Are you tired of the same old trout-fishing routine? Then it's time to unleash the power of the jerkbait a lure specifically engineered to trigger explosive strikes and redefine your angling success.
Also known as stick baits, minnow baits, or hard body lures, jerkbaits are specifically designed to fool hungry trout into biting. These lures have gained immense popularity due to their simplicity in rigging and use. In this post, we'll delve into the world of jerkbaits, discussing favorite colors, rigging techniques, and effective fishing strategies for trout. Jerkbaits are a favorite among bass fishermen, and now gaining popularity with trout anglers.
One technique that can be compared to jerkbait fishing is "walking the dog" (a topwater technique) below the surface. To catch a big trout the next time you go stream fishing, ditch all the usual stuff salmon eggs, small spinners and worms and give the fish something meatier. While aquatic invertebrates account for the bulk of the average stream trout's diet, the largest fish in the creek prefer to dine on smaller fish.
Here's a look at the essential facts about the lure.
Name | Jerkbait |
Also known as | Stick Baits, Minnow Baits, Hard Body Lures |
Primary Target Species | Trout, Bass, Pike, Walleye |
Characteristics | Long, slender design; often features rattles and a suspending or floating action. |
Action | Characterized by an erratic, darting action, often mimicking an injured baitfish. |
Sizes | Models measuring between 4 and 6 inches are arguably the most versatile |
Key Features |
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Retrieve Methods | Varying speeds, jerks, and pauses. Often a "jerk-jerk-pause" cadence is used. |
Main Function | Designed to fool hungry fish into biting. |
Versatility | Deadly bait for all species, Designed for Trout but other species like them too. |
Main Use | When fish are actively feeding on suspended forage, and you need to cover water to locate fish. |
Popular Colors | Experiment and constantly mix things up. |
Hardware | Jerkbaits have giant bass potential so it's critical that you have the proper hardware to be able to handle them. |
Reference Website | Bassmaster |
Jerkbaits are some of the more popular lures out there because they're so simple to rig up and use. With their long, slender profile, jerkbaits mimic the appearance of baitfish, a primary food source for many game fish, including trout. These baits are available in a wide range of sizes, though models measuring between 4 and 6 inches are arguably the most versatile, capable of fooling everything from trophy bass and giant pike to monster trout and walleyes.
At face value, jerkbaits look simple enough. However, the real magic lies in the way you fish them. A straight retrieve makes a jerkbait swim with a shimmying action. But the key to unlocking their full potential is the "jerk" itself. This involves sharply snapping your rod tip to the side or downward, creating an erratic, darting motion that triggers a predatory response in the fish.
The violent jerking of a typical jerkbait, much like the bass fishing technique, can sometimes spook trout, but a consistent cast and reel in a slow, steady motion keeps the wobble tight. Especially when fishing against current. Another way to fish jerkbaits for trout bites is like a crankbait. This can be helpful to not spook your fish. The key to success is to experiment and constantly mix things up. Generally speaking, use jerkbaits when fish are actively feeding on suspended forage, and you need to cover water to locate fish.
When it comes to selecting the right jerkbait, the options can seem endless. Here are some of my personal favorite jerkbaits for winter trout, including sizes, styles, and colors that have proven successful in various conditions. I use many different sizes, styles, and colors of jerkbaits when targeting trout and I have written a very comprehensive guide on how i fish them and how many of the top models compare against each other.
The aggressive feeding behavior of fish, especially as the water cools, makes jerkbaits an incredibly effective choice. Using a jerkbait means that you are targeting fish with strong predatory instincts. It is absolutely worth it to get it dialed in just right. You will catch a lot more fish with a jerkbait the runs perfectly straight. Jerkbaits have giant bass potential so its critical that you have the proper hardware to be able to handle them. Replacing stock jerkbait hooks & hardware is essential for ensuring you don't lose a trophy fish.
When rigging your jerkbait, pay close attention to the hooks and hardware. These lures often come with stock hooks, but upgrading to stronger, sharper hooks is always a good idea, especially when targeting larger fish. Consider using split rings to attach your hooks, allowing for more freedom of movement and a better hookup ratio. The action and slender profile are really what set jerkbaits apart. They are available in a wide range of sizes, though models measuring between 4 and 6 inches are arguably the most versatile, capable of fooling everything from trophy bass and giant pike to monster trout and walleyes.
For deeper diving rip baits, I go just a little longer to a dobyns kaden series 6104c jerkbait rod. I love my dobyns sierra series 683c, which is a 68 medium fast action rod and is soft enough to absorb the reaction of a jerkbait and keep fish pinned on those treble hooks. Its a perfect rod for all of my shallow jerkbait applications.
Experimentation is key when fishing jerkbaits. Vary your retrieve speed, the length of your jerks, and the pauses in between. The "jerk-jerk-pause" cadence is a classic, but don't be afraid to try something different. Doty likens his retrieves to walking the dog (a topwater technique) beneath the surface. Another way to fish jerkbaits for trout bites is like a crankbait. This can be helpful to not spook your fish.
Remember, the perfect jerkbait retrieve is the one that triggers a bite. Regardless, one thing is for certain: As the water cools, aggression levels in big bass and trout ramp up. Of all the methods you can employ to take advantage of that aggression, theres none I like more than throwing a jerkbait.


