Jerkbait rod advice needed

[Smithvillesteve]

Hope all you boys have had a great start to the new year. I am in the market for a new jerkbait rod. In the 100 dollar range. Brand name, length, etc. If the rod can be used for more fishing techniques all the better. But mainly looking for something to throw jerkbaits on. Once again, as always, I appreciate any info you boys can give me. This site is so valuable for this sort of thing as I really value your inputs. Thanks.

[cheesemaster]

I will probably get slapped around for what I use but here it goes anyway. 

6'6" Carbonlite from Bass Pro. I like the backbone and tip action. All my other rods are 7' and I end up hitting the side of my boat or slapping the water with the rod tip. I am about 5'9" or 5'10" and anything over 6'6" is too long for my liking. I use it left handed too - I can snap it better with my right hand for better action. It took some practice reeling with the left hand but you get better at it. 

[Joenothum]

Lews makes a speed stick specifically for a jerkbait; its called the "jerkbait special".  I bought it and like it a lot.  I throw smaller topwaters on it as well. Short rear grip, and its 6'7".  I don't remember the cost but I do remember I thought it was a decent price.

[dtrs5kprs]

St Croix Premier M 6'6" works pretty well. I use the same stick for super spooks, fins, wiggle warts. Basically everything with trebles. That will run right at $120 or so at Cabela's. Older, softer graphite. 

With a higher upper limit, I'd go with the Falcon weightless worm rod. 6'7" Cara.

I also use a 6'8" GLX, but I would never buy one. It came with the boat.

[gabe]

Really like my 6'5" Falcon jerkbait special.  Light, responsive and perfect action for me.  Also a good topwater rod for Sammy's and Spooks. 

[Nitroman]

I think you have been provided a great deal of good solid info. in the replies here. Do not overlook the reply re. rod length, the length will be critical & a great deal impacted by your height & how you position yourself during the retrieve. I am 5' 10'' & anything over a 6'6'' rod creates a problem for me with hitting the side of the boat or slapping the rod tip on the water ( AS PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED ABOVE ) or worse yet both happening @ the same time during the retrieve. I can use a 7' rod all day long for crank baits & other techniques but not for jerk baits, spinner baits or top water. I know several folks that use a 5' 6'' short handle rod for those 3 techniques to eliminate these 2 problems. Also, you may find you can be more accurate with a shorter rod as it makes for easier side arm casts when working cover. Enough said. As far as a rod, LEW'S. 

[196champ]

I like to utilize the "Rods for Sale" section on bassboatcentral.  A lot of these guys replace rods each season and you can get some really nice, lightly used, high end rods for pennies on the dollar.  I have purchased 10+ rods, several reels and some extremely discounted tackle from there with 0 issues.  I know several other friends who do the same thing.  Just my 2 cents and another avenue to look into.

[Sore Thumbs]

I use a G.loomis 6ft 3inch jerkbait rod. I like the shorter ones as well. Easier to work the bait with a shorter rod. You need to contact Bill Babler he has Falcon rods available and usually has some great deals on them. 

[Bill Babler]

Falcon kind of cut their teeth on jerkbait and jig rods.  It's how they made their first nickel and it is still what keeps John Beckwith in spending money.  This is their 27th. year in the rod business.

They make 2 different Jerkbait rods at most every level from Origional to Bucoo, to LowRider, to Cara to the MMC signature that is their flagship rod.  Every level increases in performance and quality.  It is also weight management as each step reduces weight and increases sensitivity, and cost of components.

I keep on hand two different models.  I just cannot keep them all and to tell you the truth, 99% of the calls I get are for the Cara T7 and the MMC Signature.

MMC-5F-168M Jerkbait Special  MH-F-12 guides 1/4 to 3/4- 6'8"     Mike McClelland Signature

CCB-4-165JBS Jerkbait Special  M-MF-9-guides  1/4 to 1/2- 6'5"        Cara T7

Of course sorry to say, even with my discounts and the prices I sell for which are the lowest anywhere and even with my pre-owned prices.  I usually just use them 1 season and completely change all my rods out and sell them full warranty and discount, but unfortunately I'm way over your $100.00 limit.

The T7 I would hazard to say has probably caught more jerkbait fish than every other specialty Jerkbait rod by every company making rods combined.  Only competition would probably be the very high quality St. Croix rod company and then you would have to spread it out over their entire line from Premier to Legend and that would probably not even be close.

[Jozark]

Bill is right on the money with the Cara T7 jerkbait special, for I used one for years and it is one of the best jerkbait rods out there. I also use it for topwaters as well.