Tips On How To Buy The Best Jerkbait Rod
It is every angler’s dream to have the best jerkbait rod for sports fishing. The jerkbait rods on the market today come in a variety of sizes, quality, and price tags. Whether you are a newbie or professional angler, here are some tips to help you buy a jerkbait rod that suits your needs.
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Okuma Scott Martin Tournament Concept Rods TCS... | 172 Reviews | Check on Amazon |
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Lews Fishing TP168MLF Tournament Performance TP1 Speed Stick Casting...... | 17 Reviews | Check on Amazon |
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Abu Garcia Veritas 2.0 Casting... | 13 Reviews | Check on Amazon |
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90° Double Round Bend ST Point... | 12 Reviews | Check on Amazon |
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G loomis Jerkbait Fishing Rod Jbr753c... | 2 Reviews | Check on Amazon |
Last update on 2022-08-28 at 15:25 PST - Details
What To Consider When Buying Jerkbait Rods
Jerkbait rods differ significantly from your normal fishing rod . These rods are designed to tackle the most aggressive fish including bass and northern pike. Therefore, they are designed for strength and durability.
One thing to consider in a jerkbait rod is its power. Power of a rod refers to the ability of the rod to remain tact before and after tackling fish out of the water.
The last thing you want is your jerkbait rod snapping into half just when you are about to reel in your catch. Pro anglers recommend going with a jerkbait rod that has a medium to semi-heavy power.
Secondly, think about the action of the rod. Action refers to how easy it is to control the bait while submerged underwater. Anglers who use jerkbait rods often prefer to use one of two actions when fishing: the slow steady action or a quick action.
A slow action is recommended for anglers who fish in cold regions. A cold environment makes fish become less active and easier to catch. On the other hand, quick action is ideal for fishing in warm tropical waters.
The angler has to constantly twitch the rod to move the lure around and attract fish. Fish are more active in warm waters and, therefore, anglers have to be more creative to capture the fish attention.
Rod length also determines your success in jerkbait fishing. Length of the rod affects more of your comfort as an angler than what is going on underwater. A rod that is too long requires a lot of strength to cast or twitch and can wear you off quickly. In addition, a long rod will keep hitting the water surface and scare fish away.
Shorter rods are preferable when using the jerkbait fishing technique. Although you will be sacrificing on casting distance, at least you have more control on the jerkbait rod. In addition, the rod will not touch the water surface more often and you do not get tired quickly, especially if you will be casting all day.
Types Of Jerkbait Rods
There are two types of jerkbait rods:
- Hard body.
- Soft body jerkbaits.
Hard body jerkbait rods are made of a rigid, durable plastic. They are commonly used by anglers who prefer longer casts when fishing. Jerkbait rods can also be made from wood or polymer because of their durability.
There are three types of hard body jerkbaits:
- Floating.
- Sinking.
- Suspending jerkbaits.
As the name suggests, floating jerkbaits remain on top of the water surface until a downward force on the lure submerges them. Sinking jerkbaits become fully submerged in water and become less visible when a downward action is applied on the lure. Lastly, suspended jerkbaits remain submerged just at the surface of the water. They tend to mimic natural bait better and often lure fish faster.
Soft body jerkbaits are made from softer plastic. The texture of the plastics looks and feels natural and attracts fish better. Soft body jerkbaits are also easier to move around as you twitch the fishing rod.
Types Of Reels For Jerkbait Rods
There are two main types of fishing reels for jerkbaits:
The type of reel you choose is determined by your level of experience as an angler and how much you are willing to spend. There are distinct differences between the two types of fishing reels.
Spinning reels are the most common type of reels. Although they are quite affordable, price shouldn’t be the only consideration to make when buying fishing reels. If you are just starting out as an angler, then it is advisable to go with a spinning reel because it is less sophisticated and easy to use.
Spinning reels come with their disadvantages as well. They are quite heavy and will wear you down quickly. Since there is some compromise on control, spinning reel are prone to line drags, especially when casting a long distance. Therefore, they are suitable for casting short distances only.
