Whether you are in a tournament or just out on the open water, finding a bass in the springtime can be tough for even the most experienced anglers. There are many different methods to try and increase your chances of hooking a springtime bass. Some may think you should cover more water. Others think you should stay put and be patient. What can be even more effective though, is the use of jerkbait.
What is a Jerkbait?
A jerkbait is a small, hard bait used for Bass fishing. The advantage of a jerkbait is that when they are pulled or “jerked” under the water, the bait will dart around sporadically. The movement mimics how a minnow might swim and attracts the attention of bigger predators. There are many different types and colors of jerkbait that you can use depending on your skill level and the lake conditions.
Floating Jerkbaits
A floating jerkbait is great for beginners. As the name implies, the bait floats until it is jerked up. This keeps the bait from getting tangled in the vegetation at the bottom of the water. It’s best to use floating jerkbaits in clear water where you want to catch bass less than 4 feet down.
Suspended Jerkbaits
If you want to fish at a specific depth in your body of water, a suspended jerkbait is your best option. They will sink to a specified depth. Even when you jerk the lure, it will always return to that depth. You can get suspended jerkbaits that sink anywhere from 4 to 10 feet.
Soft Jerkbaits
Soft or sinking jerkbaits are some of the most challenging jerkbaits to fish with. These jerkbaits are weighted to sink down, and then rise back up when jerked. There are a variety of weights that all provide different sinking rates. These types of jerkbaits are best if you are looking to catch bass that are deep in the water.
Jerkbait Colors
Jerkbaits come in a variety of colors ranging from realistic to neon. In clear waters, bass will typically go for natural colored jerkbait. So it’s best to use a semi-transparent, natural colored bait in those situations. In cloudy water, bass won’t be able to see natural colored jerkbait as well. In that case, you should use a brighter colored jerkbait. It’s best to bring a variety of colors and types of jerkbait so you can learn and adapt your bait choice to the conditions.
What Types Of Fish Should You Use A Jerkbait For?
A jerkbait can be used to catch just about any type of fish. Although they are most effective when used on Bass. The darting movements of the bait are perfect for Bass fish. With their versatility and effectiveness, a jerkbait can be a great tool to catch more fish.
What Time of Year Are Jerkbaits Most Effective?
While technically you can use jerkbaits year round, there are specific times of year when it is most effective. In most US bodies of water, the best time to use a jerkbait is in the spring/summer time. This is due to the weather conditions and average water temperatures. You can still use a jerkbait year round, but there are more factors to consider to get the best results.
Water Temperature Conditions
- If the water temperature is between -50 and 38 degrees, with more water color and 2 to 4 feet of visibility, light winds and sunny skies will provide the best conditions.
- When the water is between 38 and 50 degrees, water clarity will be a bigger factor in the efficacy of a jerkbait. If you have over 4 feet of clarity, you want to use it under the conditions of cloudy skies with a 5-10 mph wind.
- When the water temperature rises to between 50 and 70 degrees, there are a few other factors that come into play. If you have over 4 feet of visibility, you will see the best results on a cloudy day with 15-20 mph winds. In cases where you have less than 4 feet of visibility, the jerkbait will work better with partly cloudy skies and a 10-15 mph wind.
- Lastly, if the water gets over 70 degrees, then a jerkbait would work best under cloudy skies and a 10-20mph wind.
How To Use A Jerkbait
Once you’ve found a good spot to fish, pick a jerkbait that best matches your skill level and the conditions. Tie the jerkbait onto your line and prepare to cast out.
1. Cast Out
Swing the rod straight out in front of you, keeping your thumb on the reel. When the rod is directly in front of you, take your thumb off the reel spool and let the line fly out. Make sure to cast your line past where you think the bass are so you can reel it back in over where they are.
2. Begin The Jerking Motion
Once you’ve casted out, start by moving the tip of the rod down about a foot. This should be done quickly in a jerking motion. This will cause the jerkbait to sporadically move under the water as intended.
3. Let It Rest
You should allow the jerkbait to rest for about 10-15 seconds to mimic the resting action of a minnow. You may need to let it rest longer if the bass aren’t biting, or if the weather is colder.
4. Jerk The Line Again
If you still aren’t having any luck after waiting, jerk the line twice more. The two consecutive motions will cause the bait to move a bit lower than before. Follow this again by a longer waiting period. Repeat this process until you feel a bite.
5. Reel In The Fish
If you feel a bite, you should actually wait to reel the bass in. Most bass fish won’t actually get caught on the hook on the first bite. After the second or third bite, jerk the line sharply to make sure you have a good hook on the fish. Begin reeling in, if you feel like the line may break, or the bass might slip off of the jerkbait, STOP REELING. Let a couple of feet of line out, and allow the fish to tire out. Once the bass takes a break from trashing, begin reeling in again. Repeat this process until the bass is out of the water. This can be a long, hard process, so patience is key.
Get A Jerkbait From Lucky Lure Tackle
Jerkbait is a great option for catching Bass at any time of year, but especially in the springtime. You will most likely need lots of different colors and types of jerkbait for the best results. Lucky Lure Tackle in OKC is a convenient one stop shop for any angler looking to get everything they need for a successful day out on the water. Lucky Lure Tackle is Oklahoma City's only full service, locally owned, independent fishing tackle retailer. We offer all of the fishing gear and equipment that you may need. Shop for jerkbaits or any other fishing tackle online on our website, or stop by in person to make sure you’re prepared to catch the big bass!
Make sure to check out all our fishing gear including boat accessories, chatterbaits, crappie baits, fly tying, and other fishing accessories. Also visit our website to view all the upcoming fishing tournaments and fishing events in the area. Lastly, be sure to check out all our blogs to stay informed about the latest fishing tips and tricks.
Contact Lucky Lure Tackle
Address: 9427 N May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK, 73120
Phone: 405-749-1808