Jerkbait questions

[joeyblueblood]

Well, rod, reel and line is a matter of choice. I use a 6' Falcon MH baitcaster with 10 or 12lb Gamma copolymer myself. I like the 6' rod as it makes it easier to work the bait (at least for me) and the Falcon MH is more like a medium than MH. Every brand rod performs differently and found out long ago that two rods that both say they are MH or MED etc can definitely have different actions.

Tip: Tie your lure on with a loop knot...you can vary the size of the loop and change the action on the lure. Don't be afraid to pause the lure for a long time if you are not getting bit.....have seen many times a 30-40 second pause will put more fish in the boat...the fish will tell you what they want if you will listen.

Pay attention to your sonar....most of the time you can see the depth of your shad and the fish under them....also, if you are not getting bit throwing to the shoreline and you see the shad and targets under your boat...back out another cast length....not unusual for the fish to suspend well of the bank on some days, especially SM.

There are some standard colors and models that tend to work every spring to put some fish in the boat most days....but every year there will be one model and color pattern the fish will eat like candy, and it tends to change from year to year..you just have to experiment around until you find the right one.

Last March we had one of the best jerkbait bite seasons I have ever seen here on Ky/Barkley (and we always have what most folks consider a good one). I am expecting another banner one again this March also.

thx dave....could i get away with a snap swivel as well? how about also jerking in an upward motion occasionally to add an erratic action?

[apb]

....could i get away with a snap swivel as well? ...

I use a snap on my plugs. Works well as it allows for a more free movement of the plug. Also allows you to change plugs quickly. No swivel. I would be interested in hearing what others think about snaps on plugs.

Andrew

[Dave Stewart]

I would not put a snap swivel on the lure....tying a loop knot does a couple of things...it does not add weight to the lure like a snap swivel would..thus changing the presentation intended...and also you can vary the size of the loop knot to change the action of the lure when you jerk it....not sure why I would want to jerk it up.

[joeyblueblood]

I would not put a snap swivel on the lure....tying a loop knot does a couple of things...it does not add weight to the lure like a snap swivel would..thus changing the presentation intended...and also you can vary the size of the loop knot to change the action of the lure when you jerk it....not sure why I would want to jerk it up.

on 2nd thought dave, i agree with you on the snap. a loop knot (rapala knot) would work better.