7 Best Jerkbaits for Bass [REVIEWED] – Buyer’s Guide

Last updated on August 18th, 2023

Discovering the best jerkbaits for bass can significantly improve your angling success and enjoyment. This comprehensive guide will delve into various aspects of jerkbait fishing, providing you with valuable insights to enhance your skills.

We’ll begin by exploring what jerkbaits are, their types, and the benefits they offer in bass fishing. Next, we’ll discuss effective techniques for fishing with jerkbaits, along with tips on rod and reel setup.

Additionally, this guide will help you identify the best places to fish using jerkbaits based on seasonal considerations. Lastly, we’ll provide guidance on choosing the right lure for your situation by discussing color selection when using jerkbaits as well as size and weight considerations.

By understanding these critical elements of bass fishing with jerkbaits, you’ll be better equipped to select the best lures that match your needs and ultimately catch more fish.

Table of Contents:

• What are Jerkbaits?
• How to Fish with Jerkbaits
• Best Places to Fish with Jerkbaits
• Choosing the Right Lure for Your Situation
• Conclusion
• FAQs

What are Jerkbaits?

Jerkbaits are a type of lure used in bass fishing. They can be hard or soft-bodied and have a unique action that attracts fish. The jerking motion of the bait creates an erratic swimming pattern that mimics wounded prey and entices hungry predators to strike. Jerkbaits come in various sizes, colors, shapes, and styles to match different water conditions and target species.

When it comes to definition, jerkbait is any artificial lure designed for bass fishing that uses a jerking motion as its primary method of attracting fish. These lures usually feature an elongated body with two or more treble hooks attached near the tail end for extra security when hooked into a big catch. Some jerkbaits also feature rattles or other sound-producing elements to further attract attention from nearby gamefish.

There are several types of jerkbaits available on the market today, ranging from shallow diving models to deep divers, depending on your needs as an angler. Shallow running jerkbaits are ideal for targeting topwater feeding bass, while deeper running baits can be used in areas where there is greater depth, such as offshore structures like ledges or reefs where larger gamefish may lurk below the surface waiting for their next meal opportunity. Hard-bodied jerkbaits made out of plastic materials tend to last longer than their softer counterparts, but both offer great results when fished correctly.

Jerkbaits are an effective tool for bass fishing and can be used to catch a variety of species. By understanding the techniques, rod, and reel setup, as well as tips and tricks for using jerkbaits, anglers will have increased success in catching more bass.

Best Jerkbaits for the Money of 2023

Disclaimer: All products in this article were independently researched and reviewed by our team of experienced anglers. Learn more about our review process here. We use so-called affiliate links in this article. This means that if you click on one of the links provided in this article and end up making a purchase, we might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we’ve tested and believe in.

Strike King Kvd Jerkbait 3 Hook

Specs:

• Size: 4.75 inch
• Various color designs
• Depth: 4-7 ft
• Weight: 1/2 oz
• 3D eyes for real life appearance

The Strike King KVD Jerkbait 3 Hook is a must-have for any serious bass angler. This jerkbait has been designed to mimic the movements of a baitfish, making it an effective lure for catching bass. It features three hooks that are positioned in such a way as to maximize hookup rates and ensure solid contact with the fish. The lure’s body is made from durable plastic, making it resistant to wear and tear over time.

Additionally, its bright colors make it easy to spot when fishing in low-light conditions or murky water. When fishing with this jerkbait, you’ll want to pay attention to your rod and reel setup. A medium-action rod paired with a spinning reel works best for casting this type of lure accurately and consistently.

You’ll also need some line that can handle heavy weights without breaking or stretching too much—braided lines are usually ideal here due to their strength and durability. In terms of technique, jerking the bait slowly while allowing it time between jerks will help create an enticing swimming motion that mimics prey fish perfectly— something bass love!

When using this method, be sure not to pull too hard on your line, as doing so could cause damage both internally (to the bait) and externally (to your tackle). Additionally, if you’re targeting bigger bass, then try varying your retrieve speed; faster retrieves tend to work better at attracting larger specimens than slower ones do! Overall, the Strike King KVD Jerkbait 3 Hook is one heckuva lure for catching big ol’ lunkers!

Its well-designed shape allows it to swim naturally through the water like no other jerkbait out there—plus its color options mean you can easily match whatever kind of prey fish might be around at any given moment during your trip out on the lake or riverbank. So if you’re looking for something reliable yet versatile enough for all kinds of different scenarios, then give this bad boy a go—I guarantee you won’t regret it!

