Fall Jerkbait Fishing! Everything You Need To Know!

Can you think of a better bait to catch bass in the Fall? Just the idea of Fall jerkbait fishing gets us excited to head to the lake! Jerkbaits are part of a very small group of lures that "trigger" a feed response in bass. Yes they catch aggressive bass, but if you know how to work them properly you can actually get lethargic bass to react and eat when they're not even in a feeding mood! Come along as we explore the world of jerkbait fishing!
Jerkbait fishing is not a basic technique but its one that anyone, even a beginner angler, can learn. When fished properly the jerkbaits ability to draw bass in and trigger a feed response is remarkable! The key to the technique is in the equipment. We almost never emphasize equipment over technique but this is one category where an angler can have all the right mechanics but paired with the wrong equipment, the bait still won't work properly.
In today's video Matt begins by explaining exactly what you should look for in a jerkbait rod/reel combo. He also gives some key tips about adapting your existing equipment for a jerkbait. There are some changes you can make including fishing smaller reel sizes and braided line that will help improve your jerkbait fishing even without owning a dedicated jerkbait rod.
Now, choosing the right baits is a whole different animal. While we didn't lean as heavy into the specific lures in today's video we promised to do exactly that in the video description. Below you will find a very detailed breakdown of the baits as well as the rod and reel combos we recommend. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
The baits are separated by depth range so you can easily decide between shallow, medium, and deep divers to match the waters you fish. The colors recommendations are universal and will work around the country but if you're just starting out lean toward the ghost colors in clear water, the reflective colors in stained water, and the bold (chartreuse or white) in murky water.
Upgrading hooks is also a major consideration once you bend out the stock hooks. Its very difficult to find replacement hooks for jerkbaits without impacting the sink rates of the baits and hurting their action. Luckily, we've found excellent replacement hooks for you and have linked those below between the baits and the rod/reel combos.
Shallow Jerkbaits...
-Jackall Rerange 110: bit.ly/2ge0qED
(Blue Pearl Shad, Ghost Wakasagi, HL Hasu)
-Megabass Vision 110:
(GP Pro Blue, ITO Tennessee Shad, Killer Kawaguchi)
-Lucky Craft Flash Pointer 115: bit.ly/2aHz588
(American Shad, Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow)
Mid-Depth Jerkbaits...
-Jackall Rerange 110 MR: bit.ly/2CbWr6X
(RT Holo Minnow, HL Hasu, SG Threadfin)
-Megabass Vision 110+1: bit.ly/2iGYOCX
(GP Pro Blue, ITO Tennessee Shad, Elegy Bone)
Deep Diving Jerkbaits...
-Megabass Vision 110+2: bit.ly/2BLQIBA
(MB Gizzard, Elegy Bone, ITO Tennessee Shad)
-Lucky Craft Staysee 90: bit.ly/2dBzMmz
(American Shad, Ghost Minnow, Chartreuse Shad)
-Lucky Craft Pointer 100 DD: bit.ly/2e0sQj7
(American Shad, Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow)
Smaller and Oversized Jerkbaits...
Smaller-Megabass Vision 110 Jr: bit.ly/2OeAFBf
(GP Pro Blue, Deadly Black Shad)
Bigger- Megabass Oneten Max LBO: bit.ly/3dfhL9y
(ITO Tennessee Shad, MB Gizzard)
Hook and Split Ring Upgrades...
Hook- Gamakatsu Finesse Nano Trebles: bit.ly/2dWWAut
(Size 5 and 6 will fit all baits except Pointer DD and Max LBO)
Split Ring- Owner Hyperwire Black: bit.ly/2v8ArBX
(Size 2 for all except Pointer DD and Max LBO, they use size 3)
Matt's Favorite Jerkbait Combo...
Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Reel- Aldebaran 50 MGL HG: bit.ly/2uQ4oH8
Line- Sunline Assassin 10 lb Fluorocarbon: bit.ly/2h4LNjm
Budget Jerkbait Combo...
Rod- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: bit.ly/2L3wppO
Reel- Shimano SLX MGL 70 (Pre-Order Available): bit.ly/3gIUCgJ
Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: bit.ly/2h4LNjm
Other Great Jerkbait Rods...
-Megabass Orochi XX 6'11" Jerkbait Special: bit.ly/2OSVNwH
-Megabass Destroyer Oneten Special: bit.ly/2wVOSbY
-G Loomis IMX Pro 812 JBR: bit.ly/2QurcHi
-St Croix Legend Elite 6'10" Medium: bit.ly/2z2qdHc
-St. Croix Bass X 6'8" medium: bit.ly/2r0xWAs
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TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: bit.ly/2TwBWs7
TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: bit.ly/2FVD9Rs
TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: bit.ly/2TvFMBD
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_________________________________________________________________
If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us. You won't see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!
#jerkbait #Fall #bassfishing

