How to Fish Jerkbaits for Big Smallmouth Bass

These are some tips to help you be successful when fishing jerkbaits for smallmouth bass! Jerkbaits are great for getting big bites from smallmouth bass, particularly during the spring and fall. In this video, I break down the baits as well as how, when, and where I use a jerkbait to catch big smallmouth bass.
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GEAR:
Jerkbaits
Shallow Diving ►
Duo Realis 100SP (AM Edge, Ghost Minnow, and AM Dawn): bit.ly/Duo100sp
6th Sense Provoke 106X (American Shad): bit.ly/ProvokeJerk
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Lucky Craft Staysee 90V2 (Ayu): bit.ly/Staysee90
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Rod ►
TFO Tactical Elite 70CB (7'0" M Crankbait): bit.ly/TFOElit...
Reel ►
Lew's Tournament Pro (7.5:1 Gear Ratio): bit.ly/LewsTou...
Line ►
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[@lupefernandez6332]

The best thing I heard was in relation to the depth and when you suggest a deep diver vs shallow, and the simplicity of colors. Could have saved a lot of money had I payed attention to this earlier when I started fishing. Thanks.

[@williamdaniels9197]

The jerkbait bite is my favorite time of the year. I’m throwing a cranking rod too, it really keeps them pinned all the way to the boat. The rearrange is a really good one. Good work!

[@brnowak_fishing]

Yes, I agree! I’ve heard good things about the rearrange - I’ll have to check it out. Thanks Man

[@SeriousAnglerBassFishing]

Such an intimidating technique when you really dive into the specifics of it. Definitely the most difficult bait to master in my mind. Great vid, boss

[@brnowak_fishing]

Thank you man - it’s a very interesting bait really. It can be super tough to use at times, but it’s so effective and versatile

[@glynnnelson2588]

I use mostly spinning tackle for my jerkbaits since I like to used downsized jerkbaits. For a rod I have a 6'10" mojo bass med power extra fast tip paired with a 2500 Stradic spooled with 10lb suffix with a 8lb flouro leader. For heavier jerkbaits my choice of rod is a 6'10" BassX with a Daiwa Tatula 100 spooled with 15lb braid and a 10lb flouro leader. My baits of choice are Rapala X-raps, Rip-stops and Shadow rap minnows and shads. Once again, down-sized baits for the spinning setup and mid sized for the baitcasting gear.

[@LordCowbxyRDR]

I’ve got the same rod and reel combo, spooled a little heavier but I use it for smallies,LMB and stripers, such a great combo for sensitivity and backbone, stradics are undefeated as well

[@leonardmartin5145]

Spring spring spring. That's easy !!! Talk about hot summer July and August!!!

[@ExtremeOutdoorsmen]

Man, Awesome video!! I 100% agree with you. I love throwing jerk baits this time of year I've been crushing em on jerk baits lately!!

[@brnowak_fishing]

Thanks my dude!

[@dannylalumiere6538]

I was using a modfast cumulus rod for several years wich is a super rod until i switch for a 6'10 glass cranckbait St croix rod... my hooksets % improved so much its crazy.. and yeah, the megabass ito is my#1 for shallow and for deaper water i love the Jackalls Great video as always buddy 👍🏻

[@brendenwlodkowski7585]

Another great video! In depth spybait video next?

[@brnowak_fishing]

Coming soon! For me that’s more of a postspawn bait, so probably in a few weeks! :-)

[@zachshott7833]

Dude I love that copper green color from 6th sense, I only have one left in the 106DD model so I dont even wanna throw it.

[@brnowak_fishing]

I have one more 106DD as well but can’t bring myself to throw it. It’s so good, but I very rarely use it because I can’t get any more

[@beardedbassprojekt6639]

Such a fun yet complicated technique. Love to do it early season, don't know why but tend to be way less productive late season as much for size as for quatity... But early on, it is dynamite! The Rapala Shadow Rap deep is my go to but like you mentioned, I do toss is with a fairy wand so it helps. I just replace the trebles on them, they are bad... Got and getting some more SK KVD one's also, from the J200 to the J300 deep, they did really good for me last year.

