Giant Jerkbaits Can Be Ridiculously Good! Here Is When To Use Them!

Giant jerkbaits definitely have a time and place. Don’t miss out on one of the best big fish lures on the market. Here is when to use them.
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LINKSTO BAITS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO:
1) Megabass Kanata Jerkbait - www.tackleware...
2) Rapala F-18 Floating Rapala -
3) Lucky Craft Pointer 158 Jerkbait - www.tackleware...
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[@ericc8790]

I love a jerk bait. I went out earlier this year and fished a solid white jerk bait the entire time… I came home and my son asked how it went… I told him I only had two bites. He said, “Two bites? That’s not a very good trip.” … I said, “Well. I caught a 7 and an 8, so…” He said, “OK, that’s a pretty good trip.”😂

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha! id say a good trip!

[@jonorech]

Always learn from your videos, Matt. thanks. Respect how you are teaching, as opposed to churning out infomercials. Will be drilling holes in some 18 Rapalas. 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

I appreciate that!

[@Boethius411]

This is a very good tip. IMO My pb was a once in a lifetime 13.6 behemoth that came on the largest Xrap size SXR14.. it’s only 5 1/2” but is significantly larger than the standard 4 inch sizes. If they had made a 7” or bigger version, I would have been using it instead. Lol Back before there were many super sized jerk baits made for bass fishing, we would use bigger saltwater trolling lures like rapala magnums. I still have a few older ones that I cut the lip down on actually. Those things could be deadly in January and February. The big girls would get to acting just stupid over them sometimes when almost nothing else is working. Now I use mostly the Lucky Craft and Megabass lures and I still like the largest Xrap size too. I especially like the Xrap targeting bluff walls for smallmouth. Some seriously big smallmouth will hit those big baits too, and the hook up rate is surprisingly good even for them.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome! thanks for sharing your experience with us!

[@frankhunt5018]

Check out Lee Lures Death Pause Minnow. Lee makes a great wood jerkbait and it's made in Wisconsin. Lee specializes in Musky baits, however he also makes great Pike and Bass baits.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks ill check it out

[@LowBrowFishing]

What a coincidence! I just picked up a few larger jerkbaits for offshore fishing! Like the Smithwick Perfect 10, which I think is 5/8 oz and suspending. I can't wait to use them! Like I said before, 2023 is gonna be the year I go offshore and go after those deep giants!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome!

[@douglasspickler4925]

I appreciate the tip on the big jerkbaits. I have a couple and will give it a try. Many years ago I drew Jay Yelas at lake Seminole. We were fishing spinnerbaits in a stump flat. He made the decision to leave the area but wanted me to drive his boat out of there while he made up some spinnerbaits. I was bouncing off on the stumps and he would say don't worry about it, go a little faster. I didn't want to mess up the boat. He was with Skeeter then.

[@MattStefanFishing]

good story!

[@mikeeller557]

Great more NEW baits my wife won't talk to me for months. More fishing time. Thanks Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha!

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

🍺 I usually start with the 110 size and then go smaller if need be. Once I start catching them on a jerk bait I have been sticking with what was working. Next time this happens I’ll try my 110 Max LBO or the Kanata. Thanks for the tip.

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a try!

[@ps7462]

I bought a 6” Lucky Craft by mistake (Pointer?) So I figured why not try it. Cold snowy PA April morning, first cast and caught my largest ever SM.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nice work!

[@myriammorrison9840]

In a BASS Federation tourney year and years ago, on Lake Texoma. (I didn’t know a thing about bass fishing competitively. I fished a giant jerk bait. I did know enough to weight it, that much was done.. I fished that stupid giant jerk bait, black and gold. Along with a firetiger count down minnow. 😮😅 I weighed 25 plus pounds.. the largest 5 fish limit, I ever weighed! Had a 6 & 5 at the same time. 😂 never been able to repeat a day like that.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thats a good day of fishing!

