Need a New Jerkbait Rod

[bunz559]

In the past, before I started purchasing dedicated setups, I used to throw my jerkbaits on a Dobyns 733 Champion. I still do sometimes. Last year, I purchased a Dobyns 685cb hoping for a dedicated jerkbait rod that was short for boat fishing. Unfortunately this rod just didn't work out. I couldn't cast the usual jerkbaits more than 20 yards with terrible accuracy while similarly with the 733, I could make 35-40 yard casts. I sold the 685cb and am now looking into another jerkbait rod, but would like some advice. 

 

The waters I fish are mostly large, deep, California reservoirs. Long casts are necessary. While shorter rods yield shorter distances, I can't imagine it being half the distance. The 685cb really struggled to cast jerkbaits (Vision 110, Pointers, etc.) probably because of it's action. The soft tip action made it feel like I was casting a 3/4oz jig on a Walmart Ugly Stick. Rod would load up but then there was no tip flinging the bait.  

 

I'm considering the Megabass Levante or Orochii Jerkbait Specials, Irod Genisis Lone Star, Shimano Curado 6'10 MH. The Orochii being the more expensive, but I assume I don't really need too expensive of a reaction rod. Any other suggestions for something that is not going to hinder my jerkbait casts sooooo much? 

 

Thanks in advance! 

[Tizi]

I ended up buying a SLX 6'10" medium Xfast from American Legacy with the SLX reel for $126 shipped.  It works very well for jerbait fishing.

[bunz559]

Almost forgot to consider the SLX rods. I've heard good things about them. 

[A-Jay]

Check out Alpha Rods.  They make "The Slasher" Jerkbait Rod.

https://www.alphaangler.com/products/jerkbait-fishing-rod

I am loving mine.

Does everything I ask of it including taming these two beasts from last week.

A-Jay

[bunz559]

Thanks alot Jay! Thanks for posting that brand. Never heard of them, but will take a look and possibly try them out. 

[Russ E]

There a re a lot of good jerkbait rods on the market. I own a few of them. 

On a whim, this winter, I bought a KastKing speed demon pro jerkbait rod. it is 6ft. 10in. medium action.

I put a taula ct on it.

It is bar none the best jerkbait combo I have ever used. perfect balance and just the right action.

I can use it all day without wearing myself out.

[FryDog62]

I just got a Lews Custom “Plus” Speed Stick.  The blank in front of the reel is the same as a 7’-0” but the handle is shorter so you don’t bounce against your side.  That makes the overall length 6’-7” but I still get longer casts with it than I did my old 6’-10” rod.  

[bunz559]

On 5/8/2019 at 6:14 PM, Russ E said:

On a whim, this winter, I bought a KastKing speed demon pro jerkbait rod. it is 6ft. 10in. medium action.

 

 

On 5/8/2019 at 7:50 PM, FryDog62 said:

I just got a Lews Custom “Plus” Speed Stick.  

 

Thanks guys, will definitely look into these 2 rods. 

20 hours ago, BaitFinesse said:

The Jerkbait Special in either the Levante or Orochi xx would be great.  I'm looking to pick one of the two up at some point.  The rods I am using now are either too stiff or the handle is too long.  I love fishing jerkbaits but don't fish them often enough to warrant a dedicated rod just yet.

I've been really considering the Levante. The Orochi would be really nice, but slightly too expensive for a reaction rod that I feel I don't need the more expensive sensitivity in my types of waters. Unfortunately, the new 2019 Levantes are pretty hard to get at the moment. 

[Chance_Taker4]

Kistler Crank, Rip, Twitch rod. I believe it is a KLX Series. I love that rod for jerkbaits. I also use a 13 Omen Black 2 as well

[smithy97]

The 2019 Levante jerkbait special is an awesome rod. Great action, balance and feel. The 6'11 length is perfect for me. I know lots of guys throw jerkbaits on more of a moderate action (like a cranking rod, Dobyns 704cb and 705cb) but these feel far too flimsy to me and require more effort to get the bait really going. The jerkbait special has the right tip to give the bait a quick darting action without as much effort, but loads nicely into the blank to pin fish on treble hooks. 

[FishTank]

I have couple that I like for jerkbaits.  My personal favorite is the G.Loomis 783C GLX.  It has a nice soft tip and the 6'6'' length is perfect.  The sensitivity is about as good as it gets.  Also, I can use this rod for just about anything.   My other favorite is the St. Croix Avid 7' MH Fast.  I like this one for Vision 110's and LC 100 SP's and anything bigger. 

[michaelsrex]

Am I the only one who loves to throw a 7'1 MH kistler helium 3 with an aldebaran or metanium? Just a crazy light setup. I found it pretty darn fun to throw vision 110s with. With that said a dedicated jerk bait rod is not something I really have. 

[Chris at Tech]

On 5/11/2019 at 9:39 AM, Chance_Taker4 said:

Kistler Crank, Rip, Twitch rod. I believe it is a KLX Series. I love that rod for jerkbaits. I also use a 13 Omen Black 2 as well

My KLX "Tops and Tails Special" rod gets jerkbait duty and so far, so good.

[bunz559]

So I decided to go a little cheaper than I expected as throwing jerkbaits isn't a primary go to on deck setup for me. Ended up picking up a Shimano SLX 6'10 medium heavy over the medium with concerns to the weight of the baits I normally throw. I actually really like the new SLX reels so I paired it with a 8 gear ratio. Had a chance to cast the setup a few times this passed tournament and caught a few. I'd have to say that while the rod doesn't feel as premium as some of the higher end rods, it's a nice little setup. I no longer have any issues with casting distance as I had with the Dobyn's 685cb. This short rod can still launch a 110! 

 

Thanks for all the input folks! 

[Big-Bass]

OG Tatula 7' ML short full handle.  The best!