Jerk fishing with bulky lures

Today there are many fans of spinning fishing using various jerkbaits. Jerking, as this type of fishing is called, is enjoyed by both young and experienced spinning anglers. Judging by the reviews, the fishing process is very exciting. However, those who have properly assembled spinning tackle will be able to achieve a good catch. The choice of a jerk spinning rod, as experienced fishermen say, is a serious matter. In order not to regret the purchase made, it is better for beginners to take advantage of some recommendations from experts. Information about the design of jerk spinning rods and a description of some models that are considered the best among fishermen is contained in this article.

Introducing jerking

North America is considered the birthplace of this method of spinning fishing. Using jerky, local fishermen caught muskie. As practice has shown, not only this toothy predator bites well on a jerk spinning rod, but also pike. The exotic appearance and specific name do not bother this fish. With the right selection of gear, you can secure a fairly good catch. The English word “jerking” translated into Russian means “twitch”. A characteristic feature of the wiring is that the bait moves in sharp jerks, which are visually almost indistinguishable from the convulsions of a wounded fish, which provokes the predator to attack.

Features of jerking

Jerk baits differ from all other artificial baits used in freshwater in size and weight. These are large bladeless wobblers, the length of which starts from 15 cm, and the weight, as a rule, exceeds 50 grams. The advantages of such fishing are:

• the ability to cut off small things and purposefully hunt for large fish;
• the bait is little known to the predator, and therefore does not make him wary in crowded reservoirs;
• when retrieved, the jerk creates strong vibrations, so a pike or other predator notices it from a long distance, which is important when exploring vast areas of water.

To fish with jerky, you need to have a specialized spinning kit, consisting of a baitcasting rod, a baitcasting reel and a thick braided fishing line. This type of fishing does not forgive weaknesses in any element of the gear, so they should be selected wisely and scrupulously.

Jerk wiring is carried out with strong sharp jerks or a series of them. The strength and sharpness of the pulls is adjusted to the mood of the representatives of the ichthyofauna in a given body of water and to the specific model of bait. Seasoned spinning fishers use additional animation techniques to increase fishing efficiency.

About the rod

Jerk spinning is the main element of fishing gear. Correct retrieving with jerks of varying strength will be possible with the right choice of this rod. Today, on the shelves of specialized stores there is a wide range of these gears. You can get a good budget fishing rod. Such gear is mainly purchased by beginners in order to master a new direction. Also, budget jerk spinning rods are suitable for those who have limited financial resources. Professionals use branded fishing rods. However, in this case, the fisherman will have to spend a lot of money. No matter how much the tackle costs, when purchasing, you should definitely pay attention to such parameters as the length of the fishing rod, its test indicator for lures and action.

Choosing the best jerky option for pike

When choosing jerk baits for pike fishing, first of all you need to pay attention to the material from which the bait is made.

There are several types of materials used to create jerky:

1. Tree. It is considered the most common option, but is quickly damaged by pike teeth. After damage to the top layer, the tree gradually begins to absorb water, and this causes the bait to become heavier and change the pattern of its movements in the pond. The bait is damaged after 2-3 pike bites.
2. Plastic. Such jerks are a durable body, inside of which there are small balls; when moving in the water, the bait creates acoustic sounds. Pike teeth are quite strong and cannot damage them. If the body is damaged, the bait can no longer be used.
3. Styrofoam. Lightweight lures that can be manipulated without much effort perfectly imitate food fish for pike, but they are very fragile and are damaged after the first pike bite .

When choosing a jerky color, experienced fishermen recommend choosing a color variation that is identical to the color of the pond.

When choosing a leash for bait, you should opt for a leash with a weight of 1.7 grams and a length of 29 centimeters. Leads of this size are quite often used for catching pike.

As for the size, there are no clear numbers, the main thing is to remember the rule: the larger the wobbler, the larger the fish it will attract .

Minimum set

To use the presented baits, you need to purchase a number of additional elements, namely:

• rod,
• reel,
• main line,
• leash.

Where to buy jerky? Review of manufacturers and prices

You can buy jerky in any fishing store in your city, as well as in specialized online stores.

In our country, the most popular manufacturing companies are the following:

1. Salmo. Carries out the release of sinking and floating jerks. Lures are mainly designed for fishing in shallow or medium depths. The average cost is 350–450 rubles.
2. Strike Pro. Specializes in the production of sinking jerks. Used for fishing at medium and deep depths. The average cost is 400–450 rubles.
3. T-Rex. Releases sinking and floating jerks. Excellent for catching fish in any season of the year and in overgrown areas. The average cost is from 200 to 300 rubles.