[@garydalrymple855]

I have a cotton Cordell 7” red fin with lead strips and 1 plain that works Bert as a wake bait

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nice!

[@greenpighunter6930]

I fish the Kanatas and bigger pointers. But I just ordered two Livingston Jerkmaster 254s(10" 4.6oz) to target bigger girls late Winter/Prespawn.

[@MattStefanFishing]

nice!

[@jasonrutherfordbassfishing]

Straight juice! Thanks Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@law1831]

Their killer early season musky baits for those in the know. That Kanata does great on great lakes fall salmon. I throw em on a 7'9 swimbait rod 50 lb braid to 20lb leader. Make bomb casts and do two hards rips and pause. If it gets in front of one, they knock the paint off em.

[@MattStefanFishing]

yes they are!

[@shawn_r_schultzfishing4883]

I will have to pick up a couple and give them a try 🎣

[@MattStefanFishing]

Go for it!

[@billypowell7306]

Thanks Matt never fished with one but I will

[@MattStefanFishing]

go for it!

[@kylemayer8486]

I love throwing bigger jerkbaits (rerange 130 and kanata) in early June. After the spawn they destroy them, and you can catch big pike with them as well.

[@MattStefanFishing]

right on!

[@learningtofish7036]

Thank you Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

My pleasure!

[@SpookyRedz]

I caught a couple 4 pounders one day on #4 willow blades spinnerbaits then I lost it and only had way bigger willow blade so I tried it made like 3 to 4 cast and caught a 7.5 pound bass here in Louisiana

[@MattStefanFishing]

nice!

[@tommybounds3220]

Thank you for the video

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@crooks99]

Love the vids, a video on ur recommended trebles to replace on crankbaits with and ur advice on treble hook gauges paired with rod actions would be epic 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill add it to my suggestion list

[@law1831]

Other good oversized jerkbaits are the lucky craft pointer 128 and 158s and the jackall rerange 130

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@dennisjennings5459]

Matt that's good info you given out. I been putting weights in rebel and rapala lures for some time it works. Thanks for sharing.

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet

[@BobbyBalsaRNM]

Awesome video! Just bought a few Gan Craft Ayuja 120s and Lucky Craft 127s. Excited to toss them!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Have fun!

[@midwestfischerman]

The Rapala Shallow Shad Rap Size 9 is only 3 1/2" long but it is pretty thick, it looks pretty big next to my jerkbaits. I try to sub it in for jerkbaits, because even the "shallow" model hits 6-foot depths. It matches the size and shape of yellow perch. I need to put some thicker gage hooks and split rings on them to slow that true balsa buoyancy.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@stratohealing]

you should give the duo tide minnow 200 a shot you'de surprise. Very unique "jerkbait" worth having in you tackle box (if you can fit it haha)

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill check it out!

[@jim8537]

I want the one you have on the wall. Bet that will catch a good one. Thanks Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha!

[@rvfishingyet]

Any change to your Rod/Reel/Line setup for Giant jerkbaits? I would love to see you detail baitcasting jerkbait setups. 2022 I focused on learning baitcasting jerkbait setups (ML/L Power) and had a lot of fun.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i go with a light MH 7'3" with 15 lb fluorocarbon

[@rvfishingyet]

@@MattStefanFishing Thank you good sir!

[@terrytresemer2864]

And I thought I was the only one left drilling on baits. I like going for walleye also and it's a trick I've done for years on balsa baits.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nice!

[@richardblake4777]

Don't have any, gotta get a couple now though. Thanks, Matt.

[@MattStefanFishing]

good luck!

[@SpookyRedz]

I just bought bigger stunnas , great video

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@rodlinvon-hugenstine5142]

Now I need one of the MB ones … that’ll quickly turn to 4 🔥💵🔥

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha! i hear you!

[@harahara10]

Any pointers on what rod and line? Thanks for the video!

