6 Tips to Catch More Bass on Finesse Jerkbaits

Downsized jerkbaits are growing in popularity thanks to their ability to generate bites when larger-profiled hard baits fail to produce. Jerkbait fishing expert, Chris Zaldain, puts on a clinic on a heavily pressured Texas lake using the ultra-realistic Megabass Oneten +1 Jr. to work a deeper water column on main lake points. He shares 6 pointers that will help you catch bass others have been missing:
FISHING TACKLE USED (additional links at the bottom)
• Megabass 110 +1 Jr., French Pearl OB: wired2.fish/3hb...
• Megabass Orochi XX Spinning Rod Ronin 6'8": wired2.fish/Or...
• Shimano Twin Power FD Spinning Reel, 3000XGFD: wired2.fish/Shi...
• Seaguar Smackdown Braided Line, 15lb Flash Green: wired2.fish/Se...
• Seaguar Gold Label Fluorocarbon Leader Line, 8lb: wired2.fish/Sea...
1. Target bass on large tapering windblown points. Prominent main lake points are bass magnets, especially with the added complexion of cover like scattered brush piles. Wind activates the food chain and bass activity while reducing spookiness at the same time.
2. Use small deep-diving jerkbaits to mimic smaller forage species better. Additionally, a smaller profile reduces water displacement, which is often a better trigger for bass disrupted by boating traffic or angling pressure. Think of them as the Ned rig of jerkbait fishing, albeit with the seductive darting action of their bigger cousins.
3. Use a short spinning rod and reel setup. A short spinning combo and light line pairing increases casting distance, casting accuracy, and allows you to get the most action from the bait (without slapping the rod tip against the water).
4. Adjust cadence based on water temperature. As a general rule of thumb, Zaldain fishes jerkbaits faster and more erratic the warmer the water. Conversely, he slows his cadence, retrieve speed, and uses longer pauses the colder the water.
5. Use opaque and solid-colored jerkbaits in stained or dirty water while opting for clear baits in clear water (transparent finishes). This is Zaldain's preference based on experience fishing wide-ranging habitats throughout the country.
Avoid graphing spots before fishing them. We found it interesting and instructive that
6. Zaldain often bypasses driving these spots and graphing them first. Instead, he uses jerkbaits to locates the bass. This strategy minimizes spooking bass while long casts present the jerkbait as natural forage. Zaldain advises Spot-Locking upwind and thoroughly fan casting the area before moving on.
ELECTRONICS
• Humminbird MEGA 360 Imaging: @ Tackle Warehouse: wired2.fish/MEG..., @ The Bass Tank: wired2.fish/2ZB...
• Humminbird SOLIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3 (bow stack): Tackle Warehouse: wired2.fish/SO..., @ The Bass Tank: wired2.fish/SO...
• Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor @ Tackle Warehouse: wired2.fish/Ult..., @ The Bass Tank: wired2.fish/Ult...
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[@dennisederer3594]

Thank for an exceptional training video. So nice to see a professional angler who uses a spinning rod for jerk bait fishing. I’ve retired some of my bait casters for simple spinning combos.

[@johnnyblaze2620]

Randy Blaukat has been doing it for a long time

[@Wired2Fish]

Glad you enjoyed it Dennis. Here are a few additional videos where the host is using spinning gear (solid how-to vids):
1) 3 Ways Spinning Gear Excels for Jerkbait Fishing: ruclips.net/video/pxeBnHrSOG0/видео.html
2) Jerkbait Fishing Tips for Ultracold Water Bass: ruclips.net/video/gRlrkSVON9s/видео.html

[@marks5757]

Rapala Husky jerk is my new favorite December lure. Been on fire

[@bassnazi4713]

I've absolutely loved the Ripstop since they came out, finally started making some larger ones, too.

[@rodneygreen9968]

Great demonstration Chris.
Thank You for the Tips.

[@Wired2Fish]

You bet Rodney. Chris is a thoughtful and thorough teacher. Glad you find value in his content.

[@ralo4265]

Good stuff Chris! 👊🏼💯
Merry Christmas to you and Trait, Happy Holidays my friend! 🎅🏼🎄🎁

[@will.o7002]

I see Zaldain, I click.

[@Wired2Fish]

Glad to hear it Will.O.

[@mamo9389]

Thanks for your demonstration and explanations. Always very helpful.
I came across your and other videos doing some specific reserach about working jerkbaits with spinning gear. You are using the Megabass Orochi Ronin rod. Randy Blaukat strongly votes for a Megabass Orochi Whipsnake rod. Now I am confused a bit about the rod power I really need for jerkbaiting with spinning gear.
Do you choose the Ronin because of the higher water resistance in the 110+1 jr? From what I saw, Randy is fishing the shallower 100 jr version which might allow him to use the lighter rod. Unfortunately I never got a reply from him whether he also fishes the Whipsnake with deeper diving but still finessy style jerkbaits. What are your thoughts on rod selection?

[@Austin_Torres]

77 degree wow

[@redd634able]

Strike king kvd jerks ALL DAY

[@clashtube4312]

Muito obrigado.Estou vendo aqui legendado em português.Nós do Brazil adimiramos muito a sua tecnica

[@Austin_Torres]

I’m stuck here in west coast at 53 degree water temp

[@Wired2Fish]

Should be a good time to hit the water with jerkbaits.

[@caseyschneider2733]

That's how I was catching them the other day jerk jerk pause and they just load up on it.

[@Wired2Fish]

Right on Casey! Glad to hear you're getting after it during the winter.

[@garyeplinglll]

Did you mention what action the rod is?

[@smoovefishing]

You will want a fast action rod

[@kirkw346]

Where’s that jerkbait?

[@youtubzkoz]

No way those fish could get off...

[@Wired2Fish]

Agreed! Totally down the hatch.

[@greatestever3827]

He is so dramatic

[@Wired2Fish]

Loves what he does!