About the length

According to experts, in the production of their products, many manufacturing companies focus on American and European fishermen, who fish mainly from high boats, large boats or special platforms.

Russian fishermen often fish from the shore. Some use small boats and sit on the bottom almost level with the water. The length of fishing products varies from 180 to 210 cm or more. When choosing gear, you need to remember that the fishing rod works from a horizontal line, which starts at the level of the fisherman’s belt and stretches to the water surface, forming a conditional perpendicular. In other words, the tulip of the rod outlines a semicircle from the fisherman to the water. The greater the length of the semicircle, the more sweeping the game with the tackle. For fishermen whose height is 180 cm, a rod up to 180 cm long is ideal. If this nuance is ignored, then during fishing the owner of the tackle will experience excessive stress on his hands, and the tulip will flap on the water surface.

Top 10 jerks for pike

This top will look at the most popular jerks for pike. People choose bait based on 2 categories: price and quality.

Salmo Slider

Salmo Slider - this model captivated fishermen back in 2013. She became a real hit. The company that released the first jerk received a lot of flattering reviews about its model, and later many manufacturers began to follow its example. This jerk wobbler is made without a blade, but this does not prevent it from swinging from side to side, thereby luring large fish. This bait is referred to as the “glider” type. The bottom line is that when playing with fish, this type of jerk behaves exactly as the fisherman needs. The amplitude of lateral movements becomes greater when a really big fish is on the hook.

Pike easily fall for the bait. This is due to its size and design. There are small baits from 5 cm, and there are larger ones up to 12 cm. All of them have a bright color and a remarkable appearance. Such that not a single predatory fish will remain indifferent to it. This type of jerk is divided into 2 categories: sinking and floating.

Salmo Fatso

Salmo Fatso is a type of bait considered a classic model. It was first introduced to the fish market in 2001. It is distinguished by its simplicity of design and relatively small size. Polish manufacturers have tried to make the jerk wobbler as convenient as possible for catching freshwater predators. Initially, fishermen preferred this bait when fishing in the northern hemisphere of the planet.

Later, the bait “spread” through the waters of the Amazon, and later captured the love of the rest of the world. This model is available in 10 different colors and is divided into 2 large categories: sinking and pop-up models. Their principle of operation: the opposite. The first type is suitable for fishing small predators that are located on the surface of the water and do not go too deep. The second model, on the contrary, is designed for deep fishing. It is especially effective at luring sloth pikes. Slow and thick pikes never swim to the upper layers of water, preferring to stay in the depths due to too much weight. The essence of the bait is that the jerk slowly settles to the bottom and when hooked, all its movements still remain smooth - large fish manage to grab the bait in time.

Strike Pro Big Bandit

Strike Pro Big Bandit is a very convenient lure designed for fishing in shallow depths. They are programmed to keep the depth to no more than 1 meter. Even if the jerk wobbler sinks, it quickly gains the required depth again. The advantage of this model is the combination of design and quality.

The bright colors of miniature fish are combined with their ability to maneuver in the water and obey even the slightest turn of the fisherman’s hand. A distinctive feature is their durability and the possibility of long-term use, as well as insensitivity to various types of mechanical damage.

Strike Pro Buster Jerk

Strike Pro Buster Jerk - This lure falls into the slow-sinking category. The maximum length reaches 15 cm, and the approximate weight is 75 grams. Manufacturers assure: there is no need to be afraid that the fish will not see the jerk wobbler. Even at a great distance, the bait will attract the attention of the hunter.

Bright design, many colors - this is what will attract all the pikes in the area. If you fish at a depth of 4 meters, then it is better to let the model sink to 2-2.5 meters.

HardBaits Jolly Dancer

The HardBaits Jolly Dancer model has become widespread not only in our regions, but throughout Europe. The peculiarity of this bait is its smooth, but at the same time fast movements that create naturalness. At any time of the year, the bait will delight its owner.

It is very obedient and adapted to any climatic conditions: it has a very durable body and reliable coating, which ensures its beautiful appearance for a very long time.

Rapala Glidin Rap

Rapala Glidin Rap is the brainchild of a Finnish company. The specialists worked hard to ensure that their model conquered the whole world. The bait has been on the market for 50 years and during this time it has received only the most positive reviews. It was developed in 2 categories: for shallow depths up to 1.5 meters and for large depths up to 4 meters.

Both of these models are of excellent quality and have very accurate aiming. The material from which the bait is made is high-quality wood. The main feature is the absence of a blade on the front part, this provides the bait with a kind of play in the water. The fish twitches in a circular amplitude and creates the impression of movement.

