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Jerkbaits

Slender, minnow-shaped hard baits fished with an erratic twitch-pause cadence that imitates a dying baitfish. Suspending models hang motionless in the water column during the pause, which is often when strikes occur. A premier cold-water presentation.

Techniques

  • Twitch-twitch-pause
  • Rip and pause
  • Dead sticking
  • Fast erratic jerks

Target species

  • Largemouth Bass
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Spotted Bass
  • Walleye
  • Trout
  • Pike
  • Striped Bass

Best conditions

Premier cold-water lure excelling at 38-55°F. Clear to moderately stained water. Pre-spawn and late fall/winter are peak seasons. Effective around bluff walls, rocky points, and rip-rap.

Skill level

Intermediate

32 jerkbaits