Jerking Basics
Jerking
Perhaps every fishing enthusiast who just yesterday began to be interested in spinning fishing is familiar with the terms
jerking
and
twitching
. However, not everyone understands the difference between these two methods the first time. Let's try to figure it out.
What is jerking
Jerking
- this is the same as twitching (catching predatory fish with a spinning rod with sharp movements of the wobbler). The difference between jerking is that heavy baits are also used for this method. Large predatory fish, as a rule, are “in the depths”, so jerking is ideal.
Translated from English, “jerk” means “jerk.” Hence the essence of this method - retrieving the bait with dynamic jerks.
How does jerking work?
Like twitching, jerking helps create the illusion of panic and chaotic movement of the bait. Highly dynamic vibrations are transmitted to the predator fish, awakening the hunter's instinct in it. By means of jerking, it is possible to “show” the prey all the facets of the wobbler – shiny sides, belly. Thus, the bait “comes to life”, and its behavior is made as close to natural as possible.
The difference between jerking and twitching
In many Western fishing magazines, these two words - jerking and twitching - are used as synonyms. It would seem that the difference between these fishing methods is not so significant as to distinguish, say, jerking as an independent species. However, there is some peculiarity that allows us to talk about it as a separate fishing method. This feature is a stiffer, sharper wiring of the wobbler.
Thanks to this rigidity, it is possible to catch a larger volume of water, since the amplitude of the bait’s movements increases. Also, for jerking you can use not only minnow-type wobblers, but also heavier baits.
Along with twitching, jerking is becoming increasingly popular in our country. Convince yourself of the relevance and convenience of this method.
⚙ Advice
Jerk fishing can be done either by running or using a watercraft. It was said earlier that for jerking it is advisable to have two spinning rods of different lengths. The fact is that a long rod is more suitable for coastal fishing. If necessary, they can increase the casting distance. That is, cast the bait over long distances with a wide swing from behind. Sitting in a boat (especially if it is inflatable), making such a cast is very problematic. In addition, in this technique, jerks are made with the rod tip pointing downwards. How can you do this with a long form, swinging on the waves and not being able to stand up? No way. It turns out that for fishing from the shore you need a long spinning rod, but for a boat you should buy a short one.
Varieties of jerking
Based on their appearance, many spinning anglers classify jerkbaits as wobblers. The main differences between jerks lie in the large size of the baits and the absence of blades. In addition, the weight of these North American toys reaches 100 g. Jerkbaits also differ from wobblers in the material of manufacture. That is why such large artificial fish have significant strength and durability. Like wobblers, jerks vary in buoyancy (floating, neutral, sinking).
There are 5 categories of jerkbaits:
- The most common class are gliders
. Lures have a body with flattened sides. During the drive, the glider wiggles from side to side, creating powerful vibrations. - Darters
are similar in appearance to gliders, but the action of this bait is original. Its uniqueness is due to its unpredictable behavior in water. - Divers
can be called an intermediate option, forming an invisible thread between large wobblers for trolling and jerks. The bait has an elongated body shape, when moving under water it resembles the habits of a small pike. - Twitchbaits
resemble wobblers in such an element as the nose blade. Many anglers think of twitchbaits as just big crankbaits. - Pullbaits
are one of the leaders among jerk baits in terms of body size and weight. Lures weighing 100 g have a length in the range of 150-180 mm. Since there is no blade in the pullbait, jerking is required to deepen the bait. Stable play is observed with different animations.
Divers
Basically, these are also surface baits (although there are also sinking ones), some of them are similar to walkers in their body structure and profile. But, based on the name, most of these baits are diving. Typical divers are Salmov's Maas Marauder and Jack, and the famous American Sewick. Their distinctive feature is their cigar-shaped shape. Some models are equipped with a paddle at the stern (Sewick) or side fins (Sweeper from Salmo). Divers, with their shape and play during the dive, resemble small clouds; some even during pauses freeze like squinting noses up, while others, on the contrary, dive rapidly down when jerking.
Read: Fishing with sinking wobblers
Jerking tackle
For jerking, specialized baits alone are not enough. You also need a strong rod, a well-tuned reel and a powerful leader.
- The rod
should be quite heavy (20-80 g). Due to the fact that jerking involves heavy loads, it should be short (no more than 2 meters) and hard. It is believed that the most convenient are non-component or two-piece poles equipped with a finger trigger. This trigger helps to hold the fishing rod when biting heavy predators. - It is better if the reel
is multiplier. The leaders among inertia-free models are “barrels” that can withstand strong jerks. The advantages of barrels include versatility (the ability to work with various jerkbaits) and durability. If jerks are not too massive (up to 40 grams), “soap dishes” are quite suitable. - As for the fishing line
, opinions are divided. Some believe that a braided cord is optimal for jerking, while others argue that a monofilament cord is optimal. Accordingly, it’s up to you to decide. When fishing for pike, titanium leashes are good.