Agat Mr Boss

Agat Mr Boss - its peculiarity is that the jerk has relatively little weight compared to the long one. (12 cm with a weight of 50g). Its wooden body is very light and almost weightless, while Jack can sink to a depth of 2 meters.

The action of the bait is very clear, it is understandable to everyone: from a beginner amateur to a real professional fisherman. Jack makes large, but very clear turns, allowing the bait to play slowly and smoothly in the water.

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Zalt Zam Z - Tail

Zalt Zam Z - Tail is a huge bait, it is very long and heavy. This ensures that large fish bite.

Very large pike at great depths will certainly notice the bright and stylish design of the jerk and will certainly try to grab it. The fisherman's tasks include sharp hooking and playing with bait.

JAXON Hiper Jerk

JAXON Hiper Jerk is a relatively new series of jerks that has proven itself a few years ago. Characteristic for shallow depths. This type of bait is very easy to play.

It obeys any movement, and has phenomenal accuracy. To achieve maximum results, the fisherman must make jerks with the rod that should be as sharp as possible. In this case, it is necessary to play the bait using the “back and forth” technique.

AXON Jerk Plus

AXON Jerk Plus - this model has an extremely beautiful design. Her drawing of the lines and scales of the fish is simply amazing. In the sun, she is able to twine with all the colors of the rainbow. At the same time, manufacturers were not too lazy to reward the bait with excellent quality. It has great buoyancy, which provides it with sharp play on the upper layers of water. It easily obeys any fisherman’s commands and is considered optimal specifically for Russian fishing.

In order to choose the optimal type of jerky for yourself, you must first take into account its weight and length. The appearance of the bait is also of great importance.

Build

Jerk rods are predominantly of fast or ultra-fast action. Due to the rigid, powerful blank, the casting of heavy baits and their correct animation are ensured. In addition, if necessary, fishermen can fish with a power style. Reservoirs often have difficult-to-pass places, where only a jerk with a hard blank will help you when fishing. The owner of such equipment, in order to prevent the fish from approaching the shelter, can pull it up without fear that the fishing rod will break during the struggle. Some models are equipped with reinforcing rings.

Experienced fishermen recommend purchasing two fishing rods. One will be able to work with light and medium baits, and the second – large ones. Single-piece or one-piece jerk tackles are considered classic. The thickness of the blank walls of such spinning rods is reduced, which reduces the weight of the product itself, which is especially valuable during long-term fishing. For those who don’t know which tackle to choose, below are some of the best jerk spinning rods.

Primary requirements

Choosing a jerk rod is easy. When you come to a fishing store, just ask the seller to show what is available for this type of fishing. Usually you will be offered two or three spinning rods, which will be suitable for jerking large hard baits.

The main parameters that you should pay attention to are traditionally:

• length;
• bait test;
• construction of the form.

In terms of length, short fishing rods are used for jerking. The majority of spinning rods are about 1.70 meters tall. Such “rods” are easy to control, they have an acceptable weight, which does not burden the fishing process. Some anglers like taller fishing rods - some manufacturers have them, but you shouldn’t take anything higher than 2.10 meters.

Spinning for jerk has an impressive lure test. Most models allow you to fish with baits up to 100–120 grams. There are “sticks” for models weighing up to 180 grams or more. The optimal value of this parameter is 40–120 grams.

The action of the rod is usually fast or ultra-fast. A rigid, powerful blank ensures the casting of a heavy bait, its correct animation, and allows you to fight large fish using a forceful style of fishing in difficult conditions, when you need to forcefully pull up a predator, preventing it from going into cover.

In addition, you need to know the following:

• Almost all spinning rods for jerk casting are used in conjunction with a baitcasting reel. How to choose a multiplier read here;
• Many models are produced in a single-piece design, which requires careful handling during transportation and storage. It’s not a bad idea to buy a spinning tube;
• All other things being equal, you should give preference to a fishing rod with reinforced guides from a well-known, trusted manufacturer, since they constantly work under increased loads with thick, heavy-duty cords.

You should not try to cover all questions in the jerk direction with one fishing rod. It would be much wiser to purchase two spinning rods. The first is for light and medium jerks, the second is for medium and large ones.

Aiko Baltasar 16 XN

This model is familiar to many jerking fans. The length of the fishing rod is 160 cm. This tackle is suitable for medium and large jerks weighing from 50 to 130 g. Judging by the reviews of the owners, the rod is quite light and fits comfortably in the hand. Tackle with neopreon handle and baitcasting reel. The rod is adapted for performing strong and sharp jerks. According to many fishermen, with this tough and powerful spinning rod you can give the bait any game. A product with an ultra-fast action, reinforced with a one-piece blank. The fishing rod is equipped with reinforcing guide rings.