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Jerkbait For Bass Fishing Minnow

Specs:

• Comes in two sizes: 3 1/3 ” and 4 3/8″
• Pack includes one jerkbait
• Two treble hooks
• Suspending
• Depth: 2-6ft

The Jerkbait for Bass Fishing Minnow Lure Suspending Jerkbait Kit is a great choice for any angler looking to up their game when it comes to bass fishing.

This kit includes all the necessary components for successful jerkbait fishing, including two suspending jerkbaits and two minnow lures in different sizes. The jerks are designed with a realistic swimming action that mimics baitfish, making them irresistible to hungry bass. They also feature an internal weight system that allows them to suspend at various depths while still maintaining a natural presentation. The kit also includes four treble hooks of varying sizes and colors, so you can customize your lure setup depending on the conditions you’re facing.

With these hooks, you can easily adjust the depth of your lure as well as its speed and direction of movement in order to target specific areas or fish species more effectively. When using this kit, it’s important to pay attention to rod selection and reel setup in order to maximize success with jerkbaits for bass fishing.

A medium power rod with a fast action tip will provide enough backbone for setting the hook but still allow some flexibility when casting lighter baits like those included in this kit. For reels, look for something with good line capacity and smooth drag settings so you don’t miss out on any potential strikes due to poor equipment performance or lack of line management skills!

In terms of scenarios where using jerkbaits is most promising, early springtime is usually one of the best times because many species become active during this period after months spent dormant under ice cover or cold water temperatures. However, if conditions are right throughout other seasons, such as summer or fall, then there may be plenty of opportunities available too!

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5.5″ Jack the Ripper Suspending Jerkbait Bass Lure

Specs:

• Weight: 1 1/2 oz
• Multiple colors
• Two treble hooks
• Depth: 4-6 ft
• Real life design

The 5.5″ Jack The Ripper Suspending Jerkbait is an impressive jerkbait for bass fishing. It has a realistic design and life-like action that will draw in the big ones like moths to a flame. Its suspending capabilities make it ideal for targeting suspended fish, while its deep diving capability allows you to reach those hard-to-reach spots where the biggest bass hide out.

Specs: The 5.5″ Jack the Ripper Suspending measures 5.5 inches long and weighs 1 1/2 ounces. It features two treble hooks, one at each end, which makes it great for casting or trolling applications as well as jigging or bottom-bouncing presentations. The lure also has a wide range of color patterns so you can match whatever baitfish are present in your area’s waters.

Key Features:

One of this jerkbait’s best features is its suspending capabilities; when paused during retrieval, it stays perfectly still in the midwater column until moved again by rod tip twitches or jerks—making it an effective tool for catching finicky bass that won’t bite anything else!

Performance: When used correctly, this lure performs exceptionally well, from slow rolling retrieves along weed beds all the way up to fast ripping through open water—there’s something about this little guy that seems irresistible! I’ve personally had success using both techniques in my local lake here in Florida, with plenty of nice-sized largemouths coming aboard after being enticed by these lures’ erratic movements underwater!

Pros & Cons:

As far as pros go, I’d say this jerkbait offers anglers everything they need when targeting larger species of gamefish; from its realistic design right down to its ability to dive deep enough without adding extra weighting agents—plus, who doesn’t love a good suspending bait?

As far as cons go, however, I would have liked it if they included more color patterns since some areas may require other colors depending on what type of baitfish are present there… but overall, not much else bad can be said about this awesome little lure!

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Megabass Ito Vision 110 Fx Suspending Jerkbait – M Cosmic Shad

Specs:

• Made from Tungsten
• Length: 4 1/3 inches
• Depth: 4-9 ft
• Internal rattles
• Katsuage hooks (extra sharp)

The MEGABASS ITO Vision 110 FX SUSPENDING JERKBAIT – M Cosmic Shad is a top-of-the-line jerkbait designed to target bass. It has an incredibly realistic profile and action that makes it irresistible to fish.

The body of the lure is made from ABS plastic, which gives it durability and strength while also providing a lifelike appearance in the water. The suspending design allows you to pause your retrieve at any point during the cast, allowing you to trigger strikes from finicky bass. The MEGABASS ITO Vision 110 FX SUSPENDING JERKBAIT comes equipped with two treble hooks for added security when setting the hook on those hard-hitting bites.

