Al Lindner breaks down some spring jerkbait fishing strategies for bass!
Spring Jerkbait Fishing 101
Spring jerkbait fishing is a great presentation for bass. The biggest factor for triggering strikes is how you retrieve a jerkbait. The most effective retrieved to garner strikes is dramatically different throughout the fishing season.
In cool water, most bass are not as likely to chase down anything that’s moving really fast. In colder water conditions, slow things down considerably. Cast the bait out, give it three to four snaps to get the bait to dive down, then let it pause for five to even ten seconds. Then twitch it, pause, twitch it, followed by another long pause. One key is to actually leave slack in your line, allowing the bait to zig, zag, and turn sideways on the pause, which can be a real trigger.
Keep your eye on that bow in your line during the pause. When a fish strikes, you’ll often see the line ‘jump’, indicating that a fish has bit the bait. Simply reel up the slack and set the hooks fast.
Experiment with the duration of pauses and let the fish tell you what peaks their interest and triggers strikes. Jerkbait fishing can be done either at a spinning rod or a baitcasting rod. I prefer a spinning rod combo because I feel I get more distance on the cast and I’ve got better control on the retrieval.
Jerkbaits are often deadly in a variety of conditions suspending lures seemed to infuriate fussy bass into biting when nothing else will — especially smallmouth. Finally, experiment with different colored baits and sizes. Sometimes these simple modifications can increase your total tally by the end of a good day of fishing.
Spring Jerkbait Fishing 101 — Taught by Al Lindner
Jerkbait fishing can be an incredibly effective technique, but it’s important to understand how to retrieve the bait properly. The most effective retrieve for garnering strikes can vary throughout the fishing season. In this article, we’ll focus on the spring season, where the cool waters make bass less likely to chase down fast-moving baits. So, let’s dive into the details of retrieving a jerkbait during this time of year.
Slowing Down the Retrieve
When fishing with a jerkbait in the spring, it’s crucial to slow things down. Start by casting the bait out and giving it three or four good snaps to get it down to the desired depth. Once it’s at the right depth, let it pause for around five to ten seconds. After the pause, give it a twitch, pause again, and repeat this process a few more times. Each time you pause, you’re actually leaving slack in your line, which allows the bait to turn sideways and appear more natural to the fish. During the pause, keep your eye on the bow in your line. When a fish strikes, you’ll often see the line jump, indicating a bite. In that moment, reel up the slack and set the hook fast to secure the catch.
Experimenting with Pauses
The duration of the pauses during the retrieve can vary depending on the fish’s behavior. It’s important to let the fish tell you what they’re willing to bite. Some days, they may prefer a longer pause, while other days they may respond better to a shorter pause. By experimenting with different pause durations, you can determine what works best on any given day.
Spinning Rod vs. Baitcasting Rod
When it comes to jerkbait fishing, you have the option to use either a spinning rod or a baitcasting rod. Both have their advantages, but personal preference plays a significant role. Al Lindner, for example, prefers using a spinning rod. He finds that he can achieve more distance on his casts and has better control during the retrieval process. However, some anglers may prefer the feel and control of a baitcasting rod. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which rod type suits your fishing style and comfort level.
Jerkbaits in a Variety of Conditions
Jerkbaits are known to be deadly in a wide variety of conditions. They are particularly effective as suspending lures, which seem to infuriate fussy bass into biting when nothing else will. This is especially true for smallmouth bass. So, if you find yourself in a situation where other baits aren’t producing results, don’t hesitate to tie on a jerkbait and give it a try.
