help me pick a jerkbait setup

[HookSetDon]

Im trying to figure out what kind of rod/reel would be best for throwing jerkbaits, ive come across lots of information but i havent narrowed it down yet. Another option im struggling with is either casting or spinning tackle? why and why not.. 

In some of my research ive found that a jerkbait rod should be similar of a crankbait rod, what do you think?

[-nick-]

I use a 6'6" rod just because I found it easier to work a jerkbait than with a 7' or longer for me. It's MH with a fast taper to help with working the lure. I use a 7.0:1 gear ratio baitcasting reel to help pick up the slack faster in between jerks.

This is what I like using and works well for me.

When cranking I prefer more of a moderate taper.

[ProCraft Joe]

I use a 6'6" medium spinning rod or a 6' medium bait caster. Both are moderate action. I use the spinning reel when the water is cold and the bait needs to be worked slow. The casting rod is for warm water.

[WanderLust]

I use a 6' 8 MH with fast action using a 6.4:1 reel.

Seems to work.

Prior to BC setup I was using a 6'6 spinning with a slower reel. It also worked but not as nice.

[BASSclary]

6'6" M/XF with a 6.X:1 or higher gear ratio Casting setup.

Jerkbaits on spinning gear in my personal opinion is as uncomfortable as trying to fit into Thomas the Tank Engine underwear from when you were 3.

[Hooligan]

I fish jerkbaits on a couple different rods 6-9 Medium, a 6-6 MXF, and a 6-6 MH.

I don't like crankbait rods, really, for jerkbaits.  I just don't feel that I get the same action. 

In terms of spinning or casting:  up to you.  I fish quite a few smaller jerkbaits on one of my spinning rods. 

[dwtaylor]

I have used a medium action baitcasting crankbait rod for jerkbaits.  I feel that it keeps you from over working the bait, which can deter bites sometimes.  Sometimes they want that aggresive action.  Its all about what the fish want that day.  Also, as far as line goes, different jerkbaits suspend differently so some baits like mono and some like flourocarbon.  The safe bet is probably with flourocarbon due to its ability to sink. 

[roadwarrior]

Main rig: Avid AVC66MF/ Scorpion 1000

For light lures and at night: Fenwick Techna AVS70MM/ Sustain 2500

According to Mike McClellan and Mike Iaconelli,

jerkbaits should be fished on monofilament line.

8-)

[Ima Bass Ninja]

Currently using a 6'6" MF vendetta with a 6.3:1 ratio reel. I keep it simple when choosing rods for technique specific applications. Medium power rods = treble hook lures. Medium Heavy/ Heavy power rod = Single hook lures.

[HookSetDon]

Thanks gentlemen, i think I'm going to give baitcasting a whirl

[bigbassctchr101]

Main rig: Avid AVC66MF/ Scorpion 1000

For light lures and at night: Fenwick Techna AVS70MM/ Sustain 2500

According to Mike McClellan and Mike Iaconelli,

jerkbaits should be fished on monofilament line.

8-)

WHOA!!!  At night?  You fish a jerk bait at night? This has never crossed my mind not one time.  Do you use the same baits as you would during the day, or bigger and darker?

[roadwarrior]

Same lures. I fish spinning tackle  because I can't

see or feel loose line on a baitcasting reel and a

backlash is real trouble in the dark!

8-)

[sal669]

I use an Avid AVC66MF paired with a TD Sol for all jerkbaits and top water baits. I think this rod has the ideal taper for this kind of duty.

[central.PA.bass]

I either use a 7' or 6'6 MH F rod..

[Jason_Barnucz]

Im trying to figure out what kind of rod/reel would be best for throwing jerkbaits, ive come across lots of information but i havent narrowed it down yet. Another option im struggling with is either casting or spinning tackle? why and why not..

In some of my research ive found that a jerkbait rod should be similar of a crankbait rod, what do you think?

For most day to day applications, I am using a Jerkbait on a casting rod. 6'6" Medium, Fast. The casting reel allows me to make more accurate casts and is more comfortable to use.

When I am big water (Lake Erie, Lake Simcoe, Lake St. Clair) I prefer a 7' Medium Spinning rod. I will run 10lb FC or 10lb braid for extra distance. On big/clear water I prefer 'hail mary' casts to locate fish with jerkbaits. The longer rod helps with distance and hooksets.

I am 6'3" tall so a 7' rod is easy to manage. Most peers use a 6'6" or 6'10" jerkbait rod.

[HookSetDon]

see for me up to now ive been using a spinning rod for jerkbaits until i sent the half of my two piece rod into the water and couldnt retrieve it, i was perfectly comfortable with using spinning tackle, as for casting accuracy i do see an advantage in casting, but as for distance and ability to throw smaller baits and a better drag when fishing light line i keep coming back to spinning tackle...

[Fishes in trees]

I prefer spinning gear for a couple of reasons.  First, I get more distance with spinning gear and I think that's important with jerkbaits.

Second, I've had enough issues trying to throw jerkbaits with bait casting gear that I prefer not to do it anymore.  I don't have to worry about wind as much when I'm using jerkbaits and spinning gear.

I like using a 7 or 6 1/2 ft med. lt. spinning rod and 14 lb fireline.   Using a half ounce Lucky Craft pointer, I can cast right aroound a hundred feet with little effort.

When I wind up and think about it, I can throw farther.  So that's why I like spinning gear for jerkbaits.