Bought my first jerkbait...

[LCG]

I want to try jerkbait fishing this year, so I bought my first jerkbait. I went with the yo zuri 3DB 110 in natural perch colour. It weighs 1/2oz with a 3-5ft running depth and suspends. 

 

Looking for advice of which combo to use. 

 

7' M-F Daiwa Tatula XT spinning rod with 15lb braid. Possibly 6lb YZH leader. 

 

Or

 

6'10" MH-R Daiwa Tatula XT casting rod with either 30lb braid or 12lb YZH. Possibly braid to leader. 

 

I fish a wide variety of conditions in Ontario, Canada. Ponds, small lakes, and great lakes. Usually fish less than 10ft of water. Targeting smallmouth, largemouth, and pike. Bank and kayak angler, occasional boys trip on a boat. I don't lock my drag down, usually thumb bar release for running fish or use the drag on my spinning reels. 

 

I say possible leader as I hate tying leaders, but have been getting better tying the FG knot, but still a PITA. 

 

Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance. 

[softwateronly]

I think either rod has a good chance of working.  I'd lean toward the spinning setup as the first try, with a side stroke.  I like to cast out my jerkbaits, give a quick 2-3 handle turns to get it down, then hit it pretty hard with some slack in the line.  I want the bait to be still, then erratically jump, dart, and dive and then be still again.  The jerk bait only moves 4-8" per hit.  I do a mix of cadences till I find what they like.  I watch for my line to jump, but lots of times you don't feel the fish till you hit it it again and there's weight.  Others on here that are very accomplished anglers also sweep the rod for a short little swim then pause. I'm still working on this myself.  I'm a fan of braid to leader and think it's worth tying the knots.  I'd be more comfortable with 8lb line over 6lb.  Good luck!

 

 

scott

[Fishlegs]

First jerkbait, huh?

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I like FC for casting reels, and braid for spinning.  If the water I fished was really clear, I would go to FC for my spinning JB outfit.  

[Big Hands]

On 4/4/2025 at 5:53 PM, LCG said:

7' M-F Daiwa Tatula XT spinning rod with 15lb braid. Possibly 6lb YZH leader. 

 

Of the two, I would choose this and maybe think about an 8 lb leader.

 

The YZ jerkbaits will catch fish and are are fairly priced.

 

The tiny ones work well on UL gear too. They run a little shallower than my Lucky Craft 48 SP, which comes in handy sometimes..