Jerk bait vs. A rig

[dnj21]

Since tomorrow looks a lot more like a fishing day than a duck hunting day, I am going to head out after lunch for a couple hours. Curious how you guys decide what to start with at this time of year- are you more likely to throw a Jerk bait or an Alabama rig, a jig or what exactly helps you decide?   Looking at water temps, clarity, light levels- anything special?

Curious how everyone approaches this    I tend to throw Jerk baits, switching colors and cadences but results usually leave a little be desired.   What works when it gets cold but you want to get out?

 

[slothman]

This could be a good discussion topic. I’m interested in this as well. 

 

I don't really like to throw a jerkbait a whole lot, so I prefer to start with a spinnerbait or a-rig. Then again, I’m not the guy to take winter fishing advice from. 🤔

[aarchdale@coresleep.com]

Find fish on the a-rig since its a fast way to cover water and when they quit eating it switch over to the jerker.   Or i pick one of the other according to depth, easier to get the rig down to 20ft

[fishinwrench]

Consider the types of areas you'll be exploring and rig up accordingly.

For me I know that I'll be checking steeper rocky banks from 0ft.out to a depth of 12-15ft.'   I'll also be checking for suspended fish along channel banks and around points (especially if it's cloudy).    And I'll be checking mid-depth flats (4-8') with some rock piles and wood cover on them.

So I'll start with rods rigged with a 1/4oz. hula grub and a 1/2oz. football jig,  another rod rigged with a deep running jerkbait, one rigged with a 1/2oz. Double Willow Spinnerbait, and then one rigged with an A-rig.

If I get a few good shallow bites then I may switch the deep jerkbait out for a square bill or a lipless crank.   For me, from now until it's too cold to fish, it's almost always one of the jigs, or the lipless crank that accounts for all of my good days.   I never get on a good jerkbait/A-rig bite until Late-Winter.

[dnj21]

I had not considered a lipless crank bait or spinnerbait.  I’ll rig up an A-rig, jerkbait, lipless crank bait and a jig to start and we’ll go from there.

Had a beautiful morning, now it’s overcast, windy and temp is dropping.  Should have went out earlier for sure. 

Thanks to you guys for sharing, I appreciate it.  Will update how it goes.  

Dave

[dnj21]

Nothing to report, wind pushed me all over and I couldn’t buy a bite.  Was out about 2 hours- tried a couple Jerkbaits, A rig and red eye lipless but nothing to show for it.  

My 17ft Grizzly gets pushed around when it’s like that, really missed the boat by not getting out before lunch.  Oh well, any day Bass fishing in Dec is a bonus right?

if anyone gets out, pls share!!

[dnj21]

More research on the topic yesterday, too nice not to fish.  Neither Jerkbait or A rig did much on Bass, but the sticks fear the A rig!!!! 

[snagged in outlet 3]

That's a nice stick though

[fishinwrench]

If they are biting the jerkbait then I can stick with it, but on days when the bites don't come very often I don't have the patience to fish jerkbaits for hours.