Jerkbaits are my weakness

[Champ188]

I bought my jerkbait rod directly from Mike McClelland, as he is a friend and neighbor in Bella Vista. The model I bought is the Falcon Cara Weightless Worm rod. It is 6-9, medium power, fast action. Mike explained that he designed his Cara Jerkbait rod off this blank, so the rods are very similar. He himself still fishes jerk baits on both rods. So if you go with Falcon, you can't go wrong with either of those sticks.

As for line, I would not personally not even consider braid. Braid is a tool for certain applications but not the solution for everything. You also don't want fluorocarbon unless you want your bait to sink or the nose to be pulled down. Once fluorocarbon becomes saturated, it sinks and takes your bait with it ... or at least the nose.

Like most things in fishing, there is not one simple, clear-cut answer. We all like to do things certain ways that have worked for us in the past, and so therefore we see them as the right way. My line choice for jerkbaits is either P-Line CXX or Maxima in 8-pound test. Both lines are monos and both are probably a bit larger in diameter and greater in tensile strength than their rating, i.e. I doubt they would pass IGFA examination for 8-pound test. If you use a softer line like Trilene XL or some of the Sufix monos, you'd probably do well to go to 10-pound test.

[Mitch f]

14 minutes ago, Champ188 said:

You also don't want fluorocarbon unless you want your bait to sink or the nose to be pulled down. Once fluorocarbon becomes saturated, it sinks and takes your bait with it ... or at least the nose.

 My line choice for jerkbaits is either P-Line CXX or Maxima in 8-pound test. Both lines are monos and both are probably a bit larger in diameter and greater in tensile strength than their rating, i.e. 

Interesting, I thought monos saturated with water,  and fluorocarbon's density wouldn't allow it to do that. 

[Champ188]

8 minutes ago, Mitch f said:

Interesting, I thought monos saturated with water,  and fluorocarbon's density wouldn't allow it to do that. 

You could very well be right, Mitch. I'm no chemist and shouldn't have relied on my weak memory to state why fluorocarbon sinks.

My point is that fluorocarbon does sink (density makes more sense) and will take your lure with it.

[Mitch f]

2 minutes ago, Champ188 said:

You could very well be right, Mitch. I'm no chemist and shouldn't have relied on my weak memory to state why fluorocarbon sinks.

My point is that fluorocarbon does sink (density makes more sense) and will take your lure with it.

I've always used fluorocarbon for jerk baits (except in the old days) but you've made me rethink my position. ?

[magicwormman]

I have become a braid fanatic and yes I do throw a jerkbait. I prefer to throw 20 pound braid with an 8-pound fluorocarbon leader and tie the improved Albright knot so I can make the leader as long as I choose and it goes Through The eyes of my rod. Works great unless you have the micro eyes on your rod then it has some interference issues.

[Sore Thumbs]

Magic. If it works for you then I would stay with it. Confidence is everything.

[Champ188]

Maybe Mr. Babler will weigh in. He's a very strong jerk bait fisherman and one I have shamelessly tried to copy.

[Fish24/7]

12 hours ago, TrophyFishR said:

What line & rod setup do yall prefer?

line-  tried copoly,mono,fluorocarbon,straight braid, braid w/fluoro and I have found there's good in all of them, but If I had to pick one it would be  STEC (silver thread excalibur copoly) 8,10lb. Ten when fishing in the cover. Eight for "open water"

rod-  I use both spinning and casting. Medium and large jerkbaits 6'6"mf- 6'8"mf. For little jerkbaits 6'8"mxf.

 

[Champ188]

I have to get back to throwing the old Suspending Rogue on a spinning rod this year. I am just not gonna fight that thing on a casting rod. Too darn light.

[Guest]

1 hour ago, Fish24/7 said:

 If I had to pick one it would be  STEC (silver thread excalibur copoly) 8,10lb. Ten when fishing in the cover. Eight for "open water"

rod-  I use both spinning and casting. Medium and large jerkbaits 6'6"mf- 6'8"mf. For little jerkbaits 6'8"mxf.

 

Silver thread is the best monofilament on the market, IMO. Nobody ever talks about it, but the 10lb bulk spools are almost always sold out. 

Its my favorite all around fishing line. Sadly I've switched to hybrid, but thanks to your post, I just ordered a spool of 8lb