[@brnowak_fishing]

Man, you’re making me think about going back to a spinning rod. I used to do it on a spinning setup, but I’ve fallen in love with and become comfortable with a baitcaster

[@beardedbassprojekt6639]

@@brnowak_fishing like anything, it's another tool with a matching job. The Shadow Rap is almost a "finesse" jerkbait so a spinning is just fitting. For the bigger one like the Strike King J300 deep, I like a baitcast better too. But my rod choice is WAY different than most. I go with a medium heavy extra fast rod. I don't think it made me miss or lose fish yet and being a spinning it is more forgiving than a baitcast.

[@kylemolletfishing9123]

I am of the same philosophy when it comes to jerk baits. Crankbait rods work so much better, not only as to not overwork the bait, but to also keep them pinned once hooked. Especially when they are a little lethargic and only get one hook. As far as jerkbaits go, I run the Jackall Rerange 130. It just seems to catch a little bit bigger fish than the 110's do.

[@brnowak_fishing]

Yes, 100%. Especially when they just get the back hook on the bait!

[@railfanningvideos5509]

Loving the how to videos. Could you do one dedicated to the super fluke? Flukes are a staple here on the Columbia. Keep up the good work Ben!

[@brnowak_fishing]

Thanks for the suggestion! I actually haven’t thrown a fluke a ton - it’s a bait I would definitely like to gain some more confidence in

[@victorxavier9977]

Copper green back shad, ht it Tennessee shad and the olive green Rapala those are colors that would kill where I fish...Thx Ben!

[@brnowak_fishing]

Yes - they’re such versatile and great colors

[@johnmango6056]

st. croix Triumph 6'6" medium paired with a Shimano nexave 2500. super cheaper spinning set and works amazing for anything like the 110 and smaller. for $150 its an amazing starting set up.

[@brnowak_fishing]

Heck yeah bro! I meant to mention you in the vid but I forgot. You’re Killin it

[@johnmango6056]

@@brnowak_fishing no worries brother! great vid

[@nawinchester]

👍👍👍👍👍 great video Ben. Drop Shot, wobble / pivot head techniques.

[@brnowak_fishing]

Great ideas! Thanks Nick

[@nawinchester]

@@brnowak_fishing the other thing you might consider for a video since you hate my idea of a rod and reel arsenal review, :-) , is a discussion on what you look for in a rod line up, what is important to you, what we as consumers should look for, how important components are (SIC guides versus non SIC), and whether you believe having rods from the same lineup, or at least rod manufacturer is important and why so. Since you just transitioned to TFO, it maybe a useful topic for us weekend warriors investing in fishing gear. Do we need to buy Loomis or are there options equally as good and what do we gain/lose by not buying more or less expensive. Just a thought to help mix up the video line up. Thanks and go smash 'm today. Can't here, it is snowing....

[@terryclowers4433]

Smallmouth Experience cadance"Hammer Time"good evening sir 👍 yes keep doing the technique videos 😁

[@brnowak_fishing]

Thank you man! My favorite cadence tune is “Anaconda” by Nicki Minaj 😂

[@terryclowers4433]

@@brnowak_fishing that's funny

[@ZackHall]

A lot of good info in this one!

[@clintmock5615]

I used to think the same about a vision one ten and they were too high a price till I tied it on.

[@brnowak_fishing]

I’ve thankfully not been blessed with that curse 😂

[@anthonygeiss9130]

Nothing like clear water, quick rips of the jerkbait, x-second pause, quick rips and then watch the fish come up and eat it. Just like topwater, the first time you see that happen, you can't stop fishing it. Love the tip about the song for cadence. I'm going to try a heavy metal song and a 10:1 gear ratio reel 🤣

[@brnowak_fishing]

Hahahaha yesss! What’s your go-to song?

[@anthonygeiss9130]

Being from Western Massachusetts, I'd be remised not to choose Killswitch Engage - Life to Lifeless

[@victorsimonsen921]

like these types of videos keep them coming.

[@brnowak_fishing]

Thank you Victor!

[@dylanW50]

Boat tour!

[@lstaples007]

Liked and subbed... good descriptive videos my friend... keepem comin👍

[@brnowak_fishing]

Thank you so much Luke

[@aaronsysko9340]

I noticed it was sunny in the background. We got a dusting of snow this morning, and it’s a week into May. What the heck!

