when to use the right" jerkbait?

[wisconsin heat]

there are so many jerkbait styles, models, and brands out there,  the are all different and work better than the rest in certain conditions- thats why there are so many..but it just gets mind-boggling trying to figure out which one to use over the next jerkbait. so my question is when? when should  use pointer over a rouge, or an x-rap over a vision 110, or a lc slender pointer over a lc  flashminnow?

[Marty]

Trial and error. What bass will hit at any given time can't be predicted. Start with what seems right to you and proceed from there. I think you might be making this into more of an exact science than it actually is.

Finally, I think you should be thinking in terms of lure characteristics, such as depth, action, suspend vs. non-suspend, etc., rather than Brand A vs. Brand B.

[Nick]

Like Marty said, lots of it is trial and error, but do keep in mind these basics: Make sure your lure does not rise back to the surface. Weight it accordingly. A very slow sinking bait falling butt first like a dying shad can get some really good bites for a patient angler. Do not be afraid to pause any jerkbait up to 10 or even 15 seconds occasionally, but try your best to deep that line semi-taut. Nearly all strikes occur on the pause, so watch that line like a hawk for any twitchy movements. The sunnier the day, the brighter colors work better, esp. clown; and last use very dark colors like a black/orange in stained water.

Most guys I know get "sweet" on a certain brand.  I'm guilty of that for a starting point, but try putting three different models on the deck and alternate every 4 or 5 casts for an hour.  I'll try to pick a subtle wiggler like a Vision 110, along side a wider moving model like a LC 78dd, and then maybe go for a different sound like that of an Ima. Then change again if necessary.  Sometimes one has to wait for the bass to move in to feed or the angler has to find an active group of fish to get bit regardless. When I've encountered good schools, usually both my partner and I score regardless of color or brand. Remember in winter 10 bites in a day can be good.  THe bass are not as easy to catch often as they are in warmer waters, so one maight need to consider numbers of fish somewhat relative to the cold conditions. Speed of retrieve and depth to me are more key than any other variable, but I can also point out a few days that that one special color seemed to make a huge difference, and at times when the second bait through an area got the most bites. Them fish are moody! Don't be afraid to change up bothe in color, brand, and fishing locations. A really good finder can help you stay around schools of suspended bait which is imperative for a good jerkbait day.

[RandySBreth]

I would try to concentrate on learning the quirks of 3, maybe 4 different lures to start. I use all different sizes and brands, but I still have the relatively inexpensive  Rogues and Husky Jerks for the coldest weather, and when I think I might stick one in a tree where I won't be able to retrieve it.

The tip on the bright day/bright color thing is a good starting point, too. I like more natural shades in cloudy conditions in clear water, and bright colors when the sun is out.

I haven't ever done as well in very cold water with lures that rise up OR sink, I very carefully weight mine to suspend perfectly (yes, even Pointers need "tuning" despite what some people think).

I often let a lure suspend for a minute or more beside a real good piece of cover.

[Ima Bass Ninja]

Trial and error. What bass will hit at any given time can't be predicted. Start with what seems right to you and proceed from there. I think you might be making this into more of an exact science than it actually is.

Finally, I think you should be thinking in terms of lure characteristics, such as depth, action, suspend vs. non-suspend, etc., rather than Brand A vs. Brand B.

Good advice right there. I think you just go with whatever brand and color you think work best, then choose them by the characteristics they have

[Chris at Tech]

To me, it's confidence.

I've got a boxfull of jerkbaits, but 95% of the time, I'm reaching for a pointer.  And more specifically, a chartreuse shad pointer 100.

[Vinny Chase]

Everyone has already make the comments that are important to think about. focus on finding out where the fish are, and then pick the right jerkbaits that correlates with their location, and how they are feeding. Are they active or sluggish? This is a VERY important question you have to ask yourself in order to pick a suspending/floating, small/bigger, loud/quiet, etc...

When fish are suspended in more than 10 ft, I like the throw a deep x-rap. In anyother situation I am throwing a pointer 100 95% of the time.

One other random tip...In cold water situations, literally wait 10-15 seconds in between jerks. This could make or break your day.

[Nick]

Randy,

You might be surprised by how many more bass you'll catch with a very slow sinking model. That bait may get down to 10-15 feet on a long cast, and that depth attained is also special. P.S. Don't forget your lure retriever!

[RandySBreth]

Randy,

You might be surprised by how many more bass you'll catch with a very slow sinking model. That bait may get down to 10-15 feet on a long cast, and that depth attained is also special. P.S. Don't forget your lure retriever!

I already get pretty deep (thin braid w/fluoro leader) but just have not done as well if the lure doesn't suspend perfectly. I've tried it quite a bit, too. But it may work for him.

[Nick]

Randy,

Once in a BFL (Red Man) I drew out with a fellow that put so much golf tape on shoulders of his  Rogue that it sank like a rock. He worked his Rogue very slowly along the bottom in 15-25 feet at Lake Ozarks at a Feb. event.  He didn't win the tournament with me, but did win the previous day in another tournament with 25 pounds. He did lose at least 3 baits with me that day, and caught just 3 legal bass.

[RandySBreth]

I hear you, but I just do better "calling up" fish from 50+ feet deep to hit that perfectly suspending bait only running 12-foot or so.

I think we may be hijacking this thread, and adding to the original poster's confusion regarding the subtleties of jerkbaits!

[Quillback]

Picked up a few yesterday afternoon at a local lake, on a McStick in Ghost Shad and a Flit in perch. I noticed the McStick was slowly rising on the pause while the Flit would suspend perfectly. I'll put a few suspoend dots on the McStick going forward, but even with the slow rise it did catch fish. Water temp was 41 degrees.

[0119]

I like to think confidence plays alot into it too.  I like to throw what others arent. Pointers are popular but I try Yo-Zuri Edge minnows and Sebile Koolie minnows. Ive always had better luck with jerkbaits during pre spawn, spawn and windy days.

[Big Al23]

I bought a bunch of LC pointers this year and the one that worked best was my 112 Slender pointer. The 78 and 100's were duds.

[OkobojiEagle]

Skeeter Al... the slender pointer is my favorite also as it has a "more active" retrieve, however the pointer 78 & 100 are anything BUT duds!  I prefer them when I want a less active retrieve.  They compliment each other nicely.

steve

[roadwarrior]

To me, it's confidence.

I've got a boxfull of jerkbaits, but 95% of the time, I'm reaching for a pointer. And more specifically, a chartreuse shad pointer 100.

This would be a great lure to start your collection. The LC

Pointer is good to go right out of the box, suspends perfectly

and casts a mile!