Jerk baits

[Grey Wolf]

I really need to learn how to throw jerk baits like the Rapala X-Rap.

O.K. let's get this out of the way first. I fish only spinning outfits.

What would be the best power and rod action plus length of the rod ?Would I need a high speed or moderate speed reel ? What type of line (braid , flouro , mono ) ?

What is the best technic reeling the bait back to you ?

Really guys and gals , I know nothing about the correct way to do this. Any knowledge I can recieve will be greatly appreciated.

[fourbizz]

i'm not much of a rip bait guy, but I would say that a 6'6" M outta do it. 10 or 12 lb copoly or mono.

[JigNBig]

i would say a 6' 6 M power rod with a moderatly fast reel.10lb mono will do. what you want to do is throw it out let it sit for 3-4 secs then reel about 5 times really fast then let it suspend for a second. now with your rod tip down towards the water jerk your rod tip then bring it right back to place now reel up slack and repeat all the way back to the boat

[Triton20XSD]

I agree with the 6'6" m action rod.  On spinning set ups I usually throw 8-10# mono or 10# flouro if you want a little more depth.  As far as the retrieve, you need to experiment and let the fish tell you what type of retrieve they are preferring.  In really cold water you may need to let the bait sit for 15-45 seconds or longer.  Other times a jerk, jerk pause may work.  Best to keep varying the retrieve and take note when you catch a fish what type of retrieve you were doing at the time.  Hope this helps.

[BassFishingMachine]

I fish it with a random action. I usually will go jerk jerk pause, jerk jerk jerk pause, jerk pause, etc. In fairly cold water I most likely wouldn't give more then 3 jerks before pausing.

[cbfishalot]

I throw suspending jerkbaits on 6' - 6'8" spinning rod.  I use 8-10 pound Copoly or flourocarbon line.  I cast the bait out and pull the bait down to its depth.  Then jerk the bait straight down with the rod tip.  Thats the jerk part of the retrieve.  Change the retrieve (example: jerk, jerk, pause jerk, jerk, pause or jerk, jerk, jerk, pause, jerk, jerk, jerk, pause)  Try differnt retrieves till the fish tell you what the want.  The less aqqresive the fish the slower the retrieve and the longer the pause the more aggresive the fish the fast the retrieve and the shorter the pause.  Colder the water the longer the pause is also a good rule of thumb.  The fish may react to one retrieve and not another.  Another key point to fishing a jerk bait is after the jerk part of the retrieve bring the rod tip back up pointing toward your bait.  This keeps you bait from gliding forward.  Keep your eye on your line so you can detect the lightest strike.  It is also very important to have sharp hooks on your baits.

Hope it helped!!!!

[roadwarrior]

You don't need any new equipment to fish a jerkbait. However, if you are looking for a new spinning combination that is perfect for all medium weight and lighter treble hook lures, this is my suggestion:

Generally, 6 1/2' or 7' Medium Power/ Moderate Action matched with a 2500 series reel.

Specifically, Fenwick Techna AV AVS70MM/ Shimano Stradic 2500FH/ Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6.

[Grey Wolf]

Thanks guys for the info , it is really appreciated.

[RockvilleMDAngler]

I have never had any luck with jerkbaits but I haven't used them much either.  I intend to throw one for a while on Saturday.  What areas do you fish with a jerkbait?  Should I target stumps and wood like a crankbait or should I be targeting beds or something else?

Thanks!

[roadwarrior]

Jerkbaits are effective anywhere you would consider fishing a topwater lure with exposed treble hooks.

They are also VERY effective on or near structure where you might fish a spinnerbait or crankbait.

[.ghoti.]

As usaul. RW has delivered the right stuff. The only thing I'll add is try flourocarbon line, not mone or co-polymer. True flouro will sink. This can give you just a little bit more depth, and a bit less line visibility.

I believe in the concept of using diferent lines, with differing characteristics, for different applications. Suspending baits and flouro line are one of those good combinations. If you're comfortable using lighter line, try 8lb test. You'll get more distance, less line visibilty, and greater depth with lighter line. All these things are a plus when using suspending baits.

Cheers,

GK

[J_pontius]

I would use a 6'6 medium to medium heavey depending on the rod.

Stick with mono until the water temp gets about 60-65, I haven't had good luck with floro below that temp.  Above that temp, I usually ony use floro.

Jerkbaits are an awsome cold water lure, but require a lot of patience.  Sometimes you may give it one or two twitches every 5 seconeds, sometimes a bunch of small twitches every ten seconds.  Big clue on that is to experiment on spots that look pretty fishy and let the fish tell you the action they want.  Just don't fish them too fast and for the money the Xrap is propably the best choice.  However I am a huge fan of the Lucky craft pointer 78.  Too bad they are 15 bucks a pop!  ARG!  If you buy any Lucky crafts buy a lure knocker too!  It will save you some dough brother!

[Deuceu72]

I fish jerkbaits all the time..........I actually prefer a shorter rod...... like a 6'3'" medium fast action rod....The reason for thwe shorter rod? Until you get the hang of it, using the longer rod on a boat, you will find yourself slamming the rod tip into the water, motor, etc........the shorter rod helps eliminate this.......I use both a 6'3" and a 6'6" rod for jerkaits............I like the LC pointers but in my opinion, nothing beats a Lucky Craft Staysee........ ;D ;D