Baitcasting reels are expensive compared to spinning reels. Nevertheless, they are lighter and can handle both light and heavy lines while fishing. Bait casting reels also come with an in-built break system for controlling casting distance. This ensures you do not get tangles or line drags no matter how far your lure goes.
The only downside of bait casting reels is that you cannot use them with light bait. Where a quick action of the rod is necessary, you may have to contend with some backlash. Always go with heavier bait to avoid line snarls.
Fishing Lines For Jerkbait Rods
When buying line for jerkbait rods, consider the diameter of the line. Pro anglers go for line with a #20 value because it is lighter and flexible. Such lines are also very durable and transparent enough to remain camouflaged from fish.
On the other hand, cheaper lines have a diameter rating of #10, which is quite heavy and not as flexible. They also tend to snap easily under heavy tension. #10 lines are also not very transparent and are easily noticeable by fish.
Somewhere from moderate to heavy line will suffice when fishing with jerkbait rods. Using a lighter line may be detrimental to your fishing experience and success. Lighter lines are likely to snap under high tension causing you to lose your catch.
The best lines for jerkbait rods are weigh between 10lbs and 14lbs. These are heavy enough to withstand line tension and will sink deeper, 7 feet to 8 feet underwater, where the fish are hiding.
Tips For Fishing With Jerkbait Rods
Truth be told, fishing with jerkbait rods is no walk in the park. You have to constantly twitch the line then pause for 20 to 30 seconds. Doing this in a span of 2 to 3 hours can easily wear you down your physically or even make you give up on jerkbait fishing altogether.
However, I will give a few tips to help the beginners. When fishing with jerkbait rods, always consider the power action and twitching method. You will also need to be aware of the water temperature and the best time to fish with your jerkbait rod.
The best angle for fishing depends on the fish size, a 3 O’clock angle is ideal for smaller fish while bigger fish will be more attracted to lure casted at a 5 O’clock angle. The general rule here is that bigger fish like to swim deeper into the water while small fish swim closer to the surface.
Twitching your jerkbait rod correctly is a technique you acquire with time. When fishing in warm waters, your hand movement should be quicker to attract the fish below. In cold waters, a slow to moderate twitching method is ideal. Always pause for 30 to 40 seconds before your next twitch.
5 Best Jerkbait Rods On the Market
If you are looking for a comfortable jerkbait rod that will not wear you down, I would recommend this high performance model from Lew’s. It measures 6’8” and has a medium light power. The entire rod is made from graphite blanks to make it strong and lightweight.
The rod comes with a winn-grip handle reinforced with Dri-Tac split technology. This ensures you maintain control of the rod even in wet weather conditions. The rod guides are designed by American Tackles using a technique called microwave guide system. The guide near the handle is shaped like a small tunnel that ensures the line reels smoothly through the other guides. A total of 8 guides leading to the tip of the rod ensures my line never gets tangled or snarled up whenever I am casting.
This Lew’s fishing jerkbait tournament performance rod is one of the first I ever owned. I still enjoy using it especially for its fast action, which allows me to subdue a reluctant bass within minutes. The microwave guide system gave a satisfactory flow and the cast accuracy was unrivaled. This rod is not the longest in the market, but it still managed casting long distances owing to its smooth flow.
Specs:
What I Liked
What I Didn’t Like
Personally, I can vouch for the Okuma Scott Martin Tournament brand for their excellent line of Jerkbait rods, especially the FR series. This model features durable graphite blank that makes the rod flexible to handle. To reinforce the strong blank is a Kevlar wrapping which also adds to the rod’s lightness.
I had the privilege of taking the Okuma Scott Martin Tournament rod for a test run and we immediately hit it off. The AA grade cork grip handle is just what every angler would want. The rod measures 7 feet and is designed to handle both light and heavy lines. To be specific, it comfortable accommodates 8 pound to 17 pound lines. Maximum lure weight is 1ounce on this particular jerkbait rode model.
