BUYER'S GUIDE: JERKBAITS - BEST BAITS, COLORS, AND GEAR!

[@jackolson8775]

After years of just tying one on and yanking away, I decided to learn to fish jerkbaits (X-Raps mainly) the proper way this off season. You guys have been a big help. ✌🏼

[@tacticalbassin]

Awesome! We're happy to help.

[@midwestfischerman]

Thank you for recommending the Whipper Snapper; Clear Perch and Epic Shad seem like amazing colors for the Lake Michigan shoreline!

[@jamesh7469]

Black lavender is money too, really similar to the megabass GLX Northern secret color that slays smallmouth. Also skip epic shad and go with olive crush for the emerald shiner imitation

[@midwestfischerman]

@@jamesh7469 Good call on the Olive Crush color, thanks for the recommendations. Epic Shad looks A LOT like the Rainbow Smelt that run shallow around here in early spring to spawn during the smallmouth prespawn. So I'll probably just get ALL of these colors, especially for the Whipper Snapper's price, why not?!?!

[@natebroughton1795]

Just picked up one of the new Shimano World Minnow jerkbaits. Excited to give them a try this coming spring. (Lakes are iced up in MN) used the Spro McStick this year and was really impressed. Got some good Mille Lacs smallies on it.

[@tacticalbassin]

We've been playing with them as well 👍 I suspect you're going to really like them. More on that subject soon...

[@donkukawski8609]

I never knew what I was missing until I dedicated time to jerkbait fishing at start of December..game changer with the 110's for me.

[@bengreeninsuranceagency]

Excellent information! Thank you Gentlemen

[@andybales7318]

U know u are a lure junkie when all the online tackle retailers email u, right after a Tactical Bassin' buyers guide from the guys.....I only have 100 jerkbaits..guess I could get a "few" more!! Duo Realis & Rapala Shadow Rap Shad (slow riser) are 2 favorites

[@shonmckinney8240]

What about the lucky craft slender pointer and pointer 128?

[@ralphepperson5238]

Matt what size hooks and split rings for lucky craft sp100 4 inch jerk bait

[@gustavotellez5358]

Another question. This has to do with line for jerkbait fishing. I use two spinning rod setups, a M and an ML, with 20lb and 10 lb braid, with long fluoro leaders: 12lb, 10lb and 8lb, ending with a snap. I use Seaguar Invizx, and Tatsu. I found that after heavy use, say 8 hrs in the water, my 8lb fluoro will start failing. It takes longer for the 10 and longer still for the 12, but this still happens. I lost at least 4 baits this fall and winter due to fluoro leader fails; specifically, the fluoro leader pops. The harder that I work the jerkbait, the more often/sooner this happens. I decided skipping on 8lb fluoro altogether, sticking with 12 and 10, replacing my leaders often (after every fishing trip), and retieing after every catch. Any suggestions to address this problem?

[@nawinchester]

Based on the way you introduced the Shadow Raps with the Vision 110s, were you suggesting that the Shadow Raps were a good alternative to the Visions if you didn't want to pay $25 a jerkbait? I have fished the Xraps for smallies and had good success, but I have never fished the Shadow Raps, and wanted to know if you see them in the Vision 110 category, ie less aggressive (less loud) category of baits like the Vision.

[@MrShawnmg]

Yes!!

[@anglermatt5946]

Out of true curiosity… why are the strike king KVD jerkbaits not on this list? The shallow or deep?

[@The_Mortgage_Angler]

Good stuff. My favorite way to get fish. What is your thought on berkley stunna? I own tons of megabass jerkbaits.

[@tacticalbassin]

We need more time before we can really answer that.

[@johnnieder4546]

What do I do about replacing the hooks on the 110? There are no #5s available anymore....

[@dong8307]

I ordered some Gamakatsu G Finesse #5. Perfect on a 110.

[@toddwinegar7365]

As far as Rapala jerkbaits go, I 10/1 prefer the X-rap! Just saying.

[@alcav54]

Jerkbaits are my weakness. Never met a Vision 110 I didn’t like money 💰

[@tacticalbassin]

You're not alone!!

[@greenpighunter6930]

Excellent. Nope No the Slim Jack is no good & doesn't catch fish. Especially during the shad spawn and in ponds.😁

[@bennysupreme1]

No 6 sense jerkbaits?