Brief rating of jerk spinning rods

On the modern fishing market there are not as many fishing rods for jerk as there are for jig, ultralight, twitching, light, and universal “sticks.” These specialized spinning rods are not produced by all manufacturers and in very limited series, since fishing with large bulky baits is not so popular among lovers of hunting predatory fish. Below is a rating of jerk rods that are most famous to our anglers.

#1. Aiko Baltasar

Perhaps all jerking lovers have heard about this fishing rod, and many have dealt with it. For the purposes of this review, we are interested in the 1.60 meter long model 16ХН. This is a good “rod” for fishing with medium and large jerks weighing from 50 to 130 grams. It has an acceptable weight and fits comfortably in the hand. Neoprene handle with reliable fastening of the multiplier reel.

The rod is incredibly rigid and powerful, allowing you to make strong and sharp jerks, giving the bait any game. Build super fast. The form is reinforced, one-piece with reinforced guide rings. Gives confidence when fishing for large prey, makes it possible to force events. In our top - this is the best budget jerk spinning rod.

#2. Maximus Destroyer

Another inexpensive rod specially designed for fishing with large jerky lures. Model C17 XN is 1.70 meters tall. Suitable for wiring jerks from 40 to 100 grams, not suitable for particularly large pinocchios. It features a stylish design that is pleasantly pleasing to the angler's eye. The handle is spaced apart and made of EVA. The reel seat is reliable, holds the reel well, and prevents spontaneous unwinding. The rings are lightweight, but reinforced.

Single-piece spinning rod form with fast action. Allows you to cast baits at distances of up to 60–70 meters, confidently guide them, reliably hook fish and successfully land them. Fishermen note not only the beautiful appearance of the “rod”, but also its ergonomics and grace.

#3. Tail&Scale Jerkbait Predator

A good rod with a length of 1.60 meters, allowing it to be used with jerks from 28 to 112 grams. It is well controlled, fits comfortably in the fisherman’s hand, does not hinder movement, making it possible to use diverse variations of jerking movements. The handle is made of solid cork and is equipped with a classic reel seat for a multiplier, which prevents spontaneous unwinding.

The form is one-part. Very powerful yet elegant. Build quickly. It has seven reinforced rings and an anti-wrap tulip. Allows you to make sharp casts at decent distances, sharp jerks, reliable hooks and confidently win the trophy. Supplied in a hard tube that protects the rod from breakage during transportation and storage.

#4. Zalt Jurgen Haese

Not a bad jerk spinning rod with a height of 1.85 meters. The manufacturer claims a test of up to 140 grams, but many anglers note that its real value ranges from 40 to 90 grams. This model is a good option for medium-sized baits at an affordable price. The fishing rod has an ergonomic classic design. The handle is solid, made of cork material. Equipped with a screw fastening of the multiplier reel.

The form is a one-part series. It has a medium-fast action, is quite powerful, and dampens fish jerks well. Allows you to perform various jerky animation techniques, especially soft sweeping movements, which are relevant when catching passive fish. Equipped with powerful, reliable rings.

#5. Salmo Elite Jerk

An intermediate option between a classic jerk rod and a rod for twitching large minnow-class wobblers. Designed for use with a spinning reel; a modification for multiple reels is available separately. The length of the “stick” is 1.80 meters, the spinning test is from 20 to 80 grams. Solid cork handle with screw reel seat.

The blank is two-part, medium-fast action. It has decent throwing characteristics and is suitable for different wiring styles. When playing, it behaves confidently - it ties the fish well, dampens its jerks, and allows you to force events in difficult conditions.

Salmo Elite Jerk

This tackle is an intermediate option between a fishing rod for jerking and twitching with large minnow wobblers. The Salmo jerk spinning rod contains a spinning reel. There are also modifications for multipliers with screw reel seats. The tackle is 180 cm long, the test weight is from 20 to 80 g and has a medium-fast action. The product has a solid cork handle and a two-part blank. Judging by the reviews of the owners, the rod has decent throwing characteristics. It is suitable for wiring in various styles. The fishing rod costs around 2 thousand rubles.

AGAT Northern Pike Jerk Spin

The length of one-piece spinning rods varies from 162 to 170 cm. Test indicators: 20-40 g and 40-140 g. Fishing products are manufactured in China. A reinforced butt is provided for spinning. Chinese manufacturers take into account the American traditions of jerk gear manufacturing when designing rods. Judging by the reviews of the owners, Agat jerk spinning rods are very powerful, short and perfectly balanced fishing rods. Tackle with a cork handle, an ergonomic trigger reel seat for multipliers, SIC guide rings, which are connected to the blank with reinforced double fasteners. Thanks to high-quality assembly, a powerful blank and fittings, the spinning rod is able to withstand critical loads. The tackle has good ergonomics and is perfectly balanced.