[@LeGoat_James23]

I’ve been needing a jerkbait vid for a week or so now. And tacticalbassin always comes thru when I need a technique video! Best channel out there!!!

[@Charactermatters650]

Alpha Anglers Slasher (6 10” medium fast action) - Just bought it a short time ago - love it! Jerkbait specific rod - great tip and good parabolic action. I run it with a Shimano Scorpion DC - great long casts - gets the bait deep with plenty of room to fish it back - $225 for this American made, custom rod (including the blank) - It’s all Brandon Palanuik uses to win big tourneys - Watching him use this rod, is all I needed to get a hold of one and I am completely happy - long time, old school, old dude here. Great for fall in New England! 20 pound maxcuatro with leader of choice - best combo to cast a mile.

[@patricksoto62]

I second this on the Slasher rod for jerkbaits. Has everything Matt describes.

[@ajp7002]

This year I’ve really been trying to build confidence in a jerkbait, I’ve watched and rewatched many of your jerkbait videos. This will help a lot, much thanks 🙌

[@shtty17]

I bought the BassX 6’8” medium because you recommended it, and it is awesome, I love it. It’s got that extra fast action and is perfect for jerkin, i use it for small crankbaits in a pinch and love how crisp that tip is but how much it folds up when it loads up. People on the fence, listen to these guys they’ve unlocked so many techniques for me and have increased my fishing skills/confidence ten fold. Thanks TB, could listen to you talk jerks all day

[@brent7390]

Its awesome they include rods for every budget. If you dont take fishing as your number one hobby. Its nice to have a channel throw rods at us, that normies can afford and do well with. Love this channel

[@erniesanders3724]

As usual another great video from the best bass fishermen on the internet. Tactical Rocks. A ton of information. Thanks for all you do for the sport of fishing Matt. God Bless you and Tim.

[@jonahlopez5194]

Always a great time to wake up to another TacticalBassin Video!

[@98red300]

Best channel for bass fishing by far. I've learned so much from these guys.

[@chmaximus319]

Love the extended technique talk. Very helpful!

[@dansmallwood2409]

Good stuff Matt! Jerk baiting is also one of my favorite techniques. Grabbed a few ideas from this video. Thanks!

[@ipp350]

Amazing advice on everything from equipment to technique! I was always frustrated when I'd try jerkbaits but I'm excited to get a few more lures and go try them this out this weekend with this new knowledge. Keep up the great work, absolutely love the videos and all the advice you guys give!

[@jkemp8539]

Excellent video from TB. Last year I definitely capitalized on jerkbaits in the fall using your techniques and advice. I ripped my, highly pressured, local park pond a new one while many others struggled. Thanks Matt!! Bless

[@mxbass1036]

I learned something new, thanks Matt.

[@flukeking9022]

Tactical Bassin with another really good video! The under water footage is changing how anglers approach techniques everywhere.

[@yatesbaitstv6796]

love your guys stuff. Have helped me become a better angler for sure. You guys rock!

[@erk678]

Thanks for your information I will be putting this to good use this fall and winter 👍

[@wideputin4479]

For all you shorter guys who are looking for a rod, my favourite rod by far was the 6’6 medium fast expride. Im 5’7, and a found a 6’10 i was hitting the water a little more than i wanted. As a Canadian fisher who uses jerkbaits all year round (bass and walleye in spring/fall, pike in summer), that 6’6 was a life saver. Just mentioning it incase others were feeling the 6’10 was to long. Tight lines!