Although if you are the most inexperienced of the inexperienced, then you can do without special gear. Fishing techniques can be mastered with a short, hard spinning rod, a reliable spinning reel (2500 according to DAIWA) and a thick cord (at least 0.4 mm). After all, the fish only sees the bait, which you must learn to “revive.”
— Jerking is an expensive pleasure
In order to say this, it is necessary, at a minimum, to conduct a comparative analysis of the cost of spinning rods, reels and baits used in various fishing methods. And if you do this, it turns out that a spinning rod for jerking costs no more than a jigging or twitching model made at the same technical level.
True, sometimes retail price tags for the same model can differ greatly. This is due to the fact that the demand for such gear is less, the further the store is from cities with a population of over a million, which means that an entrepreneur who brings such gear to his store risks freezing part of his working capital for an indefinite period, and therefore, to compensate for these inconveniences, increases your markup.
It is clear that as the popularity of jerking as a fishing method grows and it becomes available to the masses, we should expect a significant increase in offers in this category of spinning rods (which, by the way, is already being felt) along with a decrease in their average price. And don’t forget about online stores, where prices for many goods are often unprecedentedly humane. All of the above applies equally to multiplier reels.
Things are a little different with jerkbaits. Although their prices are comparable to the cost of ordinary high-quality wobblers, they are certainly higher than the cost of jig baits. But! And the consumption of jig baits for fishing alone can amount to dozens, while jerk baits are practically eternal. Yes, yes, it is eternal, because, unlike a wobbler, and even more so a jig, it is almost impossible to lose. For example, most hooks capitulate to the power of rather large treble hooks and thick “braid” that we use when jerk fishing.
— The spinning rod for jerking should be special and shorter than 180 cm. Why 180, and not 150 or 220? Who commanded this?
It just so happens that the easiest way to learn how to animate a jerk is with a short spinning rod. I didn’t come up with this myself, smart people suggested it when, during the initial pilots, I made my first glider nervously scour from side to side, which I was immensely proud of. It is interesting that even by performing incorrect movements with a short fishing rod, you can somehow make the jerkbait move in the appropriate way. However, having mastered fishing with a short spinning rod on the first fishing trip, and having learned incorrect movements at the level of muscle memory, then it will be very difficult to relearn how to work with a longer spinning rod.
Undoubtedly, if you take a spinning rod two or more meters long, you will feel considerable discomfort for several fishing trips, trying to coordinate the actions of both hands and make the spinning rod, reel and jerk work in harmony as a single whole. But when everything works out, it will no longer matter what length of spinning rod you use. And don’t forget about the reel, it is not only a storage facility for excess cord, but also another important component of a harmonious tackle, which, by the way, can be used for animation no less, and sometimes even more effectively, than with a spinning rod.
Jerking wiring
If you translate the word “jerking” into Russian, the wiring method will immediately become clear. "Jerking" or "jerk". This is what the game of big jerks is built on. Due to the increased mass, jerks, accelerating during a jerk, due to inertia, move in the water longer than small wobblers.
Sharp jerks are more typical for medium jerks. Heavy lures require a smooth pull. This helps to avoid overlap with the leash. The condition of not allowing slack in the fishing line is mandatory, as is the case when fishing with all artificial baits.
The process itself looks like this: the rod with the leash and bait slack is carried behind the back and, after checking that the line does not overlap the tulip, it is sent forward with a smooth vertical movement.
The release of the cord from the reel is controlled by a slight touch of the index finger. When the bait approaches the surface of the water, the cord slows down, and the brake on the reel is turned on by turning the handle.
Further, if fishing occurs at great depths, time is given for the jerk to deepen, after which a series of jerks with stops are carried out. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the jerk class, its weight and size, since all these parameters require some kind of wiring.
Wiring on the current
There is an opinion that it is impossible to fish with jerks in the current, because when they get into the stream, they lose their game. This misconception will be dispelled if we consider that jerking in the current
- the process is creative. Making the current work for the benefit of the fisher is the task of the fisherman.
The current can be a good factor for variety of wiring. For example, you can try floating the bait down with periodic delays. At the same time, it becomes possible to achieve the maximum jerk swimming distance. Or do wiring in an arc. You can also hold the bait over some promising place, pulling it up and releasing it again. There are many options.
— Small and medium-sized fish cannot be caught on jerk
And, accordingly, if there are no trophy fish in the reservoir, and, unfortunately, there are more and more such reservoirs every day, then you will be left without a catch. Well, really, gentlemen, fishing in general is a process with a poorly predictable result. And to say that if you fish here with this, you are guaranteed to catch it, or, on the contrary, you will probably be left without a single “tail” is simply ridiculous. After all, the same pike does not always consider our bait as a food item (if at all). And the fact that she willingly grabs a piece of plastic, rubber or wood of one shape, size and color does not mean anything. Below I will explain in more detail what I mean.