[@MattStefanFishing]

i use a 7'3" MH with 15 lb fluorocarbon

[@williamcowperthwaite5775]

Matt I’m relatively new to jerk bait fishing. So my question on larger jerk baits wouldn’t you have to use a beefier rod and reel set up for increased weight of the lure? Thanks for all your tips and wisdom you share!

[@MattStefanFishing]

yes i go with a 7"3" light medium heavy and 15 lb fluorocarbon

[@willperryman4559]

Thanks Matt for always sharing really great information ✊ what rod would you use for these larger baits, and do you have a specific combo set up with heavier line🤷🏻‍♂️ I use #12 flouro primarily with standard jerkbaits , and I certainly have room for improvement there.

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill use a 7'3" MH with 15lb fluorocarbon

[@willperryman4559]

@@MattStefanFishing Thanks Matt, you are great to answer my questions and I appreciate it 🙏🍀🍀🍀🍀🎣🎣🍀🍀🍀🍀

[@timappleton2962]

Rogue perfect 10 is money, it catches bigs especially in colder water

[@MattStefanFishing]

its a good one!

[@mulder5118]

I have a big rap jerk bait that I think I've used once. I've always been a little intimated by it. plus I've always had a hard time using jerk baits in general cause I'm always sitting down in the kayak so I've just not used them much but I do want to use them. looking into a kayak that I can stand up in. another great video bub.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@mulder5118]

@@MattStefanFishing do have any suggestions on trying to use a jerk bait while having to sit down? just wondering

[@derpfish1863]

I dunno about giant jerkbaits but my PB was on a XPS bass hawk jerkbait. Which btw for like 7 bucks I think performs just as good as my 25 dollar megabass jerks

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@artvandelay418]

@MattStefanFishing Matt, I have a question regarding a cranking rod. I plan on using your tackle warehouse link to purchase Lew's KVD Composite Cranking Casting Rods. I'm stuck between a medium and medium heavy. I'm a bank angler who fishes ponds and small lake where a 2-.5-5 pound bass are the biggest. The deepest water gets is 10'. My crank baits are from 1/4 to 1/2 ounce. Which would you recommend a medium heavy or medium? Thank for your help

[@MattStefanFishing]

id go with the MH since its a composite blank which will be much softer than a traditional graphite MH. Plus it will have more uses for other techniques like chatterbaits. Thanks for supporting the channel!

[@artvandelay418]

@@MattStefanFishing thanks for your reply. Keep up the great videos in 2023

[@thua4673]

Hi Matt, been meaning to ask why people don't use straight sinking jerkbaits instead of having to modifying the bait to it it down? Thanks.

[@MattStefanFishing]

good question...sinking jerkbaits have a place!

[@alcav54]

Jackall Rersnge 130’s fit the bill too

[@SpookyRedz]

Yes I agree

[@MattStefanFishing]

agreed!

[@47degreesfishing22]

My favorite JB period

[@vsonic86]

Is this lure Kanata worth the investment?😭I just bought for $26 😭. The most expensive lure I ever bought. The hooks are kind of bad base on initial view. What hooks/split would you recommend me using as replacement for something more robust? How many lbs is the mainline you recommend me using?

[@MattStefanFishing]

i use it on 17 lb fluorocarbon and will switch the hooks out to Berkley fusion 19 trebles if i need something stouter.

[@bigfah2506]

What rod are you using? MH mod-medium fast?

[@MattStefanFishing]

MH Moderatefast

[@ericc8790]

Are you seeing that the fish predominantly strike those larger jerk baits on the same hook every time… i.e. head shots every time and hooking the first hook or biting the back of the bait and hooking the rear hook every time.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i cant say i see one over the other.

[@williamknight5142]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@ericc8790]

Do those large jerk baits have rattles?

[@MattStefanFishing]

the megabass ones do

[@wolverinex4243]

You call those giants? I'm running Bombers.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@rocknreelnrod]

Don't go live scope ! You might as well be sitting in your living room ! Go no tech in a 10' john boat !

[@MattStefanFishing]

ok