A standard jerkbait will get about 4 or 5 feet down in the water column and is used to target fish that are at that depth or a little lower. At this depth the water can be pretty clear or it can be a bit murky, so I usually like to go with a translucent shad color and a plain shad type of a color. Since it’s still relatively close to the surface there are also times when a chrome type of color can work well.
As with all jerkbaits, this one can do well just about any time of the year but does especially well when the water is cold and clear as it’s a more subtle of a presentation. As I’ve mentioned on other lure pages, I usually like to swap out the treble with inline single hooks so if you are wondering why the lure in that picture doesn’t have treble hooks that would be why. My current favorite is the Lucky Craft Pointer series, and if you have looked at the other jerkbait lure pages you will see that I currently use the Pointer 100, Pointer 100DD, the Pointer 100XD, and the Pointer 78 if I want to use a smaller lure.
I also like to use a moderate fast action rod with this type of lure. Some rod manufacturers actually have a specific rod for jerkbaits, and if they do the length is usually a little shorter. The idea there is if you are standing up you typically have the rod tip down with these lures and the shorter length can help in terms of preventing you from hitting the rod on your boat, the bank, etc. In my case I usually fish these when I’m in my kayak so the shorter length isn’t as much of a big deal for me.
Lure Summary – Jerkbait
Suggested Rod Length: 6’10” – 7’2″
Suggested Rod Power: Medium Heavy
Suggested Rod Action: Moderate Fast
Suggested Reel Type: Casting Reel
Suggested Gear Ratio: 7.2:1
Lure Weight (est.): .63oz
Tackle Required
- 14lb Fluorocarbon Line
Suggested Baits
- Lucky Craft Pointer 100