Kayak Jerk Bait Fishing

[rmcguirk]

How do you do it?  I was out today for the first time of the season.  Given the temperature, I tried a little jerk bait fishing.  Nothing.  How do you work it in a sitting position.  From my boat, I use the typical downward twitch.  From my sit inside kayak, I can't do that type of pull. 

 

So, how to work it? 

 

Thanks. 

 

Rick

[Dwight Hottle]

Try working the bait to the side with short tapes and sweeps. You can also work the bait up if you are using a deep diver bill suspending jerkbait.

[Bass NC]

I typically throw rapala x-raps from my kayak and keep my rod tip nearly straight up when working it. I can still twitch it and give it a lot of action but it'll run shallower. And jerkbaiting is my favorite tequnique for bass year round. Hope this helps and good luck!

[rmcguirk]

Thanks. The lake I was on was literally two or three days from ice out, and the two bass I caught were pretty lethargic bites. I'm not surprised the jerk bait bite is not quite on yet. I was working the bait (a LC78) with short side jerks and swipes, but it just felt uncomfortable.

[Hogsticker]

Can you elevate the seat or change to a sit on top?

[gallowaypt]

Like Dwight mentioned, hold your rod tip to the side at around 2 o'clock and twitch it back to 3 o' clock.

[bartdude186]

I have had the same problem, i adjusted by watching my lure in the water when i can see it to figure out a more comfortable way. A shorter handle rod and a side sweep works best for me.

[RatCog]

I fish out of a kayak as well, if the side swipe movement doesn't work well for you perhaps try sitting in a squatted position. Should give you some elevation and it's pretty stable. Might not be able to stay in that position for too long, be mindful of how it feels and pay attention if your back or knees start hurting. I like to use that position for when I want to see a little better when paddling through shallow water or around downed logs.

[rmcguirk]

Thanks all. My yak is not going to allow me to sit up any higher. Also, the thought of all 6'3" of me squatting in my yak is pretty funny. With 45 degree water and 48 year old knees, it would be a recipe for disaster. I tried the 2 o'clock to 3 o'clock method. Worked, but I didn't feel like I was getting crisp jerks. Probably just a practice thing.