[@jamesh7469]

The Victory jerkbait rod is an awesome pick for the value. It’s crazy light, and has a really soft action that can help compensate if you like throwing braid and want to use it as a combo topwater/jerkbait stick

[@andrewwolf4963]

Can’t go wrong with any rod in that line up honestly I’ve gotten to hold like 7 of them so far I’m really impressed. Finally a company made a rod that ups technology and has a great price point , been a while since expride came out

[@midwestfischerman]

I'm a Rapala guy; I have a box full of them! Husky Jerks, Rip Stops, Shadow Raps, X-Raps; I have them all, and they ALL WORK! Rapala has me HOOKED! (pun intended😁)

[@jamesh7469]

Rapala actually owns 13fishing so if you like their baits you should try 13

[@alanfrye2706]

I'm the same way

[@kristopherwiita4509]

Rapala has been crap lately. I have had bills on jerkbaits come out and on crankbaitscand rip stop they crack or break off..for the $$$ they ask for rapala its garbage lately..

[@midwestfischerman]

@@jamesh7469 Thank you for all of the great information!!! My next jerkbait purchases will be Whipper Snappers and maybe one Berkley Stunna.

[@jamesvibert3993]

Have y'all tried the curado bfs instead of an aldebaran? Was it similar (minus the extra 2 ounces...)? or would you definitely go from Aldebaran to curado 70? Thanks!

[@chriskoffend5253]

Living on a lake with Pike, the pike own more of my jerk baits than I do. It's quite disheartening to tie on a brand new Vision 110 and literally have it bit off on the very first cast! As the Pike will attest, the Vision 110 is very popular. Not such a big fan of the Rerange. IMO, the hooks are a little too big - and as such have a tendency to catch on each other (the only jerk baits I use that have this tendency). Partially due to my lake, and especially in the Fall, I have gone more and more to the Rapala's. On my lake, late summer and Fall the Chart/Silver/White/Red gets bit the most (Mich).

[@makcatchem9614]

Berkley Stunna 112*

[@FGCbizzle]

After watching your video on Jerkbait fishing, I bought a Jackall Rerange and it got bit on my very first outing! A couple days later I threw the Rerange again and caught a nice one! Jerkbait fishing is becoming one of my favorite ways to catch them. Thanks so much for putting out excellent content Tim and Matt!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thats great! Way to follow through and make it happen 👍🏼

[@buddymccormack8668]

I have some of those jerkbaits you mentioned, the one I've done the best with is the Rapala shadow rap in the albino shiner color. multiple 5 pounders on a lake I usually only catch 2-3 pounders on.

[@jeffturner1573]

Yall are getting paid by 13 fishing! Lol love u though

[@kdot2427]

Very surprised the 6th Sense Provoke didn't get an honorable mention. They are so good for the price and come with great hardware. They also just added a DD Jerkbait!

[@salomelopez3986]

I know I had one of the best days of fishing ever caught 25+ bass and finished off with catching a 5 pound bass 👏🏽👏🏽

[@Cevan42]

No mention of 6th Sense Hyperjerk?? Love it for bank fishing.

[@paynekaufmann403]

I accidentally found a good jerkbait rod with the favorite white bird medium 6’6

[@ericcabral5972]

How do u know if its floating,slow rising,suspended,etc by just looking at the bait?Another great video.Thanx guys

[@lawdognate4659]

Another budget rod is the Okuma Serrano. It's specific to jerkbait/top water. The color is a little too bright, but it makes up for it with the feel and action.

[@nickynick61]

it also snaps in half if you get it snagged and are trying to free it

[@johnmango6056]

Ok that was way too simple. No rabbit holes? No 15 minutes tangents about trebles? Come on guys lol. Jk

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! We try so hard to keep these simple. It's so hard!! 😂

[@Mjones8383]

I like the Rapala shadow for my everyday jerkbait fishing. In tournaments I go with a vision 110 and a rerange.

[@tacticalbassin]

Nice!!

[@thedadbodangler7784]

If we're talking budget jerkbaits I don't think you can go wrong with the 6th Sense Provoke 106. It performs great at a $10 price point. And now they offer it in a sinking to go along with their suspending (very slow rising) jerkbait, and are about to release their deep divers. Add that with some of the best color ways in the business, and I don't think you can go wrong. For sure one of my favorites for the price.

