Jerkbait bite

[waterpossum]

Setting here watching the snow fly. For some reason my past experience tells me today might be a good time to throw it. The water temp was around 55 when I was there last week, may need to get to around 50. 

[Jmontgo1246]

May be a little early yet...I was there on Thursday last week and water temp on mainlake was still 57 deg.  The spinnerbait bite is just getting started though....got on the right bank with some wind and had 3 keepers in short order right off the bank.  Plan to go one day this week and throw a spinnerbait all day!!

 

[Ham]

Officially jealous.

 

[MrGiggles]

2 hours ago, Jmontgo1246 said:

May be a little early yet...I was there on Thursday last week and water temp on mainlake was still 57 deg.  The spinnerbait bite is just getting started though....got on the right bank with some wind and had 3 keepers in short order right off the bank.  Plan to go one day this week and throw a spinnerbait all day!!

  

It was 52 yesterday, wouldn't be surprised if it drops a few more degrees as cold as it will be tonight and tomorrow night.

This whole jerkbait thing looks pretty fun, any pointers for someone who has never done it before? Not really a bass fisher, but it's supposed to be killer for walleyes in early spring, and when it comes down to it I enjoy catching anything that will pull a string.

[Jmontgo1246]

I am definitely ready for jerkbait season...usually starts in December once temps drop and stay in the mid 40’s.  I throw mine on spinning gear with 8-10lb line.  I typically fish secondary points and channel swings inside coves or creek arms..I usually catch most of my jerkbait fish in 6-14 fow. It’s not uncommon to find them schooled up together during the winter months. I usually catch a few good walleye in early spring once they move up on the bank as well.

May have to try a jerkbait this week...but hopefully they are eating a spinnerbait and I can just burn down the bank

 

[MrGiggles]

2 hours ago, Jmontgo1246 said:

I am definitely ready for jerkbait season...usually starts in December once temps drop and stay in the mid 40’s.  I throw mine on spinning gear with 8-10lb line.  I typically fish secondary points and channel swings inside coves or creek arms..I usually catch most of my jerkbait fish in 6-14 fow. It’s not uncommon to find them schooled up together during the winter months. I usually catch a few good walleye in early spring once they move up on the bank as well.

May have to try a jerkbait this week...but hopefully they are eating a spinnerbait and I can just burn down the bank

 

What are your favorite baits?

[Jmontgo1246]

I mostly throw the Megabass 110 and 110+1.  I usually throw a translucent color (pro blue, etc) on sunny days and more solid color on cloudy days.  (White, gold).  I like ones that have some purple in them as well.

[Skeeter ZX190]

I second what Jmontgo1246 says.  Megabass 110 and 110+1 in pro blue.  I tried the Rick Clung look-a-likes, but just believed the action was better with a Megabass.  When the water temperature gets below 40 I struggle. 

[shrapnel]

Gimme an old Rattlin Rogue down to about 45* after that I do think the 110 is a better bait.

[Walcrabass]

To All,

  Concerning the Jerk Baits.............  they all work...............  suspending is suspending..... and floating is floating..............

Your line type and lure type combo has a lot to do with it.........  Fluoro./ Mono etc. .... I have a pretty big selection of Jerk Baits, but no Megabass.

I have consistently out-fished my partners with the cheaper ones.

Concerning the 40 degree water............  fish are cold blooded............. they get REALLY LETHARGIC when the water is really cold. Try to find them on ledges and drop offs instead of suspended in the tree tops.......... and then go after them with a Jig. If you find a good group of them you will catch them all winter. Watermelon Red Craws when the water is clear............... drab browns and drab greens when it is not so clear.

Take it from an old guy that winter fishes extensively...... and don't expect to feel much of a bite on those really cold water days.

 

Walcrabass