Jerkbait fishing conditions

[BoatSquirrel]

Ideally for jerkbaiting we are all after a 7mph south wind and mostly clear conditions.  Agree?  So what do yall do when its cloudy?  How about when the wind slows?  Swap to a different color, go to a silent bait?  Thanks!

[soflabasser]

I think the jerkbait is one of the best lures you can use for bass and you can catch fish on them during all seasons with open water. Have caught bass on jerkbaits on cold windy days just like I have caught them on calm sunny days.

[jbsoonerfan]

Only I dictate when I throw a jerkbait. I don't let time of year, water temp, water depth, water clarity, wind direction, sunny skies, cloudy skies, rain, air temp or Ott DeFoe tell me when to throw one. Basically, I always have one tied on and I am not afraid to throw it, LOL.

[Smokinal]

While I do save a jerk for water under 50, I've had great days when slick, cloudy etc... (poor JB conditions)

And I know jerks will work in warmer water, I just have other confidence baits in water over 50

[Boomstick]

I will fish a jerkbait in any fairly clear water and usually on a clear day. If the sun is behind clouds, I may throw a crankbait and if the water is a little stained or there's some waves then a spinnerbait, but you can catch them on jerkbaits all year long and they especially excel in that < 55 degree water

[Bluebasser86]

I guess I've never heard the rules for fishing a jerkbait. I fish them year round, flat calm, windy, sunny, cloudy, about the only time I don't use them is heavy cover and muddy water. Cloudy days are usually some of my best jerkbaiting days.

[A-Jay]

"Ideal" jerkbait conditions for me are 

anytime I can fish them effectively and they are getting bites. 

While I do fish them more early & late season, there's plenty of opportunity to score with them

during the warmer water periods as well.

I do find Some wind is often better than flat calm.

And I'll throw a jerkbait over, around & near cover,

just not in it.

Coincidentally, I got on a decent jerkbait bite yesterday and the wind was up & down all day (but mostly up)

A-Jay

[ww2farmer]

I catch fish on jerkbaits in all conditions.

 

If I have to pick an "ideal" condition for them, it would be:

 

Overcast/lowlight, light chop on the water but not so windy I'm getting huge bow in my line, and water temps above 40, but below 60. And clear water with AT LEAST 3-5 feet of visibility. 

 

 

 

 

[papajoe222]

There are only two hard baits that I know will consistently call bass from a distance, only because I've seen it over and over. A jerkbait and a Zara Spook. Personally, I believe it's that ability, more so than the erratic action and flash, that make it such an awesome early season bait.

Then again, maybe it's the erratic action and flash that give it the ability.  I'll have to contemplate on that and get back to you.