[@CanadianBasserman]

Gotta Love JERKBAIT ACTION!! haha My Jerkbait game has definitely sky rocketed after implementing your advice! Shimano Expride 1610 M! ALL DAY EVERY DAY!

[@willmed3209]

You guys are of bunch of certified beauty’s

[@predwards8941]

Tim and Matt giving my bank account the ol 🍗🍗 and a biscuit!

[@luster5497]

Please, could you guys do a 1-FavoriteColor per different bait? For example: 1.JerkbaitColor = Silver/Gold 2.FootballJig = Black/Blue

[@robhintzen]

Great video guys. Question…. I see two expride models. One is glass one is not. Which do you use for jerkbaits ???

[@andrewwolf4963]

Hey guys , do you ever experiment with Livingston? I’ve had a lot of luck with their lipless and jerkbaits, I love how the lipless makes a really loud chirping sound , just a live like noise bass don’t usually get from a lure

[@midwestfischerman]

I'm going to rip the hell out of a Rapala Rip Stop this afternoon! There's a massive warm front today in the Chicago area, wish me luck!

[@Mjones8383]

Good luck and stay safe in Chiraq, it's crazy up there

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! Good luck! Be safe out there!!

[@midwestfischerman]

@@tacticalbassin Like you guys, I occasionally hear random gunfire. However, in my "neck of woods" it is most assuredly NOT deer hunters.😳🤣😂

[@jameskrone9629]

Hey matt I’m interested in getting the Shimono Expride 6’10” medium but want to make sure I get the correct one is it the expride A or expride B on the tackle warehouse website ?

[@jacksonhamilton7103]

Hey I fish upstate SC and I was wondering what your thoughts on where and when you fish jerkbaits,and what do you think about the berkley stunnu?

[@Strat642001]

Any hints or tips for fishing jerkbaits sitting down in a kayak? Most of the retrieve techniques are done standing up, keeping the rod tip on or close to the water.

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

It's unseasonably warm here in Michigan but every frigging nice day it's either raining or 30+ mph winds 😢

[@tacticalbassin]

Hang in there Tim!

[@bassmayhem4215]

I have a few jerkbaits but never caught nothing on one. Should tie one on until I do.

[@rhatter]

The rapala shadow rap shad is also a great bait. I've had some of my best days with it.

[@nbe386]

Where in the world are you that you need to where sweatshirts in late July and how do I get there?

[@tonyparsley641]

Chill mat. Give Tim some time. Lmbo really.

[@kirkblackadar7299]

Iv been fishing the number 9 ripstop up north here for a few years, it's been my go-to jerk bait. I love on a lake that has a ton of weeds and clear water so I can't run anything that dives deeper than 2'. It throws a ton of flash and seems to really trigger strikes. The pre spawn and the fall transition are when it shines for me. Rip rip pause. Lol. I need to be messing with the 110's though.

[@tacticalbassin]

Sounds like you're having fun! As the water cools you should definitely try the 110s. 👍🏼

[@1Cast1Fish]

It's that time of year again on the water for me...breaking out the JB box

[@Slayinator96]

What rod for Vision 110 Jr?

[@Mjones8383]

I use the whipper snapper for practice but I add lead wire to the hooks until it suspends or slowly sinks. I have the BassX 6'10 and love it.

[@tacticalbassin]

Nice!!

[@davidfeldman611]

Yes!!!! First

[@midwestfischerman]

Only 4 minutes after the video was posted I am down to 80th! Do we think Matt and Tim have a loyal following or what!?!?!

[@beaumogensen5558]

What gear ratio do you prefer

[@ilyakkin]

Just wish we could find the rods haha. I ordered one months ago and stillll waiting 😂 Been stuck using the SLX jerkbait rod in the meantime (which for the price isn't too shabby!)

