Jerkbait Rod Opinion

[Zach P]

Currently looking into buying a jerkbait rod but would love to know others opinions on rod lengths, tapers, action, etc. Also if you like a specific rod/brand how long have you owned it and have you experienced any problems? Thanks!

[roadwarrior]

This is a dedicated combination I have had for more than 5 years:

 

Avid AVC66MF/ Scorpion 1000 supertuned/ Sunline Super Natural #12

 

 

 

 

[bmlum415]

Try a dobyns 704cb or a megabass orochi xx jerkbait special. Both fantastic rods for jerkbaits. Both have a medium action and taper. I own both

[Zach P]

roadwarrior and bmlum415 it's funny that you mention these rod choices, they are actually the two I have looked into. I assume you have had no problems with either rod? thanks for your opinion guys

[J Francho]

I prefer a shorter rod, with a short rear grip.  I also like a medium power rod with an x-fast taper for a quick recovery and maximum control of twitching input.  The rod I favor is a pre-IPC Saint Croix Avid AC62MXF.  I've used the modern version, and it's pretty close to the rod I use.  I don't have a preference for reels, so long as it's very comfortable to palm.  For years, I used an Alphas 103, but lately I've been using a Zillion.  Some have a preference for fast or slow ratios - it makes no difference to me. For line, P-Line CXX in 8 to 12 lb. size works great for me.

[iabass8]

I use the st. croix ltb 68mxf /w shimano curado 51e for al the reasons as state in the post above.

[rockchalk06]

I'm currently using an Avid 6'6" MF with a CU50E and Sunline mono in 12#. Mainly off of recommendations here.

 

I have been pondering switching over to a Dobyns for my jerkbait rod, but I don't know if I want the slower tip yet. I like the recovery as stated above when working the bait. It also doubles as my top water rig and I can work a KVD dog like a mother!

 

I would like to have a bit longer length for longer casts, but I'm only 5'9" and fish on the bank about 75% of the time. The longer rod makes working the bait a bit harder for me.

[rangerjockey]

My favorite over the years has been the Falcon weightless worm, just a super stickbait rod. Another one to consider would be the Denali Murphy signature .I use a chronarch 50 on either with 10lb super natural.

[The Next KVD]

I use a St.Croix Legend Elite 7ft Med. with a Fast action paired a Shimano Chronarch 100BSV spooled with 10lb P-Line CX Premium.  Been using it for the past 4 years with no issues.  The CX Premium has enough stretch to it to keep the fish buttoned up with trebles and the rod loads very nicely. 

[Lucky Craft Man]

Here is a thread I started concerning my preferred Jerkbait rod.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/99721-effects-of-cutting-an-existing-rod-down-in-length/?fromsearch=1

[tomustang]

Being on the bank or on a boat I fell comfortable with a 6'8-6'10 length medium rod with a fast or extra fast action. I'd prefer the XF action for better control but fast is very manageable.

 

 

Personally, the length will depend on your height and how you hold the rod above the waterline for the jerks/twitches

[Zach P]

wow thanks for all of the opinions everyone. I'm around 5'10" so I do question the length of the rod also. 7+ foot rods have never been a problem in any other situation so I'll most likely stick with a 7' medium xf/f rod, but I may try a shorter rod such as a 6'8" if I can get my hands on one to test out with some diff jerkbaits.

[Bluebasser86]

wow thanks for all of the opinions everyone. I'm around 5'10" so I do question the length of the rod also. 7+ foot rods have never been a problem in any other situation so I'll most likely stick with a 7' medium xf/f rod, but I may try a shorter rod such as a 6'8" if I can get my hands on one to test out with some diff jerkbaits.

I'm a couple inches taller than you and also prefer longer rods, except for jerkbaits. I'm with JFrancho, 6' 2" M/XF Avid with a Curado 50E. The short, light rod makes it easier on your wrist when you're twitching a jerkbait all day, and it's short enough you don't have to worry about slapping the water. The extra fast tip recovers very quickly so I can really make my bait do what I want it to do. I have no problem with casting distance or hook ups with the short rod and no more trouble with hooks pulling out while fighting a fish than I do with any other rod I've tried. I have a couple 6' 6" rods I've fished jerkbaits on, and they work pretty well also, but I wouldn't want a much longer rod and none of them are as easy for me to fish a jerkbait with as that little Avid is. 