For now, let's return to the statement that small and medium-sized fish cannot be caught on a jerkbait. Indeed, rudd, chub or small perch are unlikely to be tempted by our monster. But pike, starting from 400 - 500 g, eat jerk no worse, and often even better than any other spinning bait. And a large schooling perch will rarely miss such a tasty morsel. And if we add to all the variables the factor of strong fishing pressure on many reservoirs lying within our reach, then the jerky, as the least familiar, and certainly not yet classified as a dangerous object, generally takes the leading position in terms of catchability.
Of course, the fact that jerking is primarily trophy fishing has not been canceled. Of course, you will be much more likely to be rewarded for your efforts if the philosophy of trophy fishing is in your blood, and you know and visit the places where catching big fish is most likely. But let me note once again: medium and medium-sized fish can be caught quite well on jerk, you just need to find your own special “key” for it.
Myths about jerking
- Large jerks don't catch fish, they only scare them
. There is no doubt that it is easier to catch, and even more so to believe in a jerkbait, if you start with small-sized lures, which in terms of handling are not very different from the usual large pike wobblers-minnows and walkers. However, you should not delve into such fishing for a long time, because this is not real jerking, but a kind of transitional, compromise option. - Small and medium-sized fish cannot be caught using jerk
. Of course, the fact that jerking is primarily trophy fishing has not been canceled. Of course, you will be much more likely to be rewarded for your efforts if the philosophy of trophy fishing is in your blood, and you know and visit the places where catching big fish is most likely. But it’s worth noting: medium and medium-sized fish can be caught quite well on jerk, you just need to find your own special “key” for it. - Jerk cannot be caught in the current
. A dangerous misconception that can wean more than one thousand anglers from jerk fishing. For some reason, this completely unfounded statement is especially widespread among fishermen who actively visit the Volga expanses and other large rivers. It may be based on the fact that some, but not all, jerkbait models are affected by current. This means that the current can, to one degree or another, change their own “game”, which, ultimately, is more a plus than a minus. - Jerk is a surface bait; it does not work at depth
. For many, the concept of “jerkbait” is primarily associated with glider-type lures. And most popular glider models are almost impossible to drive to a depth of more than one and a half meters for one simple reason - they are floating. However, we should not forget that there are sinking models, as well as divers, which were specifically created for such fishing conditions. And with such models you can fish very effectively at depths of 3 - 5 m. And a small number of “bulldog” or “twitchbait” models, with some skill, can be made to go deeper to 7 m and even 9 m. - Jerking is an expensive pleasure
. In order to say this, it is necessary, at a minimum, to conduct a comparative analysis of the cost of spinning rods, reels and baits used in various fishing methods. And if you do this, it turns out that a spinning rod for jerking costs no more than a jigging or twitching model made at the same technical level. - You can only fish with jerk in the fall
. Yes, jerkbaits show the best results in the fall, when pike, which is the main object of fishing for us, having significantly increased in size over the spring and summer, is fattening - and therefore gives preference to larger objects of hunting. But this does not mean that jerks do not work in spring and summer. On the contrary, last summer, when not only the South, but the whole of Russia was covered by abnormal heat and the fish were in a complete stupor, it was the medium-sized jerks that more than once rescued the fishermen.
Jerk rod - what is it?
A jerk rod is a spinning rod that is used during a certain type of fishing. “Jerking” is translated as “twitching.” The fishing process involves the implementation of special types of postings - the bait makes sudden movements.
They look like the way a wounded fish twitches. The predatory fish pays attention to these jerks and begins to attack. Jerk spinning is the main element of this game. A properly selected rod makes it possible to jerk correctly and end up with a big catch.
Equipment equipment
All jerks are quite massive baits. During the wiring process, they create powerful resistance, which not every spinning rod can withstand. That is why the assembly of a spinning rod for jerking must be taken with full responsibility.
Rod
For jerking, a durable spinning rod with a casting weight of 50-100 g is required. Its length should be more than 2 m, and it is better to give preference to a non-component or two-section (with a plug connection) blank. Special jerk sticks, which are equipped with a special trigger for the finger, have already appeared on sale. It is located near the reel seat in order to hold the fishing rod during a powerful bite from a large predator. Guide rings for jerk spinning rods are made entirely of silicon carbide (SiC). Some models have inserts made of titanium nitride (TiN).
Coil
One of the most important elements of reliable spinning tackle is the reel. Most fishermen are unanimous in the opinion that there is no alternative to the multiplier in this type of fishing. Among inertia-free models, it is better to give preference to the so-called barrels. When fishing with light jerky (30-40 g), the use of multiplier reels called soap dishes is allowed. The advantage of barrels is the versatility of working with different jerkbaits. Reels of this type can withstand strong jerks from a trophy fish. As for the “meat grinders” familiar to domestic anglers, their lifespan is limited to several fishing trips.
fishing line
As with choosing a reel, there is no alternative when selecting the main line. According to experienced spinning players, for jerking you should only equip the tackle with braided cord. Monofilament line is too soft to provide high-quality play for heavy bait. Installing a metal leash is justified only when catching a toothy predator. You can catch pike perch or pike perch without this additional accessory.