[@fishingtimeletsgo598]

Those Jackall’s are good but the hooks are bad👊🎣👍

[@FoxXi3]

This seems so outta left field but I threw a jerkbait all day today on a Daiwa Aird-x MH 7'0 and that thing was SO nice. Could cast a 1/2oz bait a mile regardless of the wind direction. Light rod with enough tip to play fish but also not too floppy. very "crisp". They were chewing and all had more then one set of trebles in them, but they wernt coming off in a million years. Just an interesting point for some of the more budget guys looking for a beginner Jerkin setup

[@patwalker9890]

If I may add one to the budget lineup.. A BassPro XPS suspending Lazer Eye. Hundreds of stripers have eaten mine. Keep 'em coming guys!

[@tonyh.9957]

110s are $25 a piece and you still have to replace the hooks!!!! Stock hooks are garbage!!!!! Great Jerkbait but not for the price.....Rapala/ Rerange is better deal!!!

[@mbohlandfishing8189]

I use a Dobyns Sierra 683c for jerkbaits currently. Tim or Matt.. have you guys ever tried that rod for jerkbaits? If so how do you feel about it? Thanks !!

[@mattquinlan4629]

Are the older curado rods a significant amount less in quality to the newer models in your opinion? What are the main differences?Thank you-(own several older curado rods from years past recommendations)

[@Awright121_]

They’ve talked about the old curado 6’10 medium in the past for jerkbaits. I bought one based off their recommendation, paired it with an SLX MGL 70, and it works great for me.

[@mattquinlan4629]

@@Awright121_ same with me Alex:-) I was wondering about the differences. I like mine and it was “findable” and affordable.

[@tacticalbassin]

The newer curados (speaking across the entire line, not that model) are crisper actions. They actually feel a lot like the previous generation of Zodias before the handle change. They're really nice rods for the price! We've spent a ton of time with them lately because there have been a lot of questions like this and we wanted to be sure about our answers. There was nothing wrong with the Curados you've got but there are definitely some noticeable differences with these new models. I wouldn't rush out to upgrade or anything but if it comes time to pick up another rod its worth the move 👍

[@mattquinlan4629]

@@tacticalbassin thank you. Appreciate all your insight.

[@depalebe]

Love the buyers guides. Shimano has it down with the 6'10" medium rods including the Zodias that slots between the Expride and Curado. When you have completed the buyers guides I would. like to get you input on the differences of fishing spybaits and I motion baits. Thanks again.

[@gustavotellez5358]

I am a beginner fishing jerkbaits with spinning rods in NY an places up north. I have had great success this fall and winter doing this! At the end of my season (Dec 12-17), I went to a lake which had "reasonably" large bass (for me this means 4+lb). I fished this lake with Megabass jerkbaits for three days. The first day I hooked but lost 2 larg-ish bass, I estimate 3-4lb. Second day I caught a pickerel, but lost two additional bites. Finally on the third day I connected with 4 bass, the best of the bunch a 3lber. My setup includes a two daiwa rebellion spinning rods, an ML and an M, which have fast tips. I pair this with 10lb and 20lb braid followed by a very long 10lb and 12lb fluoro reader. I am thinking about my misses, and feel that a better, less stiff rod might have helped. What would you recommend for jerkbait spinning rods? Also is it reasonable to use jerkbait rods for crankbait fishing (think budget and beginner)?

[@thequixoticangler3364]

Just Got a Headhunter 110 deep diver. Pro Blue. Very happy. Can buy 3 for the price of 1 Vision.

[@c.shoefish]

I'd like to see your thoughts about the sixgill fishing Heimdall rod... it's a purpose built jerkbait specific rod...I'll tell yah, it's the best JB rod I've ever personally used. And at about $170 the bang for the buck is awesome.

[@kevinlawson1503]

Everyone watching this said,"Experide 6 10 medium" in unison as Matt grabbed his favorite combo🤣

[@scottcaston1991]

Hey Matt fellow jerkbait lover here had a quick question for you on the 6'10 expride. I see that the action is moderate/fast ? And is that the best action for jerkbait rod because I've heard mixed opinions on using fast action or mod/fast action bc of the little trebles. I wanted to know because I don't own the 6'10 but I own the 7'2 expride mod/f ast action rod and I also own a 7'1 st.croix bassx but fast action was wondering out of those two which would be the better rod for jerkbaits out of those two , the expride mod/fast or the bassx fast action? Thanks !