[@jimrichards1798]

Thanks for the specifics. Really helpful

[@pascalmathieu8369]

Awesome stuff here ! Thanks Matt !!

[@davehorn1422]

Excellent video, yall are great. Thanks for sharing.

[@mikeharris130]

Jerkbait in the fall and winter is a go to method. Thanks for the tips.

[@dartdodge69]

The best bass fishing channel on KZbin! 👍👍

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

DUO REALIS has some great Jerkbaits too. Terrific action, awesome colours. The 120 mm is 🔥🔥

[@TannerB73]

Thanks for the advice on ways to improve current setups if we can’t spring for the specific jerk bait setup just yet. Always great content!

[@nickvolpe114]

Mat Shad in any 110 is 🔥 I’ve been smashing them since May in numbers on this bait SMASHING

[@47degreesfishing22]

I absolutely love the Alpha Angler slasher jerkbait rod! I can fish it all day with no fatigue. Great rod

[@larryvilla6869]

Out of all the lures you guys explain the jerkbait is definitely explained the best and you explain all lures so we'll

[@CanadianBasserman]

Jerkbaits!! One of my favorite ways to catch them!! Great info! You guys got me on the Jackall Rerange and it has be dynamite for me! Thanks!!

[@muskybites505]

Get a 130 in the real perch and thank me later. By far the best jerk bait I’ve fished. Better than the 110. Btw, I’m fishing in Wisconsin

[@CanadianBasserman]

@@muskybites505 For sure! I definitely use the 130 as well. I'm originally from Toronto, Canada, but I've been out in Korea for awhile. Come by and check out some vids! haha

[@chrisg2633]

The 6’10” Medium Expride is an AMAZING rod and was well worth the wait! Actually, plan on buying two more, so that I can have a topwater, jerkbait and finesse setup ready to fish!

[@adamkasper4836]

Amazing video, my dad loves fishing with me when I was younger but never knew a lot about it. This helps me so much more than just telling me to use a jerk bait in winter, thank you!!!

[@FarrenHansen]

Thank you Matt. I've never had any confidence throwing jerk baits. I've got my ass handed to me so many times in tournament situations finding out everyone cashing a check was throwing them. This video has really helped me better understand the technique and i have been using the wrong rod. I use high end equipment. I was using a imx pro 6'8 med heavy ex fast over working the bait and loosing fish left and right. Now i understand, ordered an 610m expride ive already got a spare aldebaran 50 hg. Gonna give it another shot. Thanks man!

[@theschraeg]

You guys lay it all out and give all the goods every video! For a great “middle of the road” combo the lew’s custom lite SLP with a St. Croix bass x 6’8” M XF is amazing jerkbait combo for under 400. The rest of my reels are shimano but I really like that 4.9 oz reel for under 300! Give her a try since you guys are gear junkies

[@craigburness9670]

Great info on a finicky bait type and technique.

[@HanSoloxcs]

This was amazing! If you want please feel free to make an updated version of this for 2022!

[@sharpdonut]

Thanks, so many questions answered for me in this video. 🍻

[@davidgalloway904]

Thanks Matt, great timely video for me. Had not caught a bass in 2 months. Got nicked by 5 fish and landed 4 others on a MH rod and it was way too stiff, had to really move the stick to keep these Peacock pinned. I now understand what you mean about the proper stick. Loving the jerkbait in the Everglades right now, thanks!

[@mattl201]

Hit my PB this spring on an Expride /aldebaren (used ebay reel) combo throwing cheap Berkley cutter 110 . My first high end combo and couldn’t be happier. Thanks guys keep it up.

[@kylestarry738]

Great as always

[@bassmel5797]

Thanks Matt. Got a fall fishing trip in northern lower Michigan this weekend. 3 rods. My 7” medium w 20lb braid 10lb mono leader will serve double duty jerkbaits and top water. 2500 spinning reel 7”rod medium 20lb braid 10lb floro leader for finesse an 7’ medium heavy straight 12lb floro for everything else.

