Jerkbait Size

[HoosierHawgs]

Going out today, and decided I should probably tie on a jerk bait. My question, is what size jerkbaits do you usually use this time of year? Is there a rule of thumb for the size of jerkbaits?

[ABW]

I like throwing the Pointer 78 (3/8 oz) the most. Just a preference.

[Frenchman83]

I like the Rapala XRAP 10 but going smaller wouldn't hurt.   I would say more importantly is that they suspended or drop slowly.

[Dwight Hottle]

1 hour ago, HoosierHawgs said:

Going out today, and decided I should probably tie on a jerk bait. My question, is what size jerkbaits do you usually use this time of year? Is there a rule of thumb for the size of jerkbaits?

One rule of thumb is try a big bait if the small bait isn't getting hit & vice versa. I almost always start with a bigger bait & only downsize if that doesn't get bit. 

[kickerfish1]

My go to bait is the LC 100sp pointer. I will adjust smaller if needed. In the fall baitfish will be bigger than in the spring.

[Bluebasser86]

I start with a 100-120 size and go smaller if I feel the need.

[Comfortably Numb]

Pointer 100sp (which is 4")

[smalljaw67]

I agree 100% with Dwight Hottle, I normally start with a larger bait, and that doesn't mean big, I like a Pointer 100 or X-Rap 10, that is what I call "standard" size. If I'm not getting many bites or if I'm getting them on the back hook, I'll drop down in size to a Pointer 78 or X-Rap 08. If the bite is really good, I may try for a kicker fish with an X-Rap 12 or Pointer 128 but the conditions have to be perfect for those and they have to be hitting the standard size baits really well.

[HoosierHawgs]

Ended up fishing the 3/8 oz 4.5" RC STX bait because casting the smaller one was a nightmare today. Caught two decent sized fish, but one of my trebles broke. Only out for a couple of hours, as it was pouring down pretty good. The larger one did not suspend as well as the smaller one, since I already will be replacing hooks, what hooks should I get to help make the bait suspend better?

[Bluebasser86]

I use #6 Owner ST36's on mine and they suspend just fine. 

[Bankbeater]

The bass have been hitting small baits around here lately.

[smalljaw67]

The RC STX are very finicky, since you have a bait that seems to rise quicker than you like I will agree with Bluebasser86, Owner ST-36. Most of my RC STX baits suspend well in 50 down to 45 degree water and ST-36s actually make them sink so I replace those with VMC 8540s, they look to be the factory hooks. I use 10lb line with those baits and I keep a really loose drag and I seldom have a problem with the hooks, even on big smallies but every now and again I'll get a little overzealous and try to bring a fish in too fast and bend the hook. The RC STX is a direct copy of the Vision 110 from Megabass right down to the light wire hooks, what a lot of anglers don't know is the 110 was designed to be used with medium light to medium power spinning rods and reels with 6lb line, and that is why we tend to bend the hooks out because most of use are using casting rods with 10lb line minimum but if you keep your drag on the loose side it will help. Sorry for rambling on but I hear a lot of anglers complaining about hooks on different baits from jig heads to jerkbaits and most of the time it isn't the hook that is junk, it is most of us are using tackle too heavy for the lure we are using and I'm guilty of this as well as I like casting gear for all my jerkbaits and that means minimum 10lb line.

[HoosierHawgs]

7 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I use #6 Owner ST36's on mine and they suspend just fine. 

On all jerkbaits or just the big STX Jerkbaits?

[HoosierHawgs]

1 hour ago, smalljaw67 said:

The RC STX are very finicky, since you have a bait that seems to rise quicker than you like I will agree with Bluebasser86, Owner ST-36. Most of my RC STX baits suspend well in 50 down to 45 degree water and ST-36s actually make them sink so I replace those with VMC 8540s, they look to be the factory hooks. I use 10lb line with those baits and I keep a really loose drag and I seldom have a problem with the hooks, even on big smallies but every now and again I'll get a little overzealous and try to bring a fish in too fast and bend the hook. The RC STX is a direct copy of the Vision 110 from Megabass right down to the light wire hooks, what a lot of anglers don't know is the 110 was designed to be used with medium light to medium power spinning rods and reels with 6lb line, and that is why we tend to bend the hooks out because most of use are using casting rods with 10lb line minimum but if you keep your drag on the loose side it will help. Sorry for rambling on but I hear a lot of anglers complaining about hooks on different baits from jig heads to jerkbaits and most of the time it isn't the hook that is junk, it is most of us are using tackle too heavy for the lure we are using and I'm guilty of this as well as I like casting gear for all my jerkbaits and that means minimum 10lb line.

I was using 10# Sunline Supernatural on a Medium power casting rod. I knocked it against a rock and the front treble had one of the hooks just break off. I only replace stock hardware if it breaks, so I will replace these and hopefully get them to suspend right. Thanks for the hook recommendations @smalljaw67 and @Bluebasser86 I will pick up some today.

[Bluebasser86]

35 minutes ago, HoosierHawgs said:

On all jerkbaits or just the big STX Jerkbaits?

The smaller ones I use a #8. 

[HoosierHawgs]

1 minute ago, Bluebasser86 said:

The smaller ones I use a #8. 

Ok, thanks!

[HoosierHawgs]

Bought a 200 size KVD and a 100 size Tenekara JB today @ Cabela's. Looks like I will have to order ST-36 online.