BFT Roots G2 Tailgunner 7.6

Judging by numerous consumer reviews, BFT Roots jerk spinning rods are in great demand. The Swedish company BFT produces this gear. The Tailgunner 7.6 spinning rod is considered quite good. The fast action rod is made of carbon fiber. The tackle has a plug-in design and belongs to class H. The knees are connected using the Over Steek type.

The rod has a split cork handle and is equipped with Fuji guides and a screw reel seat. The baits are attached using a wire loop. The size of the spinning rod is 235 cm. The product weighs 170 g. The test value is 80 g. The design is represented by two sections.

Jaxon Extra Spring 240

Jaxon jerk spinning rods are quite catchy. The 240 cm Extra Spring rod received a lot of positive feedback. The fishing product weighs no more than 205 g. The test value ranges from 5 to 20 g. Structurally, the fishing rod consists of two sections. During transportation, the tackle folds easily. In this position, the length of the spinning rod is 124 cm.

Predator Tail&Scale Jerkbait

The length of the spinning rod is 160 cm. Designed for use with baits whose weight varies between 28-112 g. Judging by the reviews of the owners, the tackle is easy to control and very convenient to use. With this spinning rod you can perform a wide variety of jerking retrieves. The product has a one-piece, very powerful but elegant blank, a solid cork handle, and contains a classic multiplier reel seat. Fast action rod. Equipped with 7 reinforced passage rings and an anti-flooding tulip. A special hard tube is designed for transporting gear. The fishing rod is designed for long, sharp casts, sharp jerks and reliable hooks.

Pike fishing technique using jerky

In order for the purchased bait not to be a waste of money, you need to learn how to use it correctly, following the developed strategies for playing with bait, and catching a pike will not be difficult. But before you get acquainted with the technology, you need to carefully prepare for the fishing itself.

How to choose the right tackle for jerk fishing?

When preparing for jerk fishing, the first thing you need to do is choose the right fishing rod. For jerking, special “trigger forms” are used.
They are characterized by the presence of a trigger (a protrusion made for greater convenience when holding the handle with a reel and better control of the tackle). You can use both single-piece and composite fishing rods.

Rod test forms should weigh from 50 to 120 grams; as for its length, you can use two options:

• 1.8–2.1 m;
• 2.3–2.5 m.

A reel for pike fishing on a jerky must have a multiplier and an adjustable friction brake. The fishing line should be selected of a braided type with a thickness of 0.3–0.45 mm. The leash should be selected from titanium wire, since it has all the necessary qualities - strength and lightness.

Features of jerkbait wiring

Catching pike using jerkbaits is carried out according to the following plan:

1. The bait is thrown into the pond, and the rod is placed in front of you. Its tip should not rise to a height of more than 20–25 centimeters from the surface of the reservoir; occasionally it can descend directly to the water.
2. A sharp movement of the rod towards you is performed, this will force the bait to play.
3. After this, you need to hit the fishing line with the tip of the rod. The end of the rod can be raised slightly and then sharply lowered to the surface of the river (before performing these actions, you need to loosen the line a little). After this, the rod is smoothly raised to the original point and, at the same time, the fishing line is pulled up.
4. There is a pause. Between tightening the fishing line you need to take short breaks, and it is recommended to change their duration.
5. If there is a sharp jerk and you feel that the bait is caught, you need to hook the fish. To do this, just make a sharp jerk upward.

Catching pike with a sinking jerk

If you have chosen a darter (sinking jerk), then in this case you need to use the chaotic wiring technique.

Chaotic wiring consists of performing unpredictable movements, the bait jerks in any direction at your request, then a pause is made - and the wobbler returns to its original point.

The nuances of jerking from the shore and from the boat

Fishing using jerky can be done both from the shore and from a boat; the main thing you need to pay attention to when doing this type of fishing is the design of the gear.

Those who fish on the shore should give preference to a longer rod, then they will be able to cast from behind the back. When fishing on a boat, you need to select a short rod, since the bait is cast while sitting.

Catching pike with a jerky in the fall

Experienced fishermen say that the most suitable time for catching pike using jerky is the period from the beginning of September to the end of October . It is at this time that pike stop hiding and are easiest to catch.

By following the technology of using baits such as jerky, you can catch both large and small specimens of the presented fish. You just need to carefully prepare for fishing by purchasing suitable gear and bait.