Jerk Baits

[RatherBeBassin]

Alright I recently have been pretty successful on some jerk baits during the post spawn. I am using the new rapala shadow rap shad, but I have notice at times when I can see the bass fishing from shore the bass will stalk it and get really close and then turns around. I am wondering is it because it is not hungry or it does not feel threatened? Is it the bait should I switch to a different color? The bass are currently chasing trout and bluegill off of their fry's. What are some good jerk baits out there. What are your favorites?

[Scott F]

If you can see them, they can see you. They probably turned away because they saw you.

[IndianaFinesse]

My guess is the bass are seeing you, because if you can see them they have already seen you. Another thing is when bass are guarding there fry they will chase anything that comes near away, but will not eat it.  If they get really annoyed by the bait staying on there bed for quite a while they will sometimes pick your bait up by the tail and move it off of their bed and spit it out.  Try switching colors, baits, and retrieves until you find out what they want, plus back off of the spots and make longer casts.

[RatherBeBassin]

Thanks for the reply. I figured it was that they could see me. Just curious what is your go to jerk bait?

[Ktho]

The jerkbaits I've done best on so far have been the LC65SP, Megabass 110 and 110jr. The 65 has been the best but sometimes it's too windy or I need to get it out farther and I upsize to do that.

Unless the bass I've seen are guarding fry/spawning I haven't caught one I've been able to see, they've nosed it or moved up to look closer but nothing like strikes from the unseen fish. I don't know what it is but the fish that make themselves visible aren't usually in the mood to hit the lures.

[kickerfish1]

I have a fair amount of jerkbait brands and types. I really like the LC varieties from the Pointer 100sp to 78sp and the slender and flash minnows. The Ima Flirts are pretty reasonable and very effective. I have had fair luck with Rapala but they aren't my favorites. MB 110s are nice but IMO just not worth the price or risk of losing one. Looking at full retail price, 2 MB 110s would run me about $50. I can get 3 LC pointers or 5 Ima Flirts for that price.

[Bluebasser86]

They liked something about your bait, but not quite enough to eat it. I'd try changing colors or profiles. I had them doing that bad once and switched from American Shad to Nishiki and it was like a light switch. I didn't have any more followers, because I never got to move it very far before one slammed into it. 

[billgator]

Is there an alternative to jerkbaits when targeting those same post spawn fish that are moving out? It's not a technique I have added yet.