Jan 12
2
Jackall Squirrel 79 - Best Cold Water Jerk Bait for Deep Suspending Bass
One of the most productive bass fishing techniques is working the Jerk Bait. Jerk baits have a few characteristics which set them apart from all other baits. Jerk baits are slender for their length, made to resemble a threadfin shad. Jerk baits by design are reaction lures, triggering the bite while underwater, which separates them from a pure top water lure. Most jerk baits have some type of lip to pull the bait underwater, much the same as a crank bait. But the thing that sets them apart from other lures is the way they are worked. To get the most out of a jerk bait, you use the rod in short or long jerks without reeling. This rod action is what gives jerk baits their name, and their action underwater.
Like all crankbait style lures, jerk baits are designed to be struck from below the surface. Jerk baits are almost solely a horizontal presentation, so you need to know exactly the depth you’re trying to fish. The location, color and retrieve style also contribute to the success of the Jerk Bait.
Depth
The two most common depths for working a Jerk Bait in the Spring are three feet and six feet. There are Jerk Baits available to cover depths of 1ft up to 15ft.
Location
Once the depth is determined, target main and secondary lake points leading to the types of coves where the bass are most likely to spawn. With long casts, work the Jerk Bait parallel to the bank, starting on the points and work towards the back of the cove This will generally produce bass.
Colors
Basic shad patterns always work best in the Spring. Clear water, the ghost minnow is a good color choice; in stained to muddy water, chartreuse shad or clown colors are bass favorites.
Retrieves
1) Two jerks then LONG pause…retrieve slowly for a few feet, repeat.
2) Three jerks then LONG pause….repeat
3) Three jerks then pause, two jerks then pause, one jerk then pause….retrieve.
The length of the pause is really based on the bass feeding activity in the area. In some cases a bass will strike a jerk bait that has been suspended for as long as 30 seconds. Typically you should pause more often in colder water than warmer water.
Jerk baits are EXCELLENT search baits, so keep an eye on the water during your retrieve, if there are fish in the area, chances are there will be a fish following the bait to the boat. Last Spring I had this happen probably a dozen times one morning. I caught 8 fish in 30 minutes working a Jerk Bait in timber, and had bigger bass following my bait nearly every cast, with as many as four trailing it at one time.
As with all styles of baits, every angler has their preferred Jerk Baits. Here are three Jerk Baits that I never leave home without.
Jackall Squirrel 79
This jerkbait is very effective in cold weather. Squirrel has a longbill which makes it possible to dive deeper, thus it is easier to reach inactive bass in the water. It will be your favorite lure for early spring. This lure produces a tight wobbling action creating a life-like stop and go action which increases your chances of catching more fish.
Color: Chartreuse Shad
Best Jerk Bait for targeting deep suspended bass in cold water.
Spro McRip
SPRO McRip was designed by SPRO Pro Staffer BASS Elite Series pro, Mike McClelland, and built on the same successful frame as the popular McStick, but with a longer bill to get the bait down into the 8-10ft range when worked using 10lb fluorocarbon. The SPRO McRip works at a prime depth range for bass early and late in the season. The McRip features the exclusive SPRO weight transfer system, which allows it to cast like a bullet and but also suspend vertically like a real bait fish. Available in a variety of proven colors, the Spro McRip comes stock with those sticky sharp Gamakatsu Hooks. The SPRO McRip provides anglers a rip bait that can get down deep where those lunkers suspend!
Color: Blue Bandit
Best Jerk Bait for Windy conditions.
Megabass Vision 110
The X110 is the Yuki Ito produced jerk bait that American fishermen have been waiting for. The X110 has a super tight wobbling action that is created by its flat sides and concave bottom. The X110 minnow has high density tungsten alloy composite weights strategically placed inside the body cavity to provide an exceptionally effective weight transfer system, giving the bait an unsurpassed action that fish can resist. This internal weight system also shifts to the rear of the bait during casting to make for smooth, lengthy casts. The X110 comes equipped with 3 Katsuage outbarb treble hooks to increase your hooking percentage. This is a slow floating bait ideal for rip bait fishing or any other situation that may call for the use of a minnow or jerk bait style lure.
Color: Wagasaki
Best Overall Jerkbait for Clear Water Lakes & Reservoirs.
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