The hooks are sharpened and ready for use right out of the package, so there’s no need for extra preparation before fishing with this bait. Additionally, the Megabass Ito Vision 110 Fx features internal rattles that create noise as they move through the water column, further enticing fish into striking your offering. This lure can be fished in a variety of ways depending on what type of presentation you’re looking for or what kind of conditions you’re facing on any given day.

For example, if you want a more subtle approach, then slow rolling this bait along the bottom structure can be effective when targeting lethargic bass during colder months or after cold fronts have passed through an area. On the other hand, if you want something more aggressive, then burning this bait across open flats can produce explosive strikes when targeting active fish during warmer months or following warm fronts passing through an area.

When using jerkbaits like the Megabass Ito Vision 110 Fx, it’s important to pay attention to how much line slack is present between your rod tip and where your lure is located in relation to cover or structure because having too much slack will reduce how effectively these baits work since they rely heavily on their erratic movements created by jerking motions while retrieving them back towards shore, boat, etc.

Additionally, having too little line tension will cause these lures not to suspend properly due to their weight distribution which means they won’t stay suspended long enough for nearby fish to detect them before sinking back down towards the bottom again, thus reducing effectiveness even further. Therefore, finding a balance between both extremes should help maximize results when using jerkbaits such as these.

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Rapala Husky Jerk 06 Fishing Lure 2 5 Inch

Specs:

• Size: 2.5 inches
• 4 color options
• Internal rattles
• Suspending
• Good casting lure

Rapala Husky Jerk 06 Fishing Lure 2 5 Inch is a great choice for anglers looking to target bass with jerkbaits. This lure has been designed to mimic the movements of baitfish, making it an attractive option for bass.

It features a realistic finish and lifelike swimming action that will entice any fish in the area. The body length of this lure is 2.5 inches, and it weighs close to 1 ounce, making it perfect for casting long distances or working shallow waters. The key feature of this jerkbait is its unique design which allows you to create erratic jerking motions when retrieving your line. This motion mimics the behavior of fleeing prey, triggering strikes from hungry predators like bass, who are always on the lookout for easy meals! Additionally, this lure also features two treble hooks that provide excellent hook-ups when a strike occurs.

When fishing with Rapala Husky Jerk 06 Fishing Lure 2 5 Inch, anglers should pay attention to their rod and reel setup as well as their technique in order to maximize success rates while using jerkbaits for bass fishing. For best results, use a medium-light power spinning rod paired with a 10-15 pound test monofilament line or fluorocarbon leader material; these components will allow you to cast farther out into deeper water where larger bass may be lurking!

When retrieving your line, use short jerks followed by pauses; this technique will give off vibrations that draw curious predators closer before they decide whether or not they want to take your lure. A great time to fish the Rapala Husky Jerk would be during summer months when water temperatures start rising; at this time, many species, including largemouths, become more active due to increased oxygen levels and warmer conditions, which make them more likely targets than other times throughout the year!

You can vary your retrieval speed to elicit different reactions from the fish; a faster retrieval will cause the lure to swim near the surface, while a slower one will allow it to sink deeper into the water column, where larger specimens tend to lurk in anticipation of their prey.

Ultimately, the Rapala Husky Jerk 06 Fishing Lure 2 5 Inch is a great tool for experienced anglers looking to target bass species through jerkbait techniques. Its realistic finish and lifelike swimming action, combined with its ability to generate erratic jerking motions upon retrieval, increase the chances of successfully striking potential catches. The proper selection of gear such as rods, reels, lines, etc., along with an understanding of specific situations in which these lures perform optimally, further increases one’s chances of achieving desired outcomes.

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Bomber Lures Long a Slender Minnow Jerkbait Fishing Lure

Specs:

• Size: 4 1/2 “
• Wide selection of colors
• Three treble hooks
• Great lure to be paired with a downriver
• Real life eye design

Bomber Lures Long A Slender is a great choice for anglers looking to target bass. This jerkbait has an elongated body shape and realistic swimming action that will draw the attention of any nearby fish. It also comes with two sets of treble hooks, allowing you to customize your presentation according to the conditions. The Bomber Lures Long A Slender measures 4 inches long and weighs 1/2 ounce. It’s available in several different colors, including black shad, chrome bluegill, and green crawfish.

Key Features: One of the key features of this lure is its lifelike swimming action which mimics a real baitfish perfectly. Its slender profile allows it to dive quickly when retrieved at high speeds or slowly when retrieved at low speeds—making it incredibly versatile for any fishing situation! Additionally, its three sets of treble hooks make sure that every strike results in a solid hookset!

