Jerk Bait Problem

[LARRYG]

Thanks for your help.

[top_dollar]

1. Use a softer rod

2. Use monofilament line

3. Use a 3 hooked jerkbaits

4. Make sure the hooks are sharp. 

1 and 3 are the most important. 

 

[fishinwrench]

1 hour ago, top_dollar said:

1. Use a softer rod

2. Use monofilament line

3. Use a 3 hooked jerkbaits

4. Make sure the hooks are sharp. 

1 and 3 are the most important. 

 

I'm curious why you'd want a spongey rod with stretchy line for jerkbait fishing?   That goes against everything I know about it.

I think he just had "one of those days", or he's into the wrong size fish.  If you're getting smacks then I wouldn't change a thing, other than maybe the location. But that's just me.

[top_dollar]

 

            It is a fine line.  On 1 hand, the stiffer rod/no stretch line, will allow for maximum jerkbait action when you snap it, generating tons of bites.  On the other hand, the softer rod and line with some stretch will allow the treble hooks to grab and stick without being ripped free.  I suspect that he is ripping hooks out, when the fish grabs it, especially since he noted that they are on for a second then come off.  I have had this same problem before and switched rods to a softer rod with noticeably better results.  Unfortunately, I do feel like the softer rod will cost you some bites total because you are not getting maximum action on the jerkbait. 

               My current setup for jerkbaits and walkin topwaters (which accounts for most of my bass fishing) is a Lews TP-1 5ft 9in casting rod, med moderate fast.  I use a 6.4:1 reel with 10-17# mono depending on the situation.  Most guys probably prefer a longer rod, but most of my fishing is done from the bank, and working a jerkbait from the bank is easier with a short rod. Its a pretty happy medium and it gets me plenty of bites, and very rarely do they come off.  In fact, a good percentage of jerkbait fish I catch are in the belly, back, or side because they are swiping at it but get stuck anyway. 

[fshndoug]

Definitely use a softer rod and mono as fluorocarbon sinks.I use a Skeet Reese jerkbait/topwater model rod and 8 or 10 lb Big Game line for open banks and 12-15 lb around cover like standing timber and laydowns.Sweep the rod on the hookset.Spro 110 stickbait in pro blue on sunny days and table rock shad on cloudy days.

[Seth]

I've used a MH/F, M/F and a M/M for jerkbaiting and I couldn't tell that I missed or lost any more or less fish than the other. I'd just go to pop the lure and there would be a fish on the other end. I was using 10-14# mono though and not fluorocarbon.

[fshndoug]

There is a tendency for one to overwork a suspending stickbait,subtle twitches and slow short pulls will get a lot more bites this time of year.You also need to pause the bait longer say 30 seconds or more between movements.You wont believe how hard they will smack it.Hold on to your rod.The softer rod is better for hard runs at the boat,the rod will cushion some the hard pulls and keep the hook in their mouth

[snagged in outlet 3]

I use a St Croix Eyecon 7' M fast action spinning rod with braid and fluoro leader.  I can fire those baits a mile on that setup. 

BUT.... I did just get a new reel for my 7' Cara Cranker I bought from Babler so I will experimenting with that one.

[Flysmallie]

1 minute ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

I can fire those baits a mile on that setup. 

I can understand the need for that but on my favorite places to jerkbait a long cast is rarely necessary. I'm not saying that it's not productive and covers a lot of water, but I'm probably going to spend more time find a spot where I can really zone in. 

Of course this all depends on the body of water and the fish you are chasing. 

[fshndoug]

Longer rods with softer actions allow for longer casts which acts as a pendulum to launch the bait.Sometimes you need to be off the bank a long ways to catch those suspending fish.slow is better in the winter.I used to weight my own stickbaits before you could buy them that way,like 40 years ago.One other tip is to make sure that the bait tracks straight back to the boat on a straight retrieve ,that will insure the bait will work properly on the correct retrieve.Patience is the key when working one this time of year.You could just throw an Arig and you don't have to worry about any of this.Talk about hard hits,you wont believe how hard they will bite that outfit.