[@buddymccormack8668]

in late May I was on TackleWarehouse website and they had 1 Shimano Zodias 6'10 medium jerkbait rod in stock, it went into the shopping cart without hesitation ! I have now seen for myself the difference the proper rod makes, I absolutely LOVE that rod

[@philippealbert7074]

Buddy McCormack Is the Zodias the same action/power as the expride? I have the 6’10 Zodias with the a aldaberan and I don’t feel de rod is strong enough to make hard snaps on a 110

[@buddymccormack8668]

@@philippealbert7074 I've never owned a expride so I can't say, Matt or Tim would know the answer to that.

[@joshuahawks894]

Just pre ordered the Shimano SLX MGL 70 and bought a St. Coix Bass X 6'8' Medium Extra Fast! Also ordered a few of the jerkbaits you guys suggested cant wait to get on the water with them and catch a few!

[@bassboat1]

Terrific video, Matt. I got good results late last fall and this spring with JBs, looking to get it started a little earlier this season.

[@TheCasiquiare]

Thank you Matt for the very useful explanation in minute 11:20+.

[@chriscunningham756]

great info. thanks

[@Fugettaboutit]

When I fish off banks, I use a 6'6" medium/fast rod so I'm clearing the water on the jerks. 6'10" when on a boat. Reel is the Daiwa Tatula 100, which is smaller and great for finesse baits so that I can cast those light baits out there. I've actually even caught trout on this same rig with small blade baits or rooster tails. Line is 8-lb hybrid because I like how its neutral buoyancy is like that of most of my jerkbaits, and the little stretch helps absorb some of the shock with those small hooks. It's one of my favorite ways to fish...especially in a clear lake for smallmouth. For largemouth in local waters, it works in fall or early spring, but sometimes summer as a 'surprise' bait when they're not biting on others.

[@jimlake22]

Thanks for another really good video Matt! One questions tho: you went into detail on rods and even baitcasters and line to use...I'd also like some info for those of us still stuck on spinning reels. Some of us have not mastered the casting reel yet (but I am working on it).

[@westley87]

You just described the Irod Genesis II Jerk rod!!! $149. They are the best!! Every technic you need or want!

[@johngore8155]

That 6’10” Shimano expride is lighter than a feather! I can’t wait to put in some work with it!

[@ethanfartis9764]

Took your advice last year on the 6'10 m but got it in the older model poison adrena, paired with an Aldebaran i never want to put that thing down. Awesome smaller topwater rod also.

[@lumberjaxe8910]

Thanks great Detailed description......subed!

[@johnnyarial7778]

Man been following you guys for awhile. Kept hearing jackall rerange I finally got a few. Tested it next to the boat and wasent thrilled with the action compared to megabass. I threw it and absolutely destroyed them bass. I can see how you can build some confidence with it. Ty for all the good info.

[@coreychurchill8889]

Great video

[@fishing4potatoes]

Thanks for the info

[@ised8uwell]

Finally ordered the Expride 6'10" Med JBR. Have the IMX PRO JBR but I need another. Great all-purpose medium rod but certainly gonna run it as a JBR

[@bassinbilliards6279]

I already used the 6'10 med SLX and it was great but I went to a 6'10 med light zodias and had a blast.

[@rafabonati7757]

Hey Matt, I listened to your specific description of the qualities of a good jerkbait rod and realized I may have one. The funny thing is that the last 5 inches of the tip end broke off in a house move. I glued on a repair kit tip. So now it is quite stiff on the end. It’s an Abu Garcia Veritas Next Gen; not a super expensive rod. I will have to try it with a jerkbait now.

[@georgepalmer4938]

Great video never knew not to reel in between pausing

[@scalnation3069]

I love my st croix mojo bass 6'8" med x fast. It shines with jerkbait and spooks. Such a nice rod at that $100-$150 price point.

[@theschraeg]

Same man!

