serious limitations. Once you get a fish hooked up solid with the small hooks, trying to pull a fish out of heavy cover can be particularly frustrating. This forces most anglers to fish jerkbaits in open water, where there is little to get tangled up in.

Jerkbaits continue to be primarily a clear water bait. The quick, erratic motion of the baits is what makes them attractive, so they remain a sight bait for the most part. But clear water is a relative term. Slightly stained water can be the very best place for a jerkbait, since the bass will strike at the motion rather than examining the lure too closely. Any water with over a foot or so visibility can be fished with a jerkbait.

Top Water

When a jerk bait is fished on top you need a delicate, subtle presentation. The most effective conditions is little or no wind and shallow water, say 1 to 5 feet. You need to work an area slowly and place each cast so you cover the precise area you think the fish are holding. A slight twitch of the rod tip is all you need. Try to cast just past your target and work the bait slowly up to the strike zone, just like any other top water. Once you're in the strike zone, don't get in a hurry. Keep it in the strike zone as long as possible. Many times, you don't get a violent explosion, the bait will just disappear from the top.

1 - 3 Feet

This is the pattern where jerk baits work the best. Reel the bait under the surface then, pointing your rod tip down, use a series of quick jerks with the rod to keep the bait submerged while taking up the line between jerks. Some anglers like to keep a steady rhythm while others prefer an erratic retrieve with fairly long pauses between two or three quick jerks. Some fish will absolutely blast the lure, but most of the bites will only be a tick as the lure floats up. Try both retrieve styles and see what works best for you and more importantly for the bass.

You can often draw a bite from a considerable distance. So even though the bait is running only 3 feet under the water, it is effective worked over depths up to 20 feet in clear water. If the fish are active, this pattern will catch them. You can cover a huge area quickly and fish that ignore spinner baits or crankbaits will nail a jerkbait. It's one of the best baits I know for searching out fish that are scattered. It will work anytime the fish aren't hugging the bottom. A smaller version of the jerkbait with only two hooks is great for schooling fish and for fishing over deep weed beds.

4 - 10 Feet

Usually if I need to get a jerkbait this deep, I try one of two things. I might add a small split shot to help the bait sink to the depth the fish are holding. Another option is the Count Down Rapala. This bait will sink instead of float and you countdown each time to get the bait to different levels. When you get a bite, just countdown each time to that level. Then use consistent jerks, both in force and length, or the lure will rise and fall accordingly. With a little practice, you can hit just about any depth down to around 10 feet consistently.

Over 10 Feet

Most of the time you can find something better than a jerkbait to fish below 10 feet, but of course there are always exceptions. If fish are suspended just off a deep ledge try a deep diving jerk bait like a Rogue. You have to make long casts past the ledge and reel quickly to get the lure down to about 10 feet. Then use a long sweeping motion to move the bait, reel up the slack and allow the bait to float up vertically. This is usually when you get the bite, so be ready!

These are just the basics for jerkbaits. They are an easy bait to use and can be great to teach kids bass fishing.