Performance: In our testing, we found that this jerkbait was able to attract plenty of strikes from bass regardless if we were retrieving it fast or slow. We had success using both shallow-running models as well as deeper-diving versions depending on what depth we wanted our lure to run at. When hooked up with one of these lures bass seemed more likely to stay hooked than with other lures due to its three sets of treble hooks—making them ideal for targeting larger specimens!

Pros & Cons: The pros are obvious; this jerkbait is extremely effective at attracting strikes from bass due to its lifelike swimming action and ability to be fished either shallow or deep, depending on how you retrieve it.

The only con would be that some anglers may find the price tag too steep for their budget, but considering all the features included with this lure, it’s definitely worth investing in one if you plan on doing serious fishing for bass!

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Lucky Craft Flashminnow 110

Specs:

• Weight: 3/4 oz
• Style: Sinking jerkbait
• Three treble hooks
• Depth: 2.6 to 5 ft
• Two color options

The LUCKY CRAFT Flashminnow 110 is a popular jerkbait for bass fishing. It’s an excellent choice for anglers looking to target large and smallmouth bass in various conditions. This lure has been designed with precision, featuring realistic 3D eyes, and lifelike scale patterns.

The Flashminnow 110 also features an aerodynamic body shape that allows it to be cast farther than other jerkbaits on the market. This bait comes in two sizes: the 110 version suspends a little longer and the 115 version runs a little deeper. Both sizes are available in several colors, including natural shad, ghost minnow, bluegill sunfish, crawdad orange belly, chartreuse pearl white back, and more. Their long shape makes them ideal for casting long distances or deep water fishing scenarios where you need extra distance from your casts.

When it comes to performance, this bait really shines! Its erratic action mimics wounded prey which triggers strikes from hungry bass lurking below the surface of the water. You can fish this lure at different speeds depending on what type of presentation you’re trying to achieve; slow retrieves will produce subtle twitches, while faster retrieves will cause larger movements through the water column attracting attention from nearby predators looking for their next meal!

The LUCKY CRAFT Flashminnow 110 is also great when fished around structures like docks or weed beds, as its aerodynamic design helps it glide over cover without getting snagged up too often—making it perfect for those tight spots where bigger baits just won’t fit!

Pros:

• Realistic 3D eyes & lifelike scale patterns attract fish easily
• Aerodynamic body shape allows longer casts
• Available in multiple colors & sizes
• Erratic action mimics wounded prey

Cons: 

• This is an expensive lure (it’s worth the money) – so make sure you know the place you’re fishing and the underwater structure. It can be easy to get stuck in objects like sunken trees or ships wrecks.

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Jerkbait vs Crankbait

When it comes to bass fishing, there are two main lures that anglers use—jerkbaits and crankbaits. While both of these baits can be effective for catching bass, they have some distinct differences that make them better suited for different situations.

Let’s take a look at the key differences between jerkbaits and crankbaits so you can choose the right lure for your next fishing trip.

Shape: In terms of shape, jerkbaits typically have a slender profile with an elongated body, while crankbaits tend to be more compact with a rounded or oval shape.

Hooks: Another difference between jerkbait and crankbait is the number of hooks each has. Jerkbait often comes equipped with three hooks, while many types of crankbaits feature only two treble hooks.

Action & Movement: When it comes to action and movement in the water, this is where things really start to differ between these two lures. Jerk baiting involves using short jerks or twitches on your rod tip as you retrieve your line, which causes the bait to dart erratically through the water column like an injured minnow trying desperately to escape its predator—exactly what bass love!

On the other hand, when using a crankbait, you cast out and reel back in without any additional movements needed from you, as its unique lip design causes it to swim through the water, creating vibrations that attract nearby predators such as bass looking for an easy meal!

Scenarios: Depending on where you’re fishing and what type of cover is present will determine whether or not either technique will work best during certain scenarios. For example, if there’s heavy vegetation present, then going with something like a shallow running square bill might be ideal since its flat sides allow it to push through weeds easier than, say, if you were throwing something like suspending jerk bait which would get hung up easily due to its slim profile.

Conversely, open bodies of water such as lakes are great places to throw deeper diving cranks since their large size allows them to dive down deep quickly, allowing target those big hungry fish hiding near the bottom structure.