[@scalnation3069]

Nathan Schraeger super good for light t rigs too skipping under docks

[@theschraeg]

I’m about a year out until I get my bass boat but as a shore fisherman I love that rod for super flukes. I have mine paired up with a lew’s custom lite slp. It’s a feather lite combo

[@justinb.5561]

Great vid thanks

[@mattmerwin3842]

I finally got my Expride jerkbait rod after waiting for 2 years. Can't wait to try it out and hook some big one's.

[@gewglesux]

good deal !!!

[@twopassionsfishing386]

Great info friend

[@helotaxi]

The SLX MGL just came out in the $150 price range. 70 size spool and it’s tiny. Daiwa Tatula SV is compact with a light, well controlled spool around $200. Curado MGL70 around $230. Tons of options short of the Aldebaran for smaller reels well suited to lighter line.

[@robertfudge710]

Would like to try one of these lures really learn a lot from you tube

[@brandonelliott5345]

Dobyns 684 champion cranking series rod is what I use and it’s unreal for jerkbaits!

[@robertschmitz4025]

Thank you from Germany👍

[@cooletti]

Great video Mat as usual. Can you guys find some time to do a short video on your electronics set up on the bow of the boat there? And how do you use it to find or catch more fish. Thanks buddy

[@715outdoors2]

Jerk baits are my favorite this time of year, other than top water.

[@chuckybarto7211]

Jerk bait is one of my favorite ways to fish too. That and a spinner bait. I can’t get enough

[@legionssb]

I love swimbaits, can't get enough of those!

[@legionssb]

(The finesse ones)

[@camb4568]

Sick video, would love to see all your favorite JBR made by St Croix

[@kerryschallon8879]

I love my St.Croix rod with my Diawa SV TW reel it's a killer jerkbait combo..

[@fishwithoutfear8970]

Love that you guys switched it up and talked about rods and technique first. I have a hunch that you and Tim aren't big Abu Garcia guys, but I recently just picked up the new Veracity 6'6 Medium/Fast and it's an amazing jerkbait rod in my humble opinion. Have you guys tried this one? I shy away from anything longer than 6'8 since I rip a lot of baits while sitting in the kayak. I think I'd make an exception for that expride though lol, it seems so good I'd make it work.

[@Whiterabbit429]

Hey tacticalbassin great info as always 👌. I have an aldebaran mgl paired with a conquest 842c that i love to throw jerkbaits on and was wondering what your guys brake settings are both inside and out for this reel? just curious thanks.

[@stevemccormack8101]

You have to try the Ark Randall Tharp 6'9" medium one eyed jack. Stiff first 12" and soft after that. You say you've tried a lot but guarentee you havent tried that rod. Great budget rod.

[@michaellamb1342]

Matt’s hands when he talks reminds me of a Benihana chef, always scares me with all those trebles around. Lol

[@longwoolensock]

I see hook covers on one of the jerk baits. Care and maintenance, specifically, end of day care for baits might be a good Tim episode. I could certainly use some tips on preventing hooks from rusting. I seem to always end up with condensation in the box even when I let them dry out on the rail before putting stuff away.

[@MikeFosterOutdoors]

Matt give Dixie Custom Rods a look. They have Batson blanks and the 6’8” med featherstik is awesome.

[@mingruixu687]

In the past weekend I was trolling a jerkbait and caught two 3 lbers with it! Definitely a new way to fish jerkbait to me

[@gandolfthegold2528]

Regarding braid and backlash. I use 30 or 40 lbs Dark Green Power Pro on all of my mine. What I do is watch for my lure to hit the water and I put my thumb in the spool just before it hits. I never get backlashes and I never have problems.

[@toddwinegar7365]

making sure your jerk bait is suspending is very important. also for those of you on a budget try looking at some of the bass pro shops brand rods. i use a brawler series 6ft med , moderate action rod fishing my local river and using different types of lines helps me to use this same rod for several different types of baits. Being on a kayak means i don't like to have no more than 4 rods at most.

