jerk bait/spook and square bill rod

[Fishydishy]

Hello,

 

I was looking for a rod that can throw square bill and jerk bait/spook. I was doing some research on it and found out that it can be two difference rods.

 

My thought was they all have treble hooks which should require a slower action tip, but some say that they use a fast action for jerkbait and spook.

 

So slower action is not needed for the jerk bait/spook treble hooks?

[Hook2Jaw]

The theory behind a faster action on a jerkbait rod is you need the responsive tip to properly work the jerkbait.  Then you need a softer power to not rip tiny jerkbait hooks from the fish.

 

I use a 6'7" Medium Fast rod for my jerkbait fishing and topwater fishing, I accomplish both with the same rod...but it'll probably be two rods in the future.

[MN Fisher]

I do my jerks on a 7' M/F rod - but as my Super Spooks and WP-110s are at or heavier than the rated max of that rod...those I toss them on my 7' H/F to get it nearer to 'center of range' of the rod.

[Dumbbassanglr]

Expride 610 M

[Bluebasser86]

I use different rods for all 3 but I wouldn't want to use the same rod for cranking as I do for spooks and jerkbaits.

[FryDog62]

The rod that might fit your 3 criteria could very well be in the Dobyns crank bait series. Most important is the versatile action of their Moderate-Fast rods.  

 

Although the Dobyns 685c was designed primarily as a jerk bait rod (and it works great btw) I have also used it for walking baits.  I think it has enough "give" to use as a square bill rod too.  If you wanted longer casting distance, there is a 7 foot version - 704c, 705c. Call Gary and he can give you a recommendation that might fit your criteria reasonably well with one rod.

[jimmyjoe]

   A jerkbait rod is one of those situations where you need a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde personality to your action. A while back, someone here on BR described the problem of jerkbait rods pretty well. I can't remember the exact words, but it was something like, "for jerkbaits, you need a moderate action on the cast and an extra-fast on the retrieve." The moderate, of course, is to get distance on the cast and the extra fast is to work the bait and set the hook on the retrieve.

   No such rod exists. Most people choose which characteristic is more important to them and live with the results. I have the St. Croix Mojo Bass 7' MH/MF "Spinnerbait" rod, and for me it's perfect for jerkbaits. I use Rapala Shadow Rap Shads and Bomber 15As. I also have a fiberglass rod to use if I should so desire, so I can compare the two. I'm one of the people who think the sensitivity and hookset characteristics are more important than the distance. That means a lot coming from me, because I value distance a lot.

   Hope this helps.      jj

[roadwarrior]

Mine is a custom built Rainshadow Eternity, 6'8" MF with a soft tip.  Good distance, good action and

responsive on retrieve. The blank is ETEC68M. Recommended line is 10-17 lbs; lure weight 1/4-3/4.

The rod is matched with a Daiwa Alpha 103 and spooled with #11 Sunline Shooter Defier Armilo.

 

 

 

[GReb]

I sold my jerkbait rod because I only used it a few times a year. But I still don’t throw them on the same rod as squarebills. It has more to do with line than rods though. I throw square bills and spooks on 15lb mono and jerkbaits on 10-12 pound flouro. I will say that to me a rod is not that important for spooks. Others may disagree but I would buy a rod for either square bills or jerkbaits depending on which you use the most. You can make the other 2 work when needed  

[thunderblack]

Go pick up a MB Orochi XX flatside special. Rod can do all these.

[Fishydishy]

Thanks for inputs. I guess I will add a crank bait rod for now. I have a tatula 6’10 MHF. I will try it for jerk bait and see it it works. 

[Scud_Muffin]

Has anyone tried both the Shimano Expride 6’10” medium and the imx pro 812c JBR jerkbait rod? I was looking into jerkbait rods that can competently handle a few other tasks like small poppers/top water, light shakyheads, and squarebills. I know the Expride can do it but would prefer to get the Loomis if the difference is splitting hairs.

[jbsoonerfan]

I have a 6'6 M Expride for sale, really good rod at a GREAT price. PM me if interested.

[Teal]

6 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

Mine is a custom built Rainshadow Eternity, 6'8" MF with a soft tip.  Good distance, good action and

responsive on retrieve. The blank is ETEC68M. Recommended line is 10-17 lbs; lure weight 1/4-3/4.

The rod is matched with a Daiwa Alpha 103 and spooled with #11 Sunline Shooter Defier Armilo.

 

 

 

Wow does shimano know you have a daiwa reel? Lol just kidding bud.  Those are good reels

[Mat_ski]

While on topic, anyone tried 701mrb tatula?

[WRB]

A square bill is still a crankbait no different then a rounded bill diving crankbait.

Spook is a top water walking lure.

Jerk bait is shallow diving stick minnow lure.

All 3 are different lures and if weigh about the same can be cast easily using the same rod.

Working the lures action is similar between the top water Spook and under water jerk bait, lots of Rod tip movements. The square bill doesn't require lots of angler action in parted, accurate casting is more important. It comes down to the line, reel and rod combo plus skill level.

I have used Iovino Major Craft Splash-It rod NAS-T681M/SI for all 3 with 11 lb Defier Armillo line and 6.3:1 Daiwa TD Fuego casting reel for 1/4-5/8 oz lures. 

Tom

 

[NOC 1]

13 hours ago, jimmyjoe said:

  "for jerkbaits, you need a moderate action on the cast and an extra-fast on the retrieve." The moderate, of course, is to get distance on the cast and the extra fast is to work the bait and set the hook on the retrieve.

   No such rod exists..

   Hope this helps.      jj

Not entirely true. Megabass makes a series of rods with a good backbone with what I would call a MF or M action and a solid XF tip. Check out the JDM Destroyer Carbon Head series. I have the Speed tip special which is a 3 power 6'1" rod and is IMO excellent at the lighter top water stuff and jerkbaits up to maybe 3/8.

[rangerjockey]

The Witch Doctor Surman 50g would work. I use mine mostly for spinnerbaits , bigger squarebills like the 2.5 and BDS and Spooks but It's fine with stickbaits like the 110 and Mcstick. Also makes a nice wart/ rock crawler/ curve55 rod.

It's got enough zip to work the bait and moderate enough for the small treble hooks.  90 % of the time they get it on the pause anyway.

[Columbia Craw]

Dobyns Champion 705CB will handle all thee baits listed and them some.