Jerkbait Rod?

[jonnyblazex]

  Hi Guys, Im looking for a new jerkbait rod.  My current setup I have been using to "get by with" in fall (before the lake froze) was a E21 Carrot stix pro grade 6'8 MH fast rod, with Shimano Curado G7 spooled with 12lb Sunline sniper fluoro.  The setup casts decent, and works the bait ok, but I just feel the rod is just a little too powerful and stiff.  It seemed like I caught one in 5 fish I hooked, most of them the treble hooks ripped out of their mouth when they made a hard run, and even lost a hog of a smallie at boatside once, biggest one I have seen so far.  It was a sad moment, and I need an upgrade.

  Most of the jerkbaits I use are the regular sized ones, like Megabass Vision 110, Smithwick rogue, Spro Mcstick 110, Rapala Shadow rap, etc.  Most weigh at max around 3/8oz to 1/2oz approx.  Im thinking about a medium power rod, under 7 footer, like 6'8 maybe,  and not sure about the taper, fast seems good?  I don't really have a budget on this, but I don't think I really need a $500 rod for this either, as I feel this technique does not require as much feel compared to bottom contact rods.  Let me know what you guys are using or if you have any input is always apreciated.  Thanks a lot!

[DirtyDeuceGoose]

I fish jerkbaits on my flatside special. I have the XX model, but the Levante series also has one. I really want to move to the jerkbait special just because it's shorter and I've heard it fishes relatively the same, which is perfect for me. 

[Bluebasser86]

I use 3 different rods for jerkbaits

6' 2" M/XF Avid-smaller jerks like the 78 pointer

6' 8" M/F Ethos-main jerkbait rod for 100-110 sized baits

6' 10" MH/F Ehtos-120 sized baits or DD/Staysee type baits

I'll also fish them on a spinning rod occasionally, which is a 6' 8" M/F Ehtos.

[rangerjockey]

When it comes to jerkbait rods it's hard to beat Falcon.. I fish the Mcclelland signature and the weightless worm the most..

 The jerkbait special is also a good choice . I usually throw the 110, Mcsick , and pointer..

[WIGuide]

I throw most of mine on a 6'6" M/F St. Croix Legend Xtreme. You wouldn't have to go that high in their line for a good jerkbait rod, but the power and action are great. I prefer the fast action or extra fast because it helps me to work the bait and impart the action I want. 

[Evan K]

Interesting, I guess for jerkbaits you want a fast action even though it's a treble hooked lure? Is that for twitching the jerkbait?

I would have thought you need a moderate action rod.

[thebillsman]

2 minutes ago, Evan K said:

Interesting, I guess for jerkbaits you want a fast action even though it's a treble hooked lure? Is that for twitching the jerkbait?

I would have thought you need a moderate action rod.

I like moderate action with all my treble hook lures.

[Fishes in trees]

I throw jerk baits on spinning gear.  Currently I use a 6'3" M or ML - extra fast tip.   I'll either use a light braid or 14 lb Fireline Crystal and a short - foot and a half or so leader.   I like the spinning gear because it is frequently windy in the spring when I'm throwing jerk baits and I don't want to deal with back lashes.   I use a shorter rod because I got tired of smacking the side of the boat with the rod tip.

I don't think that I've ever lost a fish due to a faulty hook set. at a distance set on this rig.   Due to the nature of the bait, i.e. sometimes the fish are just hitting short or light, you are going to lose fish from time to time, they just pull off because you never did really get a hook into them.

[illinifan4152]

My favorite so far to this day has been a St Croix Avid X 6'8 MXF. Perfect rod IMO. Plus can't beat their customer service if something were to go wrong. 

[primetime]

I found for me personally being shorter, that I prefer a spinning rod for fishing jerkbaits and I use a Medium action fast 6' Spinning rod from Bass Pro...

My casting set up is a Daiwa 6' 3" Medium heavy Fast action rod which is perfect for me since I don't smack the water with the tip...I would use a longer rod if I was fishing from the shore, but on a boat the shorter rod gives me more control...I like a fast tip for almost everything except cranking.

[Robert Riley]

You'll find that there are some people that prefer a mod-fast action. I've only used fast up to now, I'm ordering a Dobyns Champion D685 later today and that's MH mod-fast.