[@blahblahmilbury]

Matt you should really try the Denali Lithium Jerkbait rod. It’s a great “budget” jerkbait specific rod. Used it a bunch on Michigan smallmouth and am very pleased

[@stephsfishing4742]

Hey Matt, awesome video man. Although it brought up a question. Does the expride 6 10 medium handle the oneten magnum? The magnum weighs 3/4oz. I'd love to hear your opinion on this. Thanks Steph

[@megadeth6756]

i have the shimano intenza 6'9 medium for jerking and it works great

[@murfmayne3763]

Have you guys tried any Sixgill rods or reels? Just curious. They seem like a great little company

[@MikeFosterOutdoors]

I couldn’t agree more about having the right setup for jerkbaits. When you have it right you will know because its like an extension of your arm.

[@cadencarpenter72]

please do a review on the jacob wheeler duckett rod. any power put mainly like 6’10” medium or 7’0” MH

[@Czarlite]

Good morning! Do you still loosen the drag 1/4 turn when you hook a fish on those to prevent them throwing the bait?

[@robertbain2435]

Good video Matt. I usually fish ponds, with stained to dirty water. Can I still have success with a Jerkbait in those conditions? Thx

[@davidgiacomozzi2284]

Based on my personal experience I agree with much of the information. I will test new rod combo. I like St Croix and Diawa rods, which would you recommend. I also recently discovered Duckett. I like suspended jerkbaits, what are your favorites?

[@julianr4094]

Hey Tim and Matt I was wondering if you guys could check out the new casting st croix triumph or if you already have an opinion on it I’d love to hear it as it would be a great budget option

[@philtarbox8256]

Always love using jerkbaits (work great on Lake Champlain)... I've been a Rapala fan for many many years, but have added Strike King to my arsenal over the past few years... might have to save my pennies and try a Megabass and see if I do any better with it

[@felipesoares3069]

Hey, guys. Great vid! Here in Brazil the expride 6'10 is out of order. Do you think that the 6'10 Poison Adrena is a good rod for jerkbaits? It looks like the Adrena here is full graphite Rod, while yours is glass rod, but I have not find that information even in shimano's website.

[@brianrobinson9979]

Would you compare the differences in rod twitching between bait depths similar to walking a frog vs walking a spook? Great video, I've actually been wanting to get another SLX combo with the 6'10" Med/Ex. Fast and the new SLX MGL 70 for jerkbait fishing. I have only caught one jerkbait fish and I think my setups have been one of the factors that is tied to that (I've been using to flimsy of a rod and haven't been able to get a true snap in the bait)

[@depalebe]

Hey Matt, does the Shimano Zodias 6 ' 10" medium also have the action the Expride and SLX have? Thanks.

[@Raulmore07]

Hard to believe that you guys haven't try the OSP Rudra/Varuna jerkbaits, here in Spain we considere them the best jerks on the market by far, and yes, even better than the Vision 110, they are just fish catching machines with an unique action!

[@horaiyo]

I only have one rod that I throw all my moving baits on, and it's basically a crankbait rod (Bass X MH/MF). Would it be better in that case to throw jerkbaits on one of my medium spinning setups instead (Orochi or Expride)?

[@madknacker]

Will you guys check out the Dobyns Sierra 682 and 683 casting for jerkbaits? Your opinion on those would be greatly appreciated :)

[@Sp0rtcenter29]

Finally got my hands on the Expride 6'10" med... snapped on the 1st bass. Thankfully Shimano is replacing it for no cost.

[@catchinbass2240]

As always, Thank you Matt. Do you like throwing jerk bait morning, midday or evening better

[@stevenxiong2342]

Hey Matt, I see just about everyone throwing the Vision 110 and know how productive it can be, what are your opinions about the Spro Mcstick 110?

[@c.shoefish]

Sixgill fishing has a jerkbait specific rod coming out very soon, can't wait to try it. Not sure if you've ever looked at them, but they make awesome products at a very reasonable price...their highest end rod, (the siren, $390) is equivalent to rods in the $500 range. IMO. And their CS is best in the industry. Check em out.