Jerkbait Spinning Rod Suggestions?

[BruceGoneFishing]

Hi everyone!

 

I'm looking for a 6'6" to 7' spinning rod to throw 1/2oz to 3/4oz jerkbaits and topwaters (treble hooked baits).  I plan to pair the rod with either a Shimano Stradic FL or Vanford 3000 (saltwater rated) reel, and use braid to leader.  The larger inshore species that I target most often are Largemouth Bass, Northern Snakehead, Sea Trout, and Striped Bass / Red Drum - 20" to 35". 

 

From what I've found it seems like the ideal rod for this application is one that has a soft tip section to work the bait and avoid pulling the bait away from the fish, while also having a blank that will be able to load up so the treble hooks stay pinned.  Also, a shorter handle section seems ideal to give the forearm more mobility while working the bait.  However, I've found it difficult to pinpoint a rod for this technique since there's no standard in rod ratings across the industry.  Also, rod inventory and selection are limited in my area, so trying to compare rods can be a challenge!

 

Is there a particular rod that comes to mind for this application that you all have experience with?  I don't mind spending up to $350 if the rod's performance can justify the price!  I've considered rods like the Shimano Teramar, Expride, and Zodias.  As well as the St. Croix Premier, Mojo, or Avid (inshore) series rods. 

 

All suggestions or feedback with rod specs would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

- Bruce

 

[Big Hands]

Daiwa Kage 

KAG6101MFS (Jerkbait / Tube)

Spinning

M

F

6'10"

1

6-14

1/8-3/4

[rgasr63]

I have used a Bps Offshore angler salt striker spinning rod  7 ft medium heavy moderate. It will throw just about anything I own. I have bass fished and catfished with it. It is not an expensive rod but it fits that kind of niche for me.

[Jar11591]

While I’m not necessarily sure what “pull the bait away from the fish” means in this context, for jerkbaits and topwaters I want the rod to have a snappy, fast or extra fast tip. Trying to work a jerk or topwater bait with a more moderate rod is for the birds. Like trying to stir a pot of soup with a piece of cooked spaghetti. I also like a shorter rod for these applications because you can snap the rod tip down to work the bait without slapping the surface of the water. Check out the St. Croix Victory 6’8” M-XF. I have the casting version of this rod that makes an excellent rod for jerkbaits, walkers and poppers. 

[MN Fisher]

50 minutes ago, Jar11591 said:

Check out the St. Croix Victory 6’8” M-XF. I have the casting version of this rod that makes an excellent rod for jerkbaits, walkers and poppers. 

X2 - I also have this Victory...excellent JB rod...I think the spinning version would do just as good.

[Obi_Wan]

Denali AttaX

Impulse

BPS Fish Eagle

St Croix Mojo Bass or Mojo Bass glass

Hammer Rods

 

Lots of good ones out there for this.  I've used an Impulse rod for jerkbait fishing in Canada for 4 years and its just about perfect.  I also have a Denali I like.  Its kind of in between M and ML.  

[Texas Flood]

I really like the Lews KVD rod. Its my main jerkbait/river setup for spinning.

 

[KP Duty]

10 hours ago, Big Hands said:

Daiwa Kage 

KAG6101MFS (Jerkbait / Tube)

Spinning

M

F

6'10"

1

6-14

1/8-3/4

I have the Tatula 6'6" M (also 1/8-3/4) that I thought sounded like a great jerkbait rod.  It turned out to be a little too stiff.  I still haven't found the ideal rod.

[thunderblack]

Looked for this exact rod you are looking for. I fish fresh and salt with jerks.

 

Shimano Teramar XX M F is awesome! I should buy another as backup

Daiwa Backbay M F 7-1

St. Croix M F in most models

Megabass Ronin newest model is best for larger jerkbaits but its short

considered IMX pro 'jerkabait' model but never pulled the trigger

 

Not a fan of 6'-8" jerkbait rods. Not the best casters.

[Big Hands]

5 hours ago, KP Duty said:

I have the Tatula 6'6" M (also 1/8-3/4) that I thought sounded like a great jerkbait rod.  It turned out to be a little too stiff.  I still haven't found the ideal rod.

 

I have the rod that I referenced. I am not that much of a jerkbait connoisseur to say whether this 6'10" rod is too stiff or how it stacks up against others. I mostly use a Shimano SLX 6'10" M/XF for jerkbait fishing TBH and it performs wonderfully AFAIK.

 

I do have other Kage, Tatula, and Tatula Elite rods, and have found that they generally perform well for their intended purpose. I would also say that I have had one Kage 7' spinning rod that had a (non-Fuji) reel seat that I absolutely did not get along with (the foot squirmed in the seat), and I would advise people to check the fit of your reels in them before committing. On the rod I referenced and still own, I had no such issues. 

[Dye99]

Ive used a few over the years and never was confident in the technic of jerk bait fishing until I purchased the Megabass Ronin. That rod is awesome, short, sweet and perfect action for visions and other JBs

[Chris at Tech]

17 hours ago, Big Hands said:

Daiwa Kage 

KAG6101MFS (Jerkbait / Tube)

Spinning

M

F

6'10"

1

6-14

1/8-3/4

I’m enjoying my 6’8” Kage for jerkbaits and topwater plugs.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

The Avid Inshores are one of the last lines they still make with the older style actions that I much prefer to the newer ones.  The M power works great for 1/2 and 5/8 jerk and twitch baits, it will handle 3/4, but IMO its not ideal.  If 1/2 is youre absolute lowest weight then consider the MH.  SC has supposedly ironed out the breakage issue with the Mojo Inshores. It was allegedly a bad batch of blanks that was to blame.  They use the same blank as the Avid, but the Avid is Made in the US, which means the builds are a little more consistent and you get upgraded Titanium guide frames which fare better with SW and are much lighter in weight then the sea guides used on the mojos.  The M power Avid and Mojos are very close in weight, almost the same.  Its not until you get to the MH over 7ft that you notice the difference with the rod in hand.  The weight of the heavier duty, double foot sea guides, adds about an oz of weight, which affects the balance a little.  So if you are considering the a M power Avid the Mojo may be worth checking out, if youre going to go up to a MH then go with the Avid for sure.

[Dwight Hottle]

I would look for a rod that is rated medium heavy moderate action. Most MH are rated to 3/4 or 1oz weights. Most cranking rods fit these parameters. 

[Elewi]

Honestly I’m just using a 6’ HMG. Nowhere near the typical Jerkbait rod action but I’ve had no problems enticing  and landing fish. Get a good spinning reel with a good drag system and pay attention while landing fish. 
Would be nice to be able to cut a bit of length off the butt end of some of these Jerkbait rods. Those saying a 6’8”-6’11” is fine are probably right as well.