Dedicated jerkbait spinning rod suggestions?

[The Baron]

I'm going through my rod/reel setups and identifying some improvements for next year.   One item on the list is to assemble a dedicated spinning setup for jerkbaits.  I've got a Shimano Stradic 2500 for the job and would like to keep life very simple and spool with 8# mono (or braid-fluoro - that's open to debate, but I've never had a good experience with straight fluoro and am done spending that money on headaches).  Baits will be pretty standard 4-5", mostly chasing smallmouth.

 

I'm thinking the rod should be something in the 6'-6'8" range, but unsure if it should be a M-M/L and a F or XF?   Any experiences stories or suggestions are welcome.

[Dwight Hottle]

Well for fishing braid I use a MHM. The moderate action rod puts some give in the system when using non stretch braid to keep fish hooked up. If using mono or flouro which adds stretch to the system you can go with fast action or even xtra fast action if that's your thing. You need the MH power if using 3/4 or 1 ounce baits which I frequently do. If your only using 1/2 or 5/8 baits a medium action rod would suffice. Just remember when using treble hook baits you need some kind of give in the system to keep from pulling hooks out whether it be drag, rod flex or line stretch. 

[TnRiver46]

I don’t know much about rod power/action, but I like a flemsy one for suspending jerkbaits . I get these rods at academy for dirt cheap, I think they are fiberglass. 

they have got me some nice fish 

 

 

I do, however, know a lot about 6 lb mono. 
 

i would recommend 6 lb line instead of 8. I’ve totally ditched the 8 and gone to 6 on every spinning reel. Got Many drum over 30 inches and many gar over 40 inches with 6 lb eagle claw mono, you won’t be reeling in any bass with that kind of power or teeth 

[Finessegenics]

I think you’re spot on with the length of the rod. 6’6 or 6’8 is ideal for that downwards snapping motion. I personally believe a M/F is ideal but don’t see a reason why M/XF wouldn’t work either. After all they are just labels, each rod performs differently. I’ve heard a lot of good things about St Croixs 6’8 M/XF as jerkbait rods but in some lineups they also make a 6/8 M/F.
 

My jerkbaits are all 1/4 oz to 1/2 oz, so I use a spinning rod. They are not deep diver models so they’re relatively light. I currently use 15# braid to 10# or 8# mono for my jerkbaits. I used to use a baitcaster with a DC reel but I suffered with distance. Since I do have a braid mainline, I back down on the drag a bit to not rip the small trebles out of the fishes mouth. The mono also adds some stretch to the setup. 
 

 

[Bankc]

It's all personal preference with jerkbaits.  An extra-fast rod will allow you to snap the rod quicker for better action.  A moderate rod will allow you to land more fish as you'll be able to keep the fish pinned on those treble hooks easier.  Something in the middle will be a compromise between the two philosophies.  

 

I'd go medium or medium heavy, depending on the weight of the lure and the rod itself.  ML would be a bit too light, in my opinion.  But maybe you'd like it.  

 

As for rod length, some prefer a shorter rod, as it makes jerking the rod with the tip pointed down easier.  Some prefer a longer rod, as you can cast further with it.  A lot will depend on your height and how high up your boat sits out of the water.  

 

Jerkbaits will involve a lot of compromises.  The perfect rod will have to be one thing on the cast, another thing on the retrieve, and a third thing after you've hooked the fish.  And everyone prioritizes things differently, so what works well for one person, may not work so well for another.  So your best bet is to just try some jerkbaits with what you have, figure out what you like and don't like, and then buy a rod that has the specs you're looking for, once you figure out what you fish best with.  

[Firstoutfisher]

Megabass Orochi XX Ronin, 6'9 Medium Fast spinning rod designed for the best jerkbait in existence, the vision 110. 

[huZZah]

I don’t do jerkbaits  much but I prefer a shorter stiffer rod (6’6” or even 6’ MH XF) cause I’m standing on the bank or even out in the water a little. Longer rod makes working the bait difficult. Also a softer rod makes working it difficult. The XF helps a lot though as stated above. 

[bigspirit]

Just went through this myself. I got the 6’ 9” M F Zodias. Love it! I have a 2500 stradic ci4+ on it spooled with 10# braid to 10# flouro leader. Really enjoying it so far. Has a short handle and just feels light and snappy. I set the drag a little light…then I lighten it a tiny bit more. 

[Bluebasser86]

I use a 7' M/MF Falcon Bucco SR with 8lb mono. 

[thunderblack]

Best high end rod - Megabass valkyrie

 

mid range for small jerkbaits - Megabass ronin

mid range for medium baits - Steez AGS or Loomis 842S

 

Favorite length 6'-10 - 7'-1" in medium fast action (not XF)

 

[Bankbeater]

I've been using a m/f 6'6" BPS Carbonlite, but it isn't a dedicated rig. 

[KCFinesse]

Personal opinion- I think with a spinning rod rod jerkbaiting, you can get by with a heavier rod than the equivalent casting set up (imagine casting jerkbaits with short MHM casting vs a MHM spinning). This allows you to fish a more moderate spinning rod that still has enough 'quick backbone' to twitch and snap the bait. That being said I still use an XF casting rod more than any spinning set up. Also, braid with an XF might not be super forgiving.

 

-Jared

[00bullitt]

I use the Shimano Zodias 6'9" Medium with a 2500 Shimano Vanford. I used to use it for all jerkbaits but now only use it for the small ones that I can not cast with my baitcaster.

I also have the Zodias 7' Medium Light and can say that is too light for obtaining the action from the bait that you need (IMO).

 

I started using 15# braid to 8# Fluoro leader and have since switched to straight 6# Tatsu.

I have noticed a big difference in my bite ratio and have no issues with line memory from the small diameter fluoro line. If I had to do it over again, I would have just spooled on about 60' of 6# to the braid backer and let it ride.

[Born 2 fish]

I use a daiwa kage 7’ multi purpose with a tatula 3000 CHX with 10lb braid. It’s a awesome combo for jerkbait’s

[DogBone_384]

I have a 6’9” M/MF Kistler KLX casting rod I like for jerkbaits so much I had them make a spinning version to the same specifications.

 

Other than that, I’d recommend any medium rod in the 6’6” - 6’10” range that fits your hand and budget.

 

Best of luck with your choice.

[Fat Ika]

Powell Endurance Spinning 7’2” Med composite. I’m 5’9”. 7’2” allows me to still maintain my preferred jerkbait technique positioning, maximize distance with length and moderate action, max length to catch up to sluggish strikes in cold water, and keeps fish pinned. I use braid to leader until air temp increases for straight 8# flouro line management. Even with line conditioner plus high quality flouro, I do not find the line management optimal in colder air temps. I’m short as ****. I never understood the short rod deal for me personally………especially with a spinning rod, since I cannot impart a true/neutral vertical isolated wrist action with a spinning setup.