[@brnowak_fishing]

Haha yeah, it was snowing on and off while I was filming. If you notice throughout the vid the light change - I kept getting so distracted by the wind and snow, it was ridiculous today

[@Straight_Kash]

If you throw a crank rod for a jerkbait how do you get the bait to snap and jerk correctly without the rod wanting to pull the bait in the water and cause it to swim rather than jerk and pause on a dime? I like a fast rod. Medium and short for sure

[@Straight_Kash]

Also 6th sense 106 in the smallmouth rose is awesome! It’s pink and clear, money

[@dylanW50]

Thoughts on rapala jerkbaits? X-rap, ripstop, and husky jerk?

[@brnowak_fishing]

I like the XRap - the husky jerk is an old school bait I don’t fish much any more and I haven’t fished the the ripstop before

[@dylanW50]

The Smallmouth Experience I’ve got a rip stop on the way from rapala right now. I’ll fish it and tell you what I think of it. I’m not really a big hard bait guy to begin with but it’s hard to replace a jerkbait in those shallow flats. Heard great things about the rip-stop. Looking forward to trying it!

[@nickt423]

Would the Duo 110SP dive too deep to work in a river with about 2-3 feet of depth?

[@brnowak_fishing]

It’d likely run too deep unfortunately

[@CarlHartwick]

On Point!!

[@upstateangler9575]

You know how I have using the jerkbait this year. Its by far been my number 1 bait this late winter. Cant even say spring we had snow again today and supposed to again tomorrow. Water temps are still sub 50 and until late next week looks like going to stay cold. Lows overnight in the 20s highs low 40s. My question to you is this,length of day plays a big part in the spawn as well as tge water temps. The days are long right now but the water temps are not rising . Should i be fishing water temps still or should I be looking more for fish pulling up where they should be this time of year ? The long pause jerkbait lol. I always find out they want it that way when I stop fishing and talk to someone and bait is just sitting there and they about take the rod out of your hand lol . Hope all is well bro. I am sure I will ttys

[@brnowak_fishing]

The biggest thing is water temp and moon phase actually. Fish will push shallow to spawn on the full and new moon - Smallmouth around 58* water temps, largemouth around 60* temps. That’s typically what I look for

[@FishboyRice]

Hey Benjamin, loving the videos! I was wondering; I live in Oregon, where 90% of the smallmouth we catch are in rivers with 3 to 6 feet of visibility. Lately I have been struggling to find the monster smallmouth and I was wondering if you have any tips?

[@brnowak_fishing]

Thanks Man! Are you catching a lot of smaller fish? A lot of times you’ll find the bigger ones on small pieces of isolated cover or structure a small ways away from where you’re catching numbers of fish

[@FishboyRice]

Thank you!

[@ewwee2k]

Thank you for the video! Do you think that AM Edge color would be an effective spybait color for clear water spotted bass?

[@brnowak_fishing]

I think so for sure. That yellow/chart belly will help them track it from a long ways away too

[@nicknush1630]

how does the 10 pound test fc sniper hold up throwing half ounce jerkbaits? Do you get some breakoffs? I was looking at throwing 30 pound braid with a 10lb fluoro leader this season. I ussually throw 12lb sniper

[@nicknush1630]

I also wanted to see how it was throwing out the 100sp duo realis jerkbait. I saw on tackle warehouse it didn't have a weight transfer system.

[@brnowak_fishing]

I've not had any issues with the 10lb sniper breaking off, but I will retie a few times throughout the day. There isn't a weight transfer system, but it casts very well

[@billgibson9968]

Hate to say it but the Megabass 110 and 110 +1 are worth the money just like the Jackhammer chatterbait! Just wait and get them on sale.

[@jamespowellii1191]

Have you had much luck with the bold colors like the Clown, Purple Ghost, or the Hot Pink colors? Linder Boys love the Clown and Hot Pink. They throw the X Rap alot.

[@brnowak_fishing]

I think the biggest thing is confidence really. Like I could see myself throwing a clown color bait for sure, but it’s just a matter of getting out and building confidence in it and understand when I’d throw that over something like the AM Edge color

[@jamespowellii1191]

Al likes to downsize his Jerkbaits when fish are highly pressured, short striking or following the bait up but not committing. He is my favorite SMB guy!!

[@bassandgrass567]

James Powell II who is AI?

