Spring Smallies: A 1-2-3 Punch
When you’re out on the water chasing smallmouth bass during the spring prespawn period, it’s hard to top a jerkbait when the fish are active. In the video above, Al Lindner breaks down his 1-2-3 punch for jerkin’ spring smallies.
When it comes to catching big brown bass in the spring, there’s no better bait than a jerkbait. But with so many jerk baits on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose. In this article, we’ll look at three of the best jerk baits for smallmouth fishing in spring: the X-Rap and Shadow Rap.
The X-Rap has been a mainstay for smallmouth fishing for years. It suspends at one level and has great colors. When you kill it and work it, it slowly jumps up and then glides down like a dying minnow. It’s more of a shake bait. When you stop it, it jumps a little bit and then slowly swims up like a dying minnow.
The Shadow Rap is a great bait for when you’re starting to learn a new body of water or revisiting one you’re not familiar with. It covers both the deeper lip and the shallower stuff.
When you’re fishing a lake with no real good contour map, trolling and jerk rolling can be a great way to cover a lot of water. You can use the big motor to troll along the deep edge and then cast up to the shallower stuff. This is a really effective way to catch fish.
A 1-2-3 Punch for Spring Smallies
When it comes to smallmouth fishing in the spring, there’s one bait that stands out above the rest: the jerk bait. With its ability to entice big brown bass, the jerk bait is a must-have in any angler’s tackle box. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of jerk baits and how to effectively use them to catch spring smallies.
The Power of the Jerk Bait
There are many jerk baits available on the market today that offer features and capabilities we didn’t have just a few years ago. One of our all-time favorites is the X-Rap. This bait suspends at a specific level and comes in a variety of phenomenal colors. It has been a mainstay in our tackle box for years.
Another great option is the Shadow Rap. This bait mimics a dying minnow when worked properly. When you stop the retrieve, it jumps a little bit and then slowly swims up, imitating a dying minnow. The Shadow Rap Shed, on the other hand, has a more subtle action. When stopped, it jumps slightly and then glides down like a dying minnow. Each of these baits has its own unique action and should be in your tackle box for spring smallmouth fishing.
Trolling and Jerk Rolling
When fishing in unfamiliar waters or revisiting a lake with limited knowledge of its contours, a combination of trolling and jerk rolling can be a highly effective strategy. By using the big motor to troll along the deep edge, you can cover a lot of water and search for active fish. Meanwhile, your partner can cast to the shallower areas, targeting fish that may be holding closer to the surface.
This technique is particularly useful when faced with challenging conditions, such as strong winds. By trolling and jerk rolling, you can adapt to the conditions and still have a good chance of catching fish. It’s a 1-2-3 punch that allows you to explore different depths and cover a wide range of water.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to spring smallmouth fishing, the jerk bait is a game-changer. Its ability to mimic a dying minnow and entice big brown bass is unmatched. The X-Rap, Shadow Rap, and Shadow Rap Shed are three top choices that should be in every angler’s tackle box. By combining trolling and jerk rolling techniques, you can effectively cover both deep and shallow areas, increasing your chances of success. So next time you’re out on the water in the spring, make sure to have a jerk bait tied on and get ready for some exciting smallmouth action.
