Jerkbait tips

[tyrius.]

So, I think for us newer fisherman a "series" of threads on lure types and the tips to fish that type would be beneficial.

I just got back into fishing this year and bought an X-Rap jerk bait.  This thing looks like it should catch fish, but also probably requires a certain presentation.  I searched for jerk bait tips but didn't find what I was looking for.  So, for those that fish the jerk bait a lot what hints and tricks can you share with those of us looking to get into it?

[roadwarrior]

Okay.

First of all, a jerkbait is NOT fished like a crankbait. The proper retrieve is some comination of jerk, jerk, pause. Sometimes it's a series of short jerks and pause, sometimes a long jerk and pause. Finding the right cadence is not something easily described because it varies from day to day. What is critical is that the pause be complete.

Rapala refers to the X-Rap as a "slash bait" which implies, at least to me, faster, more erratic action. I tend to fish them fast. By contrast, a Lucky Craft Pointer is a "true" jerkbait and I tend to use a longer motion (more of a pull than a jerk) and an extended pause. The majority of the time, the strike is on the movement of the X-Rap and during the pause on the Pointer.

You simply have to experiment with a number of different retrieves, but once you find one that works, stick with it the rest of the outing. Unfortunately, the next time you are out, the best cadence will probably be something different.

Check out "Fishing Articles" at the top of the page. We have a number of write-ups that will help. Here is one to start with:

http://bassresource.com/fishing/Jerkbait_fishing.html

Good luck!

[jwo1124]

I LOVE JERKBAITS! This is one lure that can truly turn the bite on when fish are inactive. Like Road said, you shouldn't fish a jerkbait like a crankbait, you can kind of tell the difference just in the name. Crankbait really have a certain wobble or action built in to it. Sure you can add a twitch here and there to a crank, but for the most part just reeling it back with a stop and go will get active and neutral fish to strike. A jerkbait on the other hand should not be moved with the reel. All the movement should come from the rod tip, jerking it at a cadence and then reeling up the slack line from moving the bait forward. The pause is usually when a fish will strike, so make sure you reel that slack up quick, always ready to a strike to occur on the pause.

I love the X-rap. I was fishing with it the other day and a rainbow trout exploded on it. The rainbow came shooting up out of the water shaking its head violently and tossed the heavy lure. I was slashing once or twice then letting it sit for a few seconds. I would reccomend a composite rod with a moderate action. Composite rods are made from a mixture of fiberglass(heavy, durable, and more moderate to slow action) and graphite(faster lighter, more sensitive material) These composties usually make good crankbait rods because they have a moderate amount of sensitivity needed for the job of cranks and jerkbaits, good moderate flex that will allow for cushion room so you don;t rip out the small treble hooks from the fish.

Tips: try different actions. There are two parts to the action, the jerk and the pause. Slow, medium and fast jerks, number of jerks in between pauses, amount of time between each jerk, and the length of the pause. I have heard that at times it will be good to pause 15-20 seconds(obviously only on suspending models) I guess that this suspending action of a bait in front of a fish just triggers a reaction strike. I heard it is hard wired into their brains. I guess the fish just can;t pass up an easy meal. Jerkbaits are great because you can use them spring summer and fall, and they truly are great at enticing the strike.

[tyrius.]

How much do you have to reel to get it down to depth?  

As I pull the lure through the water is it diving deeper and rising back on the pauses, or once it gets down to is suspend depth does it stay at that level?

How much distance is typically covered on the jerks (3 inches, 6 inches, a foot)?

When the right jerk pause sequence is figured out is that the sequence that should be used for the entire length of the cast and for each subsequent cast?  Or should the retrieve be more erratic, for example, jerk 6 inches, pause 3 seconds, jerk 12 inches, pause 5 seconds?

Does it make sense to alternate which side my rod tip is on so the lure will dart to the left and then the next jerk to the right?

See lots of questions!  

[roadwarrior]

Long casts will place the jerkbait in the strike zone for the longest period of time. Reeling quickly for a few yards will get the lure to depth and if it is properly suspending, it stays there!

The distance of the movement varies from a few inches to several feet, but you can control that with a twitch or the sweep of your rod. I generally start with long sweeps and an extended pause when fishing a Pointer. With an X-Rap, quick twitches and a shorter pause is usually the approach I take.

When the right cadence is found, that is the ONLY cadence you should use that day, but finding the magic requires some experimentation. I will fish with the same retrieve for several casts before trying something different, but if I'm fishing with someone else and they get a strike, I immediately switch to their style.

I don't think it is important to move the lure left or right or alternate the direction. Moving forward creates action and that is what seems to appeal to the fish or at least gets its attention. Remember the strike can occur on movement or when the bait appears motionless.

[MattStrykul]

Something I do when it is winter, and very cold, is just let it sit. I mean I let it sit for a while too. Up to a whole minute at times. Don't move it until you just can't stand to not move it anymore, you'll know the feeling. It has been a very good producer in the winter time, probably my best.