Jerkbaits For Largemouth, Smallmouth and Spotted Bass

Have you ever heard of a jerkbait? If you’re an avid bass fisherman, chances are you have. But if you’re not quite sure what a jerkbait is or how to use it, don’t worry. I was in the same boat (or should I say, fishing boat) as you not too long ago.

However, I have since learned the art and science of jerkbait fishing and it has completely changed the game for me. In this article, I’m going to share with you everything I’ve learned about using jerkbaits to catch largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass.

First things first, let’s define what a jerkbait is. A jerkbait is a type of fishing lure that mimics the movement of a wounded fish. It’s designed to be fished with quick, erratic movements to simulate the darting action of a fish in distress.

Choosing the Right Jerkbait

Now that we know what a jerkbait is and how it’s used, let’s talk about how to choose the right one. There are a few different types of jerkbaits to choose from, so it’s important to select the one that’s most appropriate for the type of bass you’re targeting.

For largemouth bass, you’ll want to choose a suspending jerkbait. These lures have a neutral buoyancy, which means they neither sink nor float. This is important because it allows you to pause the bait in the water and keep it in the strike zone for longer periods of time.

Smallmouth bass, on the other hand, tend to be more structure-oriented. This means they like to hang out near rocks, logs, and other objects in the water. For smallmouth bass, you’ll want to choose a floating jerkbait. This type of lure stays on the surface of the water, making it easier to control and keep it within the strike zone.

Spotted bass are known to be aggressive feeders, so you’ll want to select a faster-moving jerkbait for these types of fish. A suspending or fast-sinking jerkbait will work best for spotted bass.

How to Fish a Jerkbait

Now that you’ve chosen the right jerkbait for the type of bass you’re targeting, let’s talk about how to properly fish it. The key to successfully using a jerkbait is to make it look as realistic as possible.

To do this, you’ll want to use a technique called “jerking.” This involves quickly jerking the rod tip up and then allowing the bait to fall back down before jerking it again. This erratic movement closely mimics the action of a wounded fish and is sure to attract the attention of nearby bass.

It’s important to vary the rhythm and intensity of your jerks to keep the fish interested. You can also experiment with the speed of your retrieve to see what works best. Sometimes a slower retrieve with longer pauses in between jerks can be more effective, while other times a faster retrieve will yield better results.

Techniques for Catching Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are known to be aggressive feeders and are often caught using a variety of techniques. When using a jerkbait for largemouth bass, you’ll want to focus on areas with lots of vegetation or cover.

Start by casting your jerkbait near the edge of the weed line and jerking it back towards you. You can also try casting your bait directly into the weeds and jerking it back out. Largemouth bass are known to hide in these areas, so be prepared for a sudden strike.

Another effective technique for catching largemouth bass with a jerkbait is to fish it along points or drop-offs. These areas often have deeper water nearby and provide a perfect place for largemouth bass to hang out.

Techniques for Catching Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass tend to hang out near structure, so you’ll want to focus your jerkbait fishing in these areas. This could include rocks, logs, or even man-made structures like docks or bridge pilings.

When fishing for smallmouth bass with a jerkbait, it’s important to keep your retrieve consistent and controlled. These fish are known to be quick and smart, so any sudden movements or erratic jerks could scare them away.

Start by casting your jerkbait near a piece of structure and allowing it to sink down to the desired depth. Start jerking the rod tip up and down to simulate the movement of a wounded fish. Keep your retrieve slow and steady to give the smallmouth bass time to strike.

Techniques for Catching Spotted Bass

Spotted bass are some of the most aggressive feeders in the bass family, so it’s essential to use a fast-moving jerkbait when targeting these fish. You’ll also want to focus your fishing efforts near schools of baitfish, as spotted bass love to feed on these small fish.

Cast your jerkbait near a school of baitfish and retrieve it quickly with a series of sharp jerks. The goal is to make the bait look like a fleeing baitfish, which will attract the attention of nearby spotted bass.

It’s also important to vary your jerkbait’s depth when fishing for spotted bass. This can be done by changing the weight of your bait or adjusting your retrieve speed. Spotted bass are known to hang out at different depths, so it’s important to experiment until you find what works best.

Conclusion

Using a jerkbait to catch largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass can be a game-changer for any bass fisherman. Just remember to choose the right bait for the type of bass you’re targeting, and use an erratic, realistic retrieve to get the attention of nearby fish.

By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to catching more and bigger bass with a jerkbait. So grab your fishing rod, tie on a jerkbait, and go catch some fish!