How to Fish Jerkbaits for Bass Around Grass

For Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson, jerkbait bass fishing was his first specialized technique as a kid and remains his favorite. In this video, Gussy discusses how to fish jerkbaits for bass on grass lakes throughout the year and how to adjust your technique, tackle, and rod setups when fishing around cover like grass and even woody cover.
FEATURED TACKLE (retail links)
• LURE - Shimano World Minnow Flash Boost Jerkbait: wired2.fish/3I...
• ROD - Shimano/G.Loomis Conquest Casting Rod 7' Medium 842C MBR: wired2.fish/3I...
• REEL - Shimano Bantam MGL A Casting Reel, 7.1:1: wired2.fish/3Y...
• LINE - Seaguar AbrazX Fluorocarbon, 12-pound: wired2.fish/2V...
• TREBLE HOOK UPGRADE - Gamakatsu Aaron Martens TGW Nano G-Finesse Treble Hook: wired2.fish/3X...
• SUNGLASSES - Costa Del Mar Reefton Pro Sunglasses: wired2.fish/37...
• BOAT - Lund 2075 Pro-V Bass XS: wired2.fish/3N...
Jerkbaits continue to ascend as a lure that excels at covering water and triggering bass year-round. That’s right. Not just in cold water but in the heat of summer and around cover such as wood and grass. Why? Jerkbaits are one of the most realistic representations of minnows and other forage species, such as shad. They can be fished at a range of depths and speeds, and the action is freestyle, meaning it’s up to the angler to impart the desired action.
TECHNIQUE
Bass anglers typically try maximizing the diving depth of jerkbaits, but when grass fishing, desired running depth is dictated by the height of the grass. It’s more common to use shallow-diving jerkbaits around grass and work your rod with a side jerk or upward sweep to keep the bait just above the grass level. The goal is to minimize fowling in the cover while periodically ticking the grass to trigger reaction strikes.
ROD SETUP
Lure running depth is also impacted by line size. Gussy commonly steps up to a 12- fluorocarbon line for additional strength and a shallower running depth. While 10-pound test excels in open water, it’s usually too light when fighting and controlling a big bass around grass. Gussy also upgrades his treble hooks to a beefier gauge to hold up to the rigors of increased load.
A high-speed reel and longer 7-foot medium power rod afford additional speed and control when fishing jerkbaits around grass.
FISH FINDERS & BOAT SETUP
• LIVE SONAR - Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging: wired2.fish/3v...
• FISH FINDER - Humminbird HELIX 12 CHIRP GPS G4N: wired2.fish/3U...
• TROLLING MOTOR - Minn Kota Ultrex, 60'', 36v (112 lbs): wired2.fish/3W...
• SHALLOW WATER ANCHOR - Minn Kota Talon, 10': wired2.fish/Mi...
• BOAT - Lund 2075 Pro-V Bass XS: wired2.fish/Lun...
• MOTOR - Mercury Pro XS 250hp: wired2.fish/Mer...
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[@douglasspickler4925]

I did enjoy your video, NICELY done. I also like the flash boost baits.

[@chadbooth4371]

I love it when Gussy’s on W2F!

[@Wired2Fish]

Glad to hear it. He's always straight-up when it comes to content.

[@davidvanmaanen-icperch2797]

What rod of the shimano line up would you say is best for fishing jerks: zodias/expride/Poison 610M?

[@youtubzkoz]

Love that he just casually talks about a $1k setup

[@jimwarden9617]

$1000 rod & reel combo…that’s more $ than my truck AND my boat…lol.

[@codybertram6122]

These guys act like ya can’t catch a hundred bass on a shiner and a water ballon bobber lol

[@darrellgrant7615]

Careful boys your jealousy is showing…

[@youtubzkoz]

@Cody Bertram some places that is illegal. JS. Also live bait isn't a tournament thing.

[@codybertram6122]

@@youtubzkoz isn’t a tournament thing for bass but it is for walleye

[@OhMyLarryFishing]

I use a 7 ft 1 Medium 13 fishing Fate Black for jerkbaits on a 7.2 Okuma Halogen reel. I’m taller so anything under 7ft feels wrong in my hands. Great video as always fellas!

[@Tbowie13]

Yes Sir, I got on Jerkbaits with Rouges as well. I started slaying walleye with them back in the mid 90's. Now I'm a jerkbait nut. At last count I have over 100 just Vision 110's and Jr's, not to mention all the x-80 trick darters, X-Nanahans, Ito Shiners, Duo-Realis JB's, Lucky Craft Pointers and on and on. I got it bad! 😆 I have a number of JB rods, Megabass JB special and 110 stick, with Aldebaren reels. For my small stuff I like a Dobyns Sierra 701 7ft 1power extra fast. It's works great for X-Nanahans and so on when the bass are on those little tiny baitfish. The x-fast is snappy, yet it loads deep when I get bit. Catch a 3+ lb Smally and you think it's a DD! 😉

[@amorton94]

I'm afraid to throw trebles. There's not a chance in hell that thing doesn't get snagged and break off. All while I never caught a fish with it. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever caught a fish on a treble.

[@jordaninlow4034]

I don’t know these seems like a new technique, I always have a jerk bait tied on, I fish lake Seminole, which has a ton of grass, and a jerkbait is the best thing to use, go over shallow grass and use on the hard grass lines that have topped out, it is my most productive lure around grass and has been for years

[@glenndaugherity6187]

Another great video guys !!

[@johnbutler307]

Thanks for all the great info..

[@rodcashman4793]

Looks great appears to work great. I've never thrown any will have to buy some & learn how. Thanks for sharing 🎣

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks for watching

[@ralo4265]

Good stuff Jeff! 👀 🎣 👊🏼💯🇺🇸 Thanks for the tips my friend!

[@fenixTKO]

You mean… 👀 🎣 👊🏻 💯 🇨🇦 😉