how to fish a jerkbait

[airborne_angler]

I have in my arsenal of lures a Storm Thunderstick Jr. I like the way it looks and want to use it but have no idea the technique to use. I have been told its a Jerkbait. I havent ever fished one and want to give it a try...How is this type of lure fished?

[GAMEOVER]

In short and fast or, long and slow jerks. Fish will usually strike on the pause so make sure you pause completely.

[Hawgin]

To fish a jerkbait, the most effective way I have found to use it is to cast it out, and give a few(3-4) quick turns of the handle to get it to depth.  Let it pause and rest for 10-15 seconds or longer, then with your rod tip give the bait 2 quick jerks, and then let it pause again for 10-15 seconds or longer.  Repeat this pattern until the bait is all the way back to you.  The most important thing to remember is to vary your cadence(number of jerks, length of jerks), and vary the length of your pauses until you find what pattern the fish are looking for.  Most of the time fish will hit this bait on the pause, and usually the colder the water then longer the pause.  Jerkbaits are great baits that will work year round, but they are especially effecting in water 50 degrees and colder.

[dink]

If I am not mistaken, that one (Thunderstick Jr.) is a floating model.  If so, short pulls and twitches in varying cadences are effective on calm days in clearer water.  You can add some suspendots to make it suspend and then follow those instructions already mentioned.  

[Hawgin]

Sorry about that.  I just read the words jerkbait and offered up my advice.  I'm unfamiliar with that specific bait, but my instructions were for just jerkbaits in general.

[George Welcome]

Floating or suspended doesn't matter: the key to working the bait is to hit slack line, not the lure. You want to make the lure dance, rise or suspend without a great deal of retrieval. After the cast, feed  some extra line: (1/4 the rod's length), and proceed with short snaps of the rod tip. Watch that you maintain slack line to the lure. A bit of practise and you will be jerking like a pro.