[@joeld6192]

I am really into the x-raps. I find a color like purple gold is great in super clear water on semi-sunny days (the typical MI day). The clown/pink worked great for me in a semi-stained limestone lake like Long Lake in Alpena. I notice the Linders fish a lot of those tanick/limestone style lakes.

[@andrewwolf4963]

can i buy that hoodie lol how does it fit i am gonna buy one online from their shop

[@brnowak_fishing]

AndrewLetit FlowWolf yessir! It fits true to size - I got mine a size big because I hate my shirts fitting tight, but it’s a nice light weight hoodie

[@andrewwolf4963]

The Smallmouth Experience im 5’10 215 usually wear an XL sometimes XXL if it shrinks , what you think

[@brnowak_fishing]

I’d go XXL. It’ll be a little big but it’s so comfy

[@ryanivers]

Man I’ve always heard you talk about med fast or x-fast which is what got me doing that are you using a cranking rod because tfo don’t offer something in the 6’8-10 range that’s med fast or you really prefer the cranking rod?

[@brnowak_fishing]

I was 100% an Xfast guy before and super super skeptical when I was recommended the 7’ Crankbait Rod - but it’s unbelievable. Like I would recommend this rod everytime. It casts a jerkbait a long ways and I like the 7’ rod for setting the hook at the end of a long cast Honestly - rod choice is preference, but I’ve fallen in love with this one so much

[@Brianeaveymedia]

I love fishing a jerk bait all year long!

[@BassGeek]

I do have to say I love a jerk bait. I even like it in the early post spawn around laydowns. Man they come out to kill it.

[@2damnwise250]

Everyone says buy the megabass 110 but I got pike in my lake so I think that $25 jerkbait is gonna last 2 casts

[@WereTeamBCT]

Ya don’t use it lmao pike will just fuck you

[@WereTeamBCT]

It’s worth using it in places with primarily bass

[@TheLawncareVlog]

Are you still using the Garmin trolling motor?

[@brnowak_fishing]

Unfortunately I just got to use it for the photo shoot - I’ll hopefully get it at the end of the season

[@TheLawncareVlog]

The Smallmouth Experience nice I was playing around with it at franks today and say your face on it 😂 mine just broke so I’m trying find one on Facebook right now😂

[@brnowak_fishing]

What kind of TM are you looking for?

[@TheLawncareVlog]

The Smallmouth Experience I had a old minn Kota maxxum but it just broke so I’m just trying to find one that’s a 80lb thrust 24v with like a 45 to 55 inch shaft that has the cable to drop it in and pull it out

[@brnowak_fishing]

I have a Fortrex 101 in my garage you can buy if interested - just hit me up on IG or email - I used it for a few years but it’s in good shape [e-mail]

[@mikethompson8572]

I'm not paying $$$ for Megabass bait, then 30 seconds later picks up a different model Megabass bait and talks about how great it is...Lol. JK, great video!

[@brnowak_fishing]

Hahah it’s the truth 😂 I can’t justify it for the traditional 110, but the 110+1 is the truth

[@JoseMartinez-dq4km]

I am being to have a love for jerk baits it’s getting easier

[@joeld6192]

What do you feel is the advantage of a casting rod for jerkbaits as opposed to a spinning rod? I've always found I can cast farther, land more because of the better drags (given the small hooks), and have more options of rods with "give" if I use a spinning set up. I think its more comfortable to snap a spinning rod too. I typically only find an advantage of a casting rod if I need to be precise with casts or need power with bigger hooks. Not accusing you of doing anything wrong (since pretty much all the pros are fishing on casting equipment too), I've just never heard anyone explain what advantage they feel they are getting? Love the videos...keep them up!

[@joeld6192]

If your looking to add a bait/color combo that I won a late May Charlivoix tourney on last year (20+ lbs), throw in the #8 rapala x-rap in purple gold. Way out-fished a vision 110 I had on the deck on the same day and couldn't find another x-rap color they wanted. Caught a PB 6+ that day too on it.

[@brnowak_fishing]

Honestly that’s a great question. My buddy Brant Shredders fishes his on a spinning rod and smashes them on it. I think mainly it’s preference. I’ve tried a spinning rod, but it’s just not as comfortable for me. That’s intriguing! I’ve heard of guys throwing similar color jerkbaits but just have zero confidence in that. You may be my confidence I need 😂