[@jacobkrueger1920]

Do you ever throw jerkbaits on mono? Im buying a expride 610M for topwater and was gonna spool it with mono, but I would also like to throw jerkbaits on it.

[@benroberts6849]

I got the Savage gear 8" RTF pulse tail and I got the slow sink...is that what I should have chose? also my lake is like 1-2 foot visibility can I still fish it and creep it on the bottom?

[@robvallance1719]

Going to be almost 60* on Long Island tomorrow. Just ordered a few Damikis and will be hitting Dicks on the way home for those 110's & Rapalas. Jerkbait fishing in my very near future!

[@joshuaconrad6634]

How often does tackle wearhouse restock on the expride 6'-10" med. Been trying to find one for a dedicated jerkbait rod and have had no luck locating one anywhere.

[@JW-iw6ww]

here in the north 2 jerkbaits work very well... KVD jerkbait in AYU and Tennessee Shad.. we have gin clear water and these flat out work....

[@titaniumcrayon3090]

The st croix victory 6’8 M is also an incredible jerkbait rod for much cheaper than the Expride. Weighs practically nothing in your hand. Do not buy the current gen Expride because the new one is coming out next year. Also the full sized rip stop sucks total balls, maybe I’m doing it wrong but it’s to much of a pain in the ass to use. The smaller size is alright but just avoid the bigger ones all together.

[@cjscarborough83]

I wonder what you’re thoughts are on the new Berkley Stunna? Or the Provoke from 6th sense. Thanks for all the awesome buyers guides!

[@andrewwolf4963]

I have the 6’8 expride MH and the Poison 6’10 m both are fabulous jerkbait rods and chatterbait rods, spinnerbait, i can throw worms on both it’s really nice to have rods that can do multiple things

[@DKAELIN]

How did y'all miss the 6th Sense Provoke 106X?! That is a 🔥 budget jerkbait

[@robjaeckels6021]

You mention the Whipper Snapper, but have you had a chance to try out the Loco yet? Reviews appear promising.

[@jeremyrose2667]

I watch all of your jerkbait videos. After watching your videos I've bought the budget slx rod and reel combo that was suggested in a previous video. I love it. My other rods are all mojo bass, I like them but not for the jerkbait. I've always fished but never with jerkbaits until this year. I'm hooked. I love all of the pointers you guys give and I try to implement them on the water. I'm trying to figure out what colors work best with water and weather condition. The only problem I have now is forcing myself to put it down . Lol

[@ThreePedalCollective]

5lb + smallmouth in upper Lake Michigan hammering your aggressive jerkbait is the pinnacle of bass fishing.

[@steffensieps]

Hey guys, i really love your videos and i learnt a lot! My problem is, that the most of lures you're fishing, are not available in germany. I spend a lot of time in the net with searching, but i can't find them...😭

[@ronaldmcdonald3965]

Thanks guys. I learned a lot. But I don't much about jerk baits. Caught my first jerkbait fish on the CA delta ont ripstop

[@brianrobinson9979]

I'll start by saying that I haven't thrown a lot of baits in general enough to have gained much confidence in them in turn I don't have the techniques down to fish them effectively. So that being said, I've only ever caught one fish on a jerkbait. However I did get lucky with that one fish and it was about a 4+ pound fish in December

[@darrenhall7990]

I've been buying lure blanks and airbrushing them. I spray them in a Silverside or threadfin pattern. It's very rewarding to make your own, and a hell of lot cheaper.

[@chrisrus53]

Great info! Just added a jerkbait set up to my arsenal and needed a few points on which jerkbaits to pick up. I'm curious if they're us a specific reason the Stunna was left out? Seems like there are some guys pretty high on them.

[@koopa9711]

Hi. Thanks guys for another amazing video. I have a 2020 Zodias 6’10 Medium today, always fishing braid to leader. Would a move to Expride 6’10 Medium be a big change for me in terms of sensitivity/fishing experience, but also performance as jerkbait rod? Or is the change minor? Thanks

[@philipdean1614]

I had the expride 610 for jerkbaits. It was perfect until I broke it (my fault) went to the zodias 610 and it's sweet. The difference for me was very little. But I still want that expride back. Peace out be safe

[@CommonAccent]

I own both the 6'10 M Zodias and the 6'10 M Expride. The Zodias has a slow mod-fast taper while the Expride is a true fast taper. Like Matt was saying in the Vlog, it's that crisp tip on the Expride that makes the magic happen, the Zodias isn't a straight noodle but it's not crisp by any means. Speaking for just me, after fishing the Expride for 2 years, it would be noticeable to use something with a slower taper. I don't want to poo on the Zodais though, it's 108g's!!! One of the lightest rods I own (as light as a P5), kicks ass with moving baits and top water, just not perfect for a jerkbait. Also, if you did end up with both I don't think that would be a bad thing as they do different things very well. Food for thought! Good Luck out there!

