Want To Buy a Dedicated Jerkbait Rod

[TxHawgs]

I'm assuming most guys are using fast or extra fast actions cuz it doesn't take as much effort to rip the bait correct? Even though we like using moderate to moderate fast w treble hook baits. If so I know what I'm gonna get. I have the different gear ratio reels are u guys using 7s or 6s? Thanks 

[Fishes in trees]

I like to throw jerk baits on spinning gear because the jerk bait bit is often good when it is pretty windy and I can throw half ounce jerk baits, ( like Lucky Craft Pointers ) into the wind and cross wind easier with spinning gear than I can with a bait casting rig.  My current jerk bait rig is an older Shimano Rod - 6'3" Med action with an extra fast tip and I use an older US Reel Supercaster spinning reel.   Before you laugh at me about that reel, I know it is junk, it cost me $39.99 several years ago (maybe 6?)   It is loose and has a kind of jerky/jerky retrieve.  BUT - it handles Fireline very well and with the larger than normal spool it can throw a half ounce jerk bait a long ways, and I think that covering the water is part of jerk bait fishing.

 

Every time I berate myself for owning and using that reel, and I get close to upgrading to a mid range Shimano or Pflueger, I remind myself that the reel is paid for and it is a Supercaster, i.e. it does throw a half ounce bait a long ways using Braid/Fireline and a fluorocarbon leader.  So I just deal with it and squander my rod/reel disposable income in other areas.

 

Something to consider if you throw jerk baits in the wind a lot.

[Yudo1]

I use an Orochi XX Jerkbait Special which is listed as "regular."  It feels like a mod/fast to me.  I like the parabolic action because I use braid with a fluoro leader and it keeps the fish pinned.  My reel is 7.1 so I can pick up slack line quicker.

[fishnkamp]

I use an Abu Garcia Ike delay series jerkbait rod.  It is a 6'4" composite medium moderate action rod.  The rod is really like a 6'6 or 6'8  rod with a shorter handle. That helps with jerking and not hitting your arm. For line I throw 12 pound P Line Floroclear on a Tatula CT 6.3-1. 

[BobP]

It's mostly personal preference.  What Rod allows you to twitch the jerkbait the easiest and with the best rythym. I use an old All Star 6'6" TWS graphite Rod that has a moderately fast action and is a little tip heavy.  Don't care for fiberglass.  The 6'6" Rod is short enough not to be hitting the water as I work the bait from the deck of my bass boat.  The tip heaviness of the rod helps to propel the bait as I jerk it.  I don't want to use a high modulus worm rod for this because the tip is too light and the action is too fast, so an inexpensive IM6 or 10 Rod works better for this presentation.  JMHO.

[Airman4754]

I have the St Croix Rage jerkbait rod which would now just be the Mojo Bass model with the same SCIII blank. For the price it performs really well.

[KP Duty]

I use a 6' spinning rod with 8lb fluoro.  I learned how to fish the rogue in the 80's on my only rod...a 6' berkkey lightning rod, and it's been that way ever since.

[TxHawgs]

Thanks a lot guys, after reading your responses it makes sense that the weight and depth of the bait would make a difference also. A heavier deeper diving bait is gonna have more resistance in the water hence taking more to move it. 

[Kidflex]

Can use any gear ratio reel you want. Won't make a difference since your just recovering line while working the bait. The difference is only a few inches in reality. Lc pointer 100/mcsticks (1/2oz) I use on a bait casting gear and lighter sp 78's, duo 63's etc (1/4-3/8oz) I like using spinning. 

[FryDog62]

I use a 6'-8" Medium XFast St. Croix Avid X baitcasting rod, Lews 7.1:1 and 10 lb Yo-Zuri Hybrid line.  

 

Extra Fast is excellent at feeling the "ticks" you get sometimes when fish are more curious than hungry, just enough stretch in the YH line to "give" when using treble hooks.  Plus I use Shadow Rap a lot and they have the stickiest hooks I've ever used.  Can't recall missing a strike or ever coming unbutonned. 

[CTBassin860]

I just put together a Black gen 2 *** 6'7" MF with an in ception 8.1:1

[MDBowHunter]

I use a 6'9" m/f with a Daiwa TatulaCT 6:3-1 and it's a sweet combo. For me anything higher picks up to much line and messes with my cadence so I stick with a 6:3

[Angry John]

I use a ac66mf which is short for me as I am 6'5".  I am in a yak so I am already so close to the water.  Ten pound yhb and a daiwa alphas keeps my rig light and compact.

[thebillsman]

Small to medium jerkbaits, squarebills and topwater lures with trebles are all on the same setup for me

 

 

[NCbassraider]

I fish jerkbaits with the St Croix Mojo Spinning rod.  Don't really like it for spinnerbaits but love it for jerkbaits.

[UKCATSBASSER]

I have a megabass flat side Special for jerks and top waters. 

[kstephes033]

Megabass XX Jerkbait special with a daiwa px type r. I do agree with the above statement that a 6.x:1 helps in not taking up too much line which can end up moving your bait with the reel at times and/or not leaving enough slack to work the bait properly, for me at least. Also feel as if the "regular" or moderate fast type action is the way to go, doesnt work the bait too much which can be an issue with xf if fishing cold water and you dont want the bait to move very erratically or forward too much. Also helps to keep the fish pinned much better with those generally light wire trebles. But, again this is all personal preference and just need to find what is right for you.

[iceintheveins]

For casting, a 7' M Veritas is great, and the same rod in the same length and power spinning rod for smaller jerkbaits (under 3/8 or an ounce).

[roadwarrior]

I consider the Avid AVC66MF the perfect jerkbait rod. The only reason I am selling the rod is that I am having a replacement custom built.

 

[Jeff H]

Just about any M/F makes a respectable jerkbait rod.  My choice for dedicated perfection is the Avid 6'2" M/XF as I prefer short.  I have a couple of 6'6" M/F I use too.  Prefer 6.3:1 gearing.

[A-Jay]

On ‎1‎/‎2‎/‎2017 at 2:00 PM, FryDog62 said:

I use a 6'-8" Medium XFast St. Croix Avid X baitcasting rod, Lews 7.1:1 and 10 lb Yo-Zuri Hybrid line.  

 

Extra Fast is excellent at feeling the "ticks" you get sometimes when fish are more curious than hungry, just enough stretch in the YH line to "give" when using treble hooks.  Plus I use Shadow Rap a lot and they have the stickiest hooks I've ever used.  Can't recall missing a strike or ever coming unbutonned. 

 

I'm in the @FryDog62 camp on this one. 

With the vast majority of my jerkbait strikes coming on the pause (especially early & late season) using gear (rod & line size & type) that allows for hyper-sensitive strike detection is a bonus.  That gear type could be different for each angler. 

For me it's usually a St Croix 7' 1" M Fast Spinner (LTB)  A Shimano stradic 2500 spooled w/ 10lb braid & a 10 lb mono leader.

 And as side tip - I will always approach fish from either directly up or down wind, when conditions permit.  The "Bow" caused by the wind not only messes with strike detection but if it's strong enough, may blow the bait around some on the pause which is a little funky and usually reduces strikes.

 

A-Jay