Jerkbait setup

[Old plug]

20 minutes ago, fishinwrench said:

I can't explain why but I like a "short" 6' casting rod with a shorter handle for jerkbaits.  I use the same rod for WTD baits or anything where I am predominantly using my wrist to manipulate the bait.   The shorter rod with shorter handle just feels right to me.

Since the rod has a shorter handle, the actual length from reel to rod tip is the same as a 6'6" with a normal length handle, so actually the rod isn't that "short", and the handle doesn't get in the way when twitching and doing wristy type things.

I agree with that wrench. I got a old ugly stik around here I bought the first season they came on the market. God only knows where it is at. I is a 51/2 pistol grip style.It has seen years of fishing. Replaced the guides a couple times . Slamed the trunk  on it one time.  Was  used so much the epoxy overcoat finish was cracking off all over the rod. I would like to see more of those around today. I do not like the long piece in back of the reel seat myself.  Old  pistol grip type gave you a better hold on the rod for . Some  of these new ones will brush your arm if you ty to snap them side arm. 

[duckydoty]

This is my favorite set up. Sensitive, and enough power to throw the mega bass a good distance. Modified Carbonlite.  The extended handle no longer gets in the way while jerking down. The fish feels pretty big on a hook up though.

 

[dblades]

Have two for jerks, 6'6" one with a shortened  handle is a  MLF actually a crankbait rod for Megabass and a MXF

 for most others, 10 lb sniper most of the time and occasionally 7 lb.

[Alex Heitman]

13 hours ago, TrophyFishR said:

Which model is that Lew's Rod? I think Wired2Fish did a review on those.

It’s the lew’s custom speed stick. Here is a link to it for tackle warehouse http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Lews_Custom_Speed_Stick_Casting_Rods/descpage-WCL.html

Here is the link to the wart special as well. The wart special is my favorite cranking rod. http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Lews_Custom_Speed_Stick_Crankbait_Casting_Rods/descpage-LCSC.html

[Fish24/7]

9 hours ago, fishinwrench said:

I can't explain why but I like a "short" 6' casting rod with a shorter handle for jerkbaits.  I use the same rod for WTD baits or anything where I am predominantly using my wrist to manipulate the bait.   The shorter rod with shorter handle just feels right to me.

Since the rod has a shorter handle, the actual length from reel to rod tip is the same as a 6'6" with a normal length handle, so actually the rod isn't that "short", and the handle doesn't get in the way when twitching and doing wristy type things.

i can relate, i've found a short rod/handle is also good for fishing in and around standing timber and heavy cover when making precise casts to targets is necessary. Had  a guy in WA make some 6'mh pistol grips out of All Star blanks just for this very purpose. I rarely if ever get to use them on Bull but I always take them along when I fish the rivers where I grew up.

[Guest]

It appears that 90% use a baitcaster. I own 2 very old fenwick pistol grips from the 1980s. Gonna break them out just for nostalgia sake since my dad will love throwing them again. 

Does anybody else use a spinning rod?

Since the early 90s, I’ve been using a medium action 6’6” Berkeley spinning rod that he bought me when I was a teenager. It’s gotta shorter handle, so maybe I need to dust it off & put fresh line on there. 

 

[Guest]

Let’s talk about the Jerkbait itself. Changing out bent treble hooks can really mess up the action if they aren’t the right size or thickness. 

Which brand of jerkbait do y’all prefer? 

Also, what type of line & what size?

 

[Gavin]

Mostly fish Megabass or Lucky Crafts, Duo Realis makes some nice baits, as does Evergreen. Smithwick Rogues and the old Excalibur XS4's are good too. Never have done well with the McSticks or RC STX baits. Mostly on spinning tackle with 2lb diameter suffix braid and a 8-12lb leader, 8lb mono if below freezing.

[Bushbeater]

Powell Inferno 6' 8" with Diawa Tatula. RC STX

[Alex Heitman]

Megabass, mcsticks, and lucky craft for me. I don’t mind spending the money on Megabass because they work. If you don’t smash them on rocks or a dock they last. Make sure a get a lure retriever with a 20 ft dog leash so you don’t lose them. I’ve caught lots of fish on all three baits. I fish them all on 10 lb invisx fluorocarbon.