[@philipdean1614]

@@CommonAccent you are spot on with your assessment. I made a compromise going down to the zodias. It does not have that crispness. Will be going back to the expride after I'm done being upset with myself for the breakage. Peace out be safe

[@CommonAccent]

@@philipdean1614 sorry about your expride man, never fun to lose good gear! Love the positivity as well 😅, good luck out there!

[@guyb5333]

Matt, is that the new X Pride or the first generation x Pride that you're referring to? Could you help us by describing the differences between the two? Biggest thing I guess , are the blanks the same?

[@phillipgahr4210]

Will you guys please do a rod review for the shimano slx rod line both regular and glass rods and what you use them for. They are my favorite rods that are affordable for me and many other people to use and decent quality. Hopefully you will see this comment. I appreciate the videos they are very in depth and you both have helped me and others learn a lot. Great work and thank you both for the help in your videos.

[@dong8307]

Great info. Surprised no mention of the Smithwick Rogue. Still a great bait.

[@BubbaclubbaW]

My budget go to is a Lucky E Strike Rick Clunn STX both sizes

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

I can't see myself spending 20+$ on a jerkbait but I want to!!

[@RonnieSprangerJr]

What is your very top pick for 10 lb braid knot strength? Thank you

[@Grand-Massive]

What is your opinion on the Berkely hit stick. I saw it on a few "best lures of 2021" lists

[@platinumhandymansolutions]

Not trying to be a troll just curious, why would you throw a jerkbait on braid? I feel like that it would take away from the baits action and be terrible in the wind.

[@tacticalbassin]

Quite the opposite actually. Braid makes the harsh stops and stops of the jerkbait even easier to accomplish. The amateur will have an easier time working a jerkbait on braid than on fluorocarbon.

[@platinumhandymansolutions]

@@tacticalbassin thanks for explaining. Great videos, appreciate you guys!

[@kylevodden19]

Absolutely awesome vid guys!!! My favourite way to fish

[@BobbyLunsford83]

I’m using a St. Croix victory as my rod and I’ve picked up the shimano aldebaran on your recommendation. I’m really proficient with a bait caster but I’m finding that if my cast doesn’t have near perfect form, I end up with a overrun. I even maxed out the brake settings. This is my first reel from Shimano that broke the $300 mark. I’m hoping that this is just a learning curve because of it being so high end. If you have any insight into what I may be doing wrong, it would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@tacticalbassin]

Are you using the internal brakes, the external dial, and the exterior spool tension knob? My guess is you're using 2 of the 3. A great starting point is 1 internal brake on, 3 off. A side dial of 3, and a spool tension setting where there is the tiniest bit of wobble to the spool.

[@BobbyLunsford83]

@@tacticalbassin Yes sir. I’m using all 3 systems. I’ve been using shimano baitcasters for years. I alway use the tension knob to just minimize side to side Play. Today was my first day out with it. Maybe I just need to get some more time with it to get over the learning curve of a higher end reel. I went straight to throwing a 1/4 oz shad rap and ripstop too. Maybe I posted that question a little to soon lol. I should have put in the time first to get a better feel for it.

[@tacticalbassin]

That 1/4 oz definitely isn't making your life easy! Sorry Bobby, we have to assume the worst and work back from there :-)

[@southerngurlfishing2561]

Hey Matt and Tim will y'all be at the East Tennessee Fishing Expo next month ? If so what day

[@andrewvolcom11]

What size hooks and brand for rerangeMR? And split rings also?

[@davidgerdes1815]

What do you guys think about only throwing jerkbaits on spinning gear?

[@crushedit1497]

Pretty soon you'll be having a buyers guide from my house 😆