OK guys, I'm going to go "old school" on ya'll ....

My favorite jerkbait is the (three treble hook size) Rebel Minnow / Silver sides / white belly / Chartresue back (even if I have to paint the back, myself). Always threw them on a baitcaster/12lb line. wrist snap retrieve while holding onto the handle ... but, never actually cranking the handle with my hand !! I actually hold the reel handle/hand in one spot ... and work the rod to make the reel go around the handle. jerk-jerk-jerk-pause ... repeat. When done correctly, the line will snap right at the water's surface and create a zip-zip-zip noise. Rebel Minnow will basically 'walk the dog" underwater. And you can see the chartreuse back in fairly stained water, or in choppy water. Generally doesn't go much deeper than a couple of feet ... but, I've had Bass come well off the bank and bust it.
Another good use for it, when the Bass are right close against the bank ... is to parallel cast right close to the water's edge, then "burn it" back (no jerks/pauses). Bedding Bass don't seem to appreciate that "speedy gonzalez critter" come busting thru their bedroom... LOL!!
Used to work very well, at Herrington Lake ... prespawn & spawn Bass. I liked using the Rebel Minnow over the "balsa" jerkbaits, because the Rebel wouldn't pop to the surface as fast. Plus, it being heavier, would cast in the wind better/farther.

... luck2ya'll ... whatever you choose to use !!

... cp