Jerk, Jerk, Pause...Jerk, Jerk, Strike! FISH ON!  Seconds later, a monster bronzeback launched its self out of the water creating a beautiful silhouette agains the morning horizon.  After several aerial flight attempts to throw the hooks the smallmouth reluctantly gave in and we lander her successfully in our net.  After I released the fish back in to the water my fishing partner asked, “Why are you having so much success with that skinny stick?”  With that simple question, so began the ten minute on the water lesson to help him become a successful jerk bait fisherman.

Hard Jerk baits, stick baits, or Rip baits have been around for many years.  I have used everything from the Smithwick Rattlin’ Rogue to Lucky Craft Pointers.  The basic idea has not changed, a long skinny profile, some rattles, and a bait that will suspend in the water column.  Not all bait will suspend perfectly, water temp has a lot to do with this issue.  Most will either sink or rise slowly in the water.

Here are some critical points of interest when considering using a jerk bait.  The rod is what makes the bait move correctly; rode lengths in the range of 6’ 6” to 7’ 0” will have the right length to make an effective snap.  Ones with softer tip usually work better and there are some really good jerk bait specific rods on the market.  With a slower action rod, the bait will dance much better in the water, fast action rods pull the bait to much and the bait will not work properly.

The next important factor is spinning gear vs. bait casting equipment.  They both have their benefits and drawbacks.  Spinning reels are much easier to operate, but line twits become evident after a couple hours.  Secondly, spinning gear does not handle the larger jerk baits as effective.  However, spinning gear is the way to go if you are throwing lighter smaller baits like the X-Rap RX06’s and 08’s.  You have a wider selection of equipment if you are partial to bait casters and they do handle larger baits better, those that are 1/2 to 5/8 oz. and larger.

Line is critical, two factors need to be addressed; line composition or type (Monofilament or Fluorocarbon) and line weight.  It you want your jerk bait to run high in the water column (near the surface) you will want to choose a monofilament, because of its floating properties, and a heavier pound test line.  If you want the bait to go deep, fluorocarbon in a lighter line is ideal.  There are time when I will go as heavy as 15 lb. monofilament when I want the bait to be near the surface and days when 6 lb. test fluorocarbon is the key, running as deep as 8-10 feet.  There are many factors to consider when making line choices.  Most often, 10 pound test fluorocarbon line is perfect across many situations.

Besides equipment, the angler is the greatest factor when determining success.  Cadence or jerking rhythm is the way you make the bait move through the water.  I have fished with many anglers and they have a difficult time understanding the significance of the “way” and “how” you move the bait effectively through the water.  The number one problem is that most anglers jerk the bait thought the water on a tight line.  This action just pulls the bait forward without much action.  When you snap the bait on slack line the lure will jump and provide a very erratic action in the water.  The jerking action will vary from day to day.  You will have to determine what the fish wants, there will be times when you will not even be able to stop the bait, constantly jerking your bait back to the boat.  Then, on other day you must let the bait sit between jerks for as much as ten to fifteen seconds, and any variation in between.

This technique excels on days when the wind is blowing relatively good, windblown points are vary good place to start.  I will typically start at the base of the point (the place nearest the shallow water) and work out towards the tip.  Always start on the windy side of the point, bait fish will often be blown up or into the corner.  Another high percentage location is on large sprawling flats with deep water near by.  Active fish will come up on top of these flats to feed and have a difficult time resisting the action of a jerk bait.  The key here is that you will be covering a lot of water catching the most active fish.

Jerk bait fishing can be very exciting with the bites come very fast and vicious.  One of the added perks is that you will get many bonus fish.  Walleyes, pike, and muskies have all fallen prey to this effective fishing technique and it is not uncommon to have other fish following the hooked one in so be ready with a cast back rod for a quick second hook-up.  Take the time to learn this effective technique, it will put fish in the boats when other approaches are unsuccessful.


Barrels Up Pro Staff
Gary Rehbein