Choosing The Right Jerkbaitand Methods To Use Them

[LittleRedFisherman]

Catch rate varies widely, but on a decent jerkbait day with two people fishing, probably 15-30 bass. I've had a few days better than that this time of year, and quite a few that weren't as good. Again, a lot depends upon finding them. If you're fishing familiar water where you know the wintering pools, you will usually do that well, but if you're prospecting new water, you probably won't.

I went on a spot on upper Big River earlier in the week, paddling just a mile or so upstream in a spot that I didn't expect to catch all that much but it was quick and close to home. Caught one nice smallmouth, one nice largemouth, and 5 small fish, plus a big crappie on jerkbaits. Plan on going tomorrow on the Meramec, so we'll see how it goes.

Let us know how you do, wish I could go to!! I was planning on going to the Eleven Point on one of my new favorite stetches here in AR today, but some things came up on the farm that didn't let me go on a rainout day. Back to the field tomorrow, next day off looks like will be in the 20's at night next week!

3 of us tried new stretch last winter, and managed about 20 fish between us all, not bad I thought for trying new water. I'm happy if I can catch 5 or so a day myself, especially if they could be like what Mitch and Gavin caught!!

[Al Agnew]

Well, the water was super-clear, visibility at least 7 or 8 feet. Windy enough to keep blowing leaves onto the water. River was low. bright sun all day. Not exactly the best conditions, although I actually like fishing jerkbaits in that clear water better than nearly all other lures. And the water temps were about right, 47-49 degrees. I caught 29 bass, 19 on jerkbaits and the rest on hair jigs. No big ones, but several in the 15-16 inch class. All in all not a bad day. Lots of eagles, too.

[LittleRedFisherman]

Sounds like a great day Al!! Water is getting cold quick this year sounds like, a far cry from the temps we had last fall..

[MOsmallies]

Crazy how different the lake and river temps are this time of year. Lake of the Ozarks this past weekend was 59 in the mornings and 61 in the afternoons. Sounds like a great day Al!

[Brian Jones]

I'm by no means a jerk bait expert but I've had my best luck on a 78 Pointer and a 65 Pointer in American Shad and Original Tennessee Shad. Though I've caught some decent smallies on them, I don't have much confidence throwing them and am generally not as patient with them as I am soft plastics.

[Guest]

I shouldve been fishing a susp jerkbait on the Elk this past saturday.

The bass were suspended around deep logjams.

I caught them on a roboworm- drop shot instead.

Next time, I breaking out the Megabass and customized Rogues.

[Mitch f]

Crazy how different the lake and river temps are this time of year. Lake of the Ozarks this past weekend was 59 in the mornings and 61 in the afternoons. Sounds like a great day Al!

Hey Paul, did you get those new Vision 95's? if so, how do you like them?

[MOsmallies]

Hey Paul, did you get those new Vision 95's? if so, how do you like them?

I did pick a couple up of the Megabass Ito Vision 110 Jrs, but have yet to throw them. The size and profile seems ideal for winter river Smallies....

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Megabass_Ito_Vision_110_Jr_Jerkbait/descpage-MB110JR.html

I also picked up one of the Luck E Strike RC STX Jrs, which is a much smaller bait. Now I just need to get out on the river to give them a shot. Lake of the Ozarks was warm enough that they were still hitting buzzbaits and spinnerbaits. Hard to put those down when they're working (keep an eye on the LOZ forum for a full report & pics probably tonight).

Paul

[Mitch f]

I did pick a couple up of the Megabass Ito Vision 110 Jrs, but have yet to throw them. The size and profile seems ideal for winter river Smallies....

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Megabass_Ito_Vision_110_Jr_Jerkbait/descpage-MB110JR.html

I also picked up one of the Luck E Strike RC STX Jrs, which is a much smaller bait. Now I just need to get out on the river to give them a shot. Lake of the Ozarks was warm enough that they were still hitting buzzbaits and spinnerbaits. Hard to put those down when they're working (keep an eye on the LOZ forum for a full report & pics probably tonight).

Paul

I bought this today, I thought these were the ones you were referring to. This has a more rolling presentation and doesn't go quite as deep. Actually I didn't know that until I bought it but i'll give it a try anyway.

[MOsmallies]

Those look good as well. The 110 Jr. I'm assuming will have the same kind of action as the full size 110 just in a smaller profile. I know the 110 Jr. dives 4-6 ft deep which is the same as the full size 110.