Rod & Reel Setup: Lastly, let’s talk about proper rod reel setup when using either technique. Generally speaking, lighter rods ( 6ft-67ft ) paired up with medium light reels spooled up with 10-20lbs test monofilament line work well when throwing shallow running cranks, whereas slightly heavier rods (7ft-8ft) matched up with high-speed reels loaded with 20lb braid should do the trick when working suspending jerk baiting techniques.

How to Fish with Jerkbaits

Fishing with jerkbaits is an effective way to catch bass. It requires a certain technique and setup, but when done correctly can be highly successful.

Techniques for Fishing with Jerkbaits

When fishing with jerkbaits, it’s important to understand the action of the lure. A jerkbait is designed to mimic a baitfish in distress, so jerking your rod tip up quickly and then letting the bait pause before repeating will create this effect. To increase success when using jerkbaits, try varying your retrieve speed as well as how hard you are jerking your rod tip up. This will help attract more fish and give them different looks at the bait. Additionally, don’t forget about pauses during retrieves; these can often trigger strikes from bass that may have been following or looking at the lure without taking it initially.

Rod and Reel Setup for Fishing with Jerkbaits

For most situations involving bass fishing with jerkbaits, a medium-light power-spinning outfit is ideal due to its sensitivity and ability to cast light lures accurately while still having enough backbone for hook sets on larger fish. Spooling up with a 10-15 lb monofilament line also works great because of its stretchiness which helps absorb some of those hard jerks when setting hooks into big fish’s mouths.

Fishing with jerkbaits can be an effective and rewarding technique for bass fishing. By understanding the best places to fish, anglers can maximize their success when using this method.

Best Places to Fish with Jerkbaits

When it comes to fishing with jerkbaits, the key is knowing where to find bass. While there are many great places to fish for bass, some areas may be better suited for using jerkbaits than others. Understanding seasonal considerations and habitat preferences can help anglers make the most of their time on the water when using jerkbaits.

One of the best places to fish with jerkbaits is near a cover or structure. Bass love hiding around covers such as logs, rocks, stumps, weeds, docks, and bridges because they provide protection from predators while offering plenty of food sources like baitfish and insects. Jerkbaits are especially effective in these areas because they imitate a fleeing baitfish that has been startled by a predator or other disturbance in its environment.

Seasonally speaking, springtime is an ideal time for fishing with jerkbaits due to increased activity levels among bass during this period as they begin preparing for the spawning season. During this time of year, look for warmer waters near shorelines and points where currents meet upwellings—these locations tend to be magnets for hungry bass looking for easy meals before heading off into deeper waters later in the summer months.

Another great place to use jerkbait lures is along weed lines or edges during late summer through early fall when cooler temperatures drive baitfish towards shallow flats or coves protected by thick vegetation growths such as eelgrass beds and lily pads. This type of habitat provides plenty of opportunity not only for finding active schools of feeding fish but also offers shelter from larger predators, making them prime spots when targeting largemouth bass with your favorite jerking lure setup.

By taking into account the best places to fish with jerkbaits, you can increase your chances of success when bass fishing. Choosing the right lure for your situation is just as important and requires careful consideration of color, size, and weight selection.

Choosing the Right Lure for Your Situation

Different colors, sizes, and weights can all affect your success when using these lures. Investigating the impacts of hue, bulk, and heft on your angling achievements when employing these baits is worth a peek.

Color Selection when Using Jerkbaits

Color selection is important for any type of lure, but especially so for jerkbaits. Generally speaking, bright colors like chartreuse or yellow are great for clear water conditions, and dark colors like black or purple are better for murky water conditions. However, this isn’t always the case; experimentation may be necessary to determine what works best in different situations. Additionally, certain types of fish may prefer certain colors over others—so pay attention to what has been working on previous trips and adjust accordingly if needed.

Size Selection when Using the Best Jerkbaits for Bass

The size of your jerkbait also matters when trying to target specific species of fish or areas with larger concentrations of baitfish present. Smaller baits will often work better in shallow waters, while larger ones might be necessary for deeper depths where bigger game resides. Again though, experimenting with different sizes could yield positive results depending on the situation at hand.

Weight selection is another factor that needs to be taken into consideration before heading out onto the lake or riverbank with your tackle box full of jerkbaits. Heavier lures will sink faster, which can come in handy if you’re looking to reach deeper depths quickly; however, lighter lures tend to move slower through the water column, making them ideal for suspending near structures like weed beds or rock piles without getting snagged up too easily. Ultimately it depends on what kind of action you’re going after—fