Learning To Fish a Jerkbait
By Scott Bonnema
There’s definitely a time and place for using a topwater lure or
deeper diving crankbait. When conditions are right active bass will chase down
and absolutely hammer a lure worked in their feeding zone. The key is selecting
the right bait and then knowing when and where to use it.
Topwater lures come in many different shapes and sizes and each has its own
unique characteristics and action. Jerkbaits fall into a unique category; they
are a good bet for finding and catching the most aggressive fish. However,
suspending style jerkbaits can “lure” in even the most finicky bass. Jerkbaits
tend to produce larger fish, and are a great option when you’re looking for a
real giant.
Jerkbaits are designed to be retrieved by using a series of short jerks, and
where the name is derived. That quirky retrieve also adds to the uniqueness of
the baits and really sets them apart from other lures.
There’s really only one way to learn the proper jerkbait retrieve and that’s on
the water and it can be done in a boat or from the dock. After making a medium
length cast point your rod tip down towards the bait reel the bait down about 2
to 5 feet and with a sharp motion jerk it down towards the water maybe a foot or
so, it is very important to immediately point the rod back towards the bait this
allows the bait to slash to the side on limp line slack. Reel up the slack
you’ve created and do it quickly again and again. When you get a feel for it you
can reel at a steady pace while snapping the rod tip and keep the lure working
properly. The result should be a bait that swishes back and forth underwater
from side to side. The retrieve action is the key factor, colder water
temperature typically require using suspending style jerkbaits. This bait uses a
couple of quick jerks sometimes called “slashes” with very long pauses in
between to produce a strike. However, smallmouth bass in warmer water for
example will crush a very fast snappy retrieve, especially if there are several
in the area.
You will need to experiment with retrieve speed and pauses to develop a cadence
the bass can not resist. I suggest a jerk, jerk, 1-2 second pause, jerk, jerk
cadence to start.
Jerkbaits are heavier and more aerodynamic than other baits and can be cast a
good distance, but you’re usually better off keeping it closer where you’re
still able to make a good hook set when it does get gobbled up by a big fish.
Even with its exposed hooks you’ll miss fewer fish if you can wait a couple of
seconds before rearing back and setting the hook.
If there’s a downside to using jerkbaits it’s the fact that they do have exposed
hooks which limits where they can be used. For example; you’d have a hard time
trying working one through a field of lily pads, heavy weed beds, or thick
emergent vegetation. On the other hand the side to side action attracts fish
from great distances, which can be a real advantage.
There’s never a wrong time to try a jerkbait lure. They are fantastic during the
low light hours at typical feeding times or during the middle of the day over
deeper water. Jerkbaits mimic a wounded bait fish; Bass rarely can resist an
easy meal so hang on!
Remember to Fish, Photograph and Release with a Fujifilm Quicksnap flash camera.
Scott Bonnema
classicbass.com Pro Staff
Editor’s note: Scott Bonnema is a touring bass professional who fishes
tournaments and offers instructional seminars throughout the Midwest. He’s a
member of the Rapala Team, and Pro Staffs of Fuji Film,
Northland Fishing Tackle, Ranger
Boats and Mercury.
