I'm a northern guy too and let me tell you if you are familiar with floating rapalas, a jerkbait will be easy for you. If you are fishing above or on the edges of weed beds throw the floating one, in cold water throw a suspending one, and in water where you aren't sure of the depth, or you know its's deep throw the sinking jerkbait. Jerkbaits also do really well in current for smallies.
- Liam