How to Catch More Bass on Jerkbaits This Fall

Al Lindner offers up some tips on how to catch more bass on jerk baits this fall.

How to Catch More Bass on Jerkbaits This Fall

Jerkbaits really shine in the cool-to-cold water periods in spring and fall. They are a go-to presentation for smallmouth and largemouth bass anglers during that time of year. They can also be very effective for walleyes during that same time of year.

Al Lindner loves to catch bass on jerk baits and has caught fish with them in water temperatures all the way down into the 30s. They are phenomenal baits for triggering sight-induced strikes, but they don’t work everywhere.

Water clarity is very important for jerk bait fishing; the clearer the water, the better. Water usually clears up as it cools, but you really want to avoid dark-water environments with this presentation. In those situations, you need to throw something that gets the fish’s attention with noise or vibration. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and bladed jigs all work great in stained water.

Retrieving a Jerkbait 

Another thing that’s important to keep in mind when fishing for bass on jerkbaits is that the colder the water temperatures are, the longer you should pause the jerkbait on your retrieve. If water temperatures are in the high thirties, you might need to wait 10+ seconds before a fish is willing to commit to striking your bait. If temperatures are up in the fifties, you may only need to wait a couple seconds. Experimentation is key, but keep this in mind as a general rule of thumb.

There are many excellent jerkbaits on the market right, but the Shadow Rap has really turned some heads. The Shadow Rap’s flat-sided design creates a beautiful flashing action that attracts fish from afar. It’s available in “deep” version that reaches depths of eight feet. It’s made in a variety of great colors and all in all, the bait really triggers cold water bass. When you’re working the bait correctly, it will jump 180 degrees left and right. You can almost fish the bait in place, which makes it extremely effective when you’re targeting isolated cover, such as weed patches or big boulders.

The colder the water temperatures, the smaller the strike zone is for most fish, so the last thing you want to do is quickly pull the bait away from them. The Shadow Rap’s ability to create a ton of action over a very short distance is unmatched by any jerkbait on the market.

FAQ’s

1. What kind of line should I use when fishing with jerkbaits?

A high-vis braided main line paired with an 8-pound fluorocarbon leader is recommended when fishing jerkbaits.

2. What is the best time of year to catch bass on jerkbaits?

You can catch bass on jerkbaits all year long, but jerkbaits work exceptional well in spring and fall.

3. What is the best color jerkbait for bass?

As a general rule of thumb smallmouth bass prefer brighter colors and largemouth bass tend to prefer more natural color patterns.

4. What is the best rod to catch bass on jerkbaits?

A 7-foot, medium power, fast or extra fast action is a good option when using jerkbaits.

5. Can I catch other species on jerkbaits?

Yes. Walleye, northern pike, musky, and panfish can all be caught on various types of jerkbaits. 

Conclusion

Jerkbaits are a great option for cold water largemouth and smallmouth bass. Look for fall bass in shallow water weed beds with standing green weeds. Work the jerkbait over the tops of the weeds and vary your cadence until you begin to trigger some strikes. Targeting bass on jerkabits during the coldwater season is a great way to get bit and catch a bunch of fish.