[smalljaw67]

I tried a lot of different rod, 2 things I found that are no-no's for me are 7' rods and cranking style rods, 7' rods have me splashing the water and smacking the side of the boat and cranking rods make it tough to control the bait, the recovery time is to slow, especially with an aggressive retrieve. For a long time I used 2 rods, my main one was a G.Loomis Jerkbait series rod, the JBR752C, 6'3" with the perfect size handle and the perfect action, fast tip for working the bait but forgiving enough to fight a fish once it is hooked. The only problem was the larger baits that were 1/2oz and over, for those baits I would use a Cabelas XML rod that isn't made anymore, it feels as light and very close to my Loomis JBR, the rod is 6'3" and medium power with a fast action but it had a little more power as it could handle the larger baits. Now I changed up altogether, my weapon of choice is the Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth 6'10" MH-MF casting rod, it is THE best rod I ever used for jerkbaits, topwaters, and square bills. It took me a bit to get used to the extra length but once I di it was game on, this rod allows me long cast but the action is a true moderate fast, it isn't a soft parabolic bend I see in other morderate fast rods, instead the tip is like a regular fast action rod, I can work a jerkbait aggressively with no problem and the best is when I hook up, I'm fighting the fish and get it to the side of the boat when all of a sudden the fish turns and surges deep, instead of the hooks just pulling out like what happens on normal fast action rods, this one gives, the extra flex becomes evident when pressure gets applied and it keeps the fish pinned. That rod is so good I had to get a second because I use floating jerkbaits during the summer if there is clear water and I often have a square bill rigged too and it is just so perfect for both those baits that I found myself just cutting off one bait and then tying another on because I didn't want to throw the square bill on any other rod.

[.ghoti.]

For me, a jerkbait rod has to have a short handle. I use a tip down retrieve so 6'6" is about the max length. I'm about 6'1" and a 7' rod is way too long for me.

My current jerkbait setup is a Setyr 6'6" M-XF rod, Daiwa Viento reel, 10lb mono. This is the cheapest combo in my rsenal, and the least used.

[Fishes in trees]

I use spinning gear all the the for jerk bait fishing.  Currently I'm using a 6'3" med power/ ex-fast tip Shimano rod.   I'm currently using 14 lb crystal Fireline and a shorter, generally under 2 feet fluorocarbon leader.   I went spinning years ago, because where I live, whenever it is jerk bait time, it is generally windy and spinning gear gives me fewer problems in the wind.  Notice I didn't say no problems, just fewer problems.  I'd like to go with a longer rod for more distance, but then I'd be tip slapping the water all the time, so the current spinning rod is a compromise.

[lmbfisherman]

This is a dedicated combination I have had for more than 5 years:

 

Avid AVC66MF/ Scorpion 1000 supertuned/ Sunline Super Natural #12

 

 

 

 

I have this rod like RW and dedicated for the same use, I've had it for 2 years with no issues.  Of course I don't have it paired with a reel like that, it has a Daiwa Lexa 100. 

[KC5TTC]

I have the Denali Signature Series Jerkbait Rod. It is 6'8" and so far has met the expectations of others comments. Find a Denali Dealer in your area and try it out.

[Zach P]

wow this is exactly why I love this site. Thanks for the opinions/input everyone. I'll probably end up going with a shorter rod after hearing some of the reviews and experiences.

[Jeff H]

I also prefer shorter and my choice is the Avid 6'2" M/XF.   It is one fine jerkbait rod!

[papajoe222]

I have a custom rod built by John Nutter that I stole from a fellow angler for a song.  It's 6'6" med. action and I don't know how to describe the tip, but it was made by John solely for jerkbait fishing.  He still makes them and some of the older pros still buy them. They're affordable compared to some of the rods mentioned.

[5dollarsplash]

I use a st croix rage I got a deal on last summer.  The RC68MXF.  6'8" medium power extra fast does the trick, and because I'm taller (6'2") and my boat sits higher I don't have any issues slapping the water.  Good weight and performance, and can be found very affordably usually.

[kingkong85]

With casting rods that has the trigger underneath the reel, how do you guys twitch/work the jerkbait without having pain on your fingers? I can only twitch downward so long before taking a break.

[5dollarsplash]

Be careful about pain in the fingers, could be a bigger issue than just fishing and worth getting checked if its bothering you.

 

I moreso palm my reels than hold the rod and the trigger usually lays between the ring and middle fingers and work the bait with a wrist motion.

[Ineedanewscreenname20170204]

St Croix AVC66MF with Curado 200e7.  Doubles as a great spook rod with 14# mono.