Okuma Scott Martin Tournament rod uses a moderate to fast action. One other thing I can mention is that the rod is quite versatile. I used it with my jerkbait, LV500, and a rattlebait. The performance was commendable in all three crankbaits given the rod is a media heavy powered model. I love the black green color too, which gives this rod that rugged outdoor look.
Specs:
What I Liked
What I Didn’t Like
One thing stood out for me on this jerkbait rod; its high response rate. It measures 6.3 feet and crafted from a fiber-alloy to make it strong and lightweight. This G Loomis jerkbait rod model is recommended for the angler who loves fast action rods.
The major highlight is the super responsive tip. I have used the rod where fast and moderate actions are required and it held on pretty well. The rod delivers just enough power to subdue a cranky bass without overloading the rod itself and cause it to snap.
We can all agree the jerkbait fishing is no walk in the park. The constant pull and pause action is not for the fainthearted neither is enduring long hours in the harsh weather waiting for some bass to pass by. Fortunately, fishing with the G Loomis KBR 753 R made all this bearable the number of times I went fishing.
The rod’s super-responsiveness reduces the effort required to handle the lure. The handle is designed with a technology known as progressive power taper. This adds to the rod’s ability to response to sensitive movement underwater hence lessening the workload required.
Specs:
What I Liked
What I Didn’t Like
Another quality jerkbait rod with great features is the Abu Garcia Veritas 2.0 Casting. This rod is designed with a patented technology that allows vibrations from the lure and line to pass through the rod instead of getting absorbed by it.
The result is an ultra-sensitive rod that alerts you with the slightest tag of the submerged lure. This Abu Garcia Veritas 2.0 Casting rod measures 6.6 feet and can hold line weight of up to 14 pounds. It has a medium power rating making it strong enough for fast action fishing. Thanks to its ultra-sensitivity, you can also use the rod for moderate action fishing in the cold seasons.
Like many high-end rods I have seen, this rod features a full EVA grip. This enhances maneuverability of the rod in any weather condition. The firm grip also ensures the rod handle does not slip out of your hand especially when battling your catch.
Specs:
What I Liked
What I Didn’t Like
The Wright and McGill rods offers a perfect balance between weight and strength. This model is crafted from quality graphite blanks and reinforced with rubber wrapping. The fishing rod feels lightweight but is strong enough to handle a fast casting action.
Spotting a black and yellow color combo, the Wright and McGill jerkbait rod measures 7 feet and handles a load of up to 14lbs. The strong durable blank is matched up with an AA grade cork grip for accurate casting with minimal errors. At the base of the rod is a graphite reel seat that anchors the bait casting reel firmly to the rod. This will ensure you spew a seamless flow of line through the zero-tangle line guides. The rod guides include sic inserts to channel the fishing line smoothly through the guides and into the water.
This Rod also comes in handy when you want to use other bait types. I have used crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwaters with this rod and the performance was commendable. There is no compromise on the fast action of the rod and its medium power ease the workload needed to overthrow a relentless bass.
Specs:
What I Liked
What I Didn’t Like
So What Is My Choice?
top pick
Okuma Scott Martin Tournament Concept Rods TCS
97
OVERALL
95
Quality
98
Value
95
Brand
Okuma Scott Martin Tournament Concept Rods TCS
97
OVERALL
95
Quality
98
Value
95
Brand
Why I Recommend It
FAQS
What is the best action rod for jerkbaits?
There are two things to consider here; sensitivity and durability. You need a sensitive and durable rod so that you do not get tired after using it over time. A good jerkbait rod should feel light at first touch and then give way as soon as pressure is applied. If the rod bends easily under pressure, chances are it won't last long.
So if you plan to fish often, go for one that is more durable than sensitive. If you prefer a lighter rod, choose one that has less resistance to bending or flexing. But remember, too much flexibility can lead to fatigue and breakage. For example, a rod made out of carbon fiber may bend easier than a rod made out of aluminum.
However, a rod made out of aluminum might be heavier than a rod made out of carbon fiber. That's why we recommend choosing a rod based on what kind of fishing you intend to do. For instance, if you're cast far away from shore, pick a longer rod because they tend to be stronger and stiffer. On the contrary, shorter rods are better suited for close-range jigging and flipping baits. Also, make sure your rod fits comfortably in your hand.
Some people find short rods difficult to hold onto, during others like them because they fit their hands perfectly. The most important thing about any type of rod is how well it performs. Weigh all these factors carefully before making a purchase. Remember, there is always an alternative option available. And don't forget to check our reviews section where you'll see which products performed best among similar ones.
What gear ratio is best for jerkbaits?
It depends on the size of the lure being thrown. Small lures require faster actions, whereas larger lures demand slower actions. The speed of the rod will determine whether the lure sinks quickly or slowly. So, depending on the weight of the lure, select either slow-action or fast-action rods. Slow-action rods usually come with higher gear ratios, but they are generally heavy and bulky. Fast-action rods usually come equipped with lower gear ratios, but they are also smaller and lighter.
What is the difference between a jerkbait and a crankbait?
A jerkbait is designed to imitate live bait movements such as swimming, diving, turning, etc. They have soft plastic bodies and tails that allow them to sink rapidly when retrieved through the cold water. Jerkbait rods are typically used by beginners who want to learn to throw a lure without getting frustrated. Crankbaits are designed to mimic artificial bait movement.
These include spinning blades, wobblers, spinners, spoons, and other types of baits. Their action allows them to move up and down smoothly when pulled through the deep water. Crankbaits are ideal for experienced anglers who know exactly what they need from a rod. You can use them to catch large game fish, including bass, catfish, walleye, pike, and muskellunge. However, some crankbaits are designed specifically for catching smallmouths. Some even feature hooks specially designed for this purpose.
What is the best jerkbait rod for bass fishing?
If you plan to fish shallow waters, then choose a medium-length rod. It should weigh around 6 ounces. If you prefer deeper waters, go for a long spinning rod weighing no more than 10 pounds. This one has to be able to withstand high pressure. A good choice would be a 7/0 graphite reel seat rod.
How many types of jerkbait are there?
There are two main categories: single hook and double hook. Single hook jerks are made using only one piece of monofilament line attached at its center point. Double hook jerks consist of two pieces of monofilament lines connected together. Both kinds of jerkbaits work equally well. But we recommend choosing the double hook version since it's easier to handle.
Which jerkbait rod is right for me?
The first thing you must consider is your budget. Then decide if you're looking for a beginner's rod or something advanced. Next, think about the kind of fishing conditions in which you intend to cast your jerkbait. Finally, look into the features offered by each model. Once you've done so, narrow down your choices based on price and performance.
Can You Use Braid for Jerkbaits?
Yes! Braided lines are great alternatives to traditional mono because they offer better casting distance and durability. In fact, braids are often preferred over mono due to their ability to resist kinking and twisting during casts. When selecting a braid, make sure it comes with an anti-snag coating. Also, avoid any type of knotting technique that could cause snags.
When and How to Fish Jerkbaits?
Jerking techniques vary depending on where you're fishing. For example, jigging works best near shorelines, while trolling works best offshore. The most popular method is called "jumping." Here, you simply let the lure jump out of the water after being thrown. As soon as it hits the surface, you start reeling back slowly until the lure sinks again. To increase your chances of success, try different lures and retrieve methods. Experimenting will help you find the ones that suit your style of fishing best.
What is a Suspending Jerkbait?
A suspending jerkbait looks like a normal bait, but instead of sinking straight to the bottom, it hangs suspended above the substrate. They usually have a weight tied to the end of the leader. These baits attract larger predatory species such as perch, sunfish, carp, and other panfish.
Conclusion
The best jerkbait rod should be able to withstand the pressures of bass fishing and also ensure the angler’s comfort. If I can get an extra perk like a jerkbait rod that works with various baits, then I am totally sold.
