Small deep diving jerk bait recommendations

[Creek Chub 1]

I’m looking to add a few 3inch or so, deeper diving jerk baits for river smallmouth fishing. I’ve had decent success with 110 jr’s +1 but not familiar with duo or lucky craft smaller jerk baits. My target depth is 6-8’ or so

 

thanks

[AlabamaSpothunter]

Luckycraft Staysee 90SP

Megabass X-Nanahan +2 

 

Both are very proven fish magnets, and both will run 7-10ft depending on your line weight, and both are in that 3" size range.  

 

Honestly though if you're targeting the 6-8ft zone and need a jerkbait, there isn't anything close to a 110jr+1, it's one of the most magical baits I've ever found.   I wouldn't give up on it or try to find something better imho.  

[BassinBrett]

Lucky craft 78 DD and XD will get down 6-8.  I will be using both next year on lakes in MN and WI.

[Tim Kelly]

Duo rozante in the deep version is pretty good too.

[Glenn]

The SPRO Mcstick 110 +1 is a good option.

[RippinLips2t]

 provoke 106x in shad hammer and the kvd ones have been pretty solid performers for me too. when sizing down that small i usually just switch to a rapala original or countdown.

[roadwarrior]

1 hour ago, Glenn said:

The SPRO Mcstick 110 +1 is a good option.

McStick  jerkbaits are overlooked.

 

[Columbia Craw]

Staysee 90

[Mswen]

On 12/13/2023 at 8:12 PM, Creek Chub 1 said:

I’m looking to add a few 3inch or so, deeper diving jerk baits for river smallmouth fishing. I’ve had decent success with 110 jr’s +1 but not familiar with duo or lucky craft smaller jerk baits. My target depth is 6-8’ or so

 

thanks

 

Have you you thought about sinking jerkbaits? Generally, in rivers, it's easier to let the current and gravity get your bait in front of fish. That way, it's getting down to the strike zone instead of being pulled past before they even get deep enough.

 

Rapala alone has 5 different Countdown minnows now (Countdown, CD Magnum, CD Elite, Scatter Rap CD, & X-Rap CD), plus other sinking jerkbaits like the Shadow Rap & Subwalk. The shorter, deeper diving versions of the Shadow Rap Shad and the Ripstop (it Suspends, the SRS floats), are both 3½" long (#9). As for the Countdowns- obv the Magnum doesn't have anything that size. The rest all have something available around 3". The Elite is available at exactly 3" because, for some reason, it uses a different size than most of these. It comes in 2¼" & 3". Like the CD Elite, the X-Rap CD has wide, flat sides that put out plenty of vibration and flash. The X-Rap CD  comes in 2 sizes, (#5 & #7) while the Scatter Rap is only available in #7, but regular Countdown minnows are available from sizes 1-11.

 

That said, I've always done well on Duel/YZ products, and I know they make a lot of little minnowbaits for trout and panfish, including sinking versions like the Pins Minnow, Crystal Minnow, or Snap Bean.

 

I've had mixed results with Lucky Craft, They can knock it out of the park, or completely whiff. 

[WRB]

Don’t over look the obvious; Rapala CD09 in gold sinks as deep as you want and is a good lure.

Tom

[BassinBrett]

I tried a new one for me from Megabass today.  The Megabass I X I Shad I more like s jerk bait the a crankbait.  I worked today on a couple smallmouth.  

[Munkin]

LC Pointer 78DD or XD and Jackall Squirrel 79.

 

Allen

[Westcoast]

I really like the x80 for my smallmouth fishing. Great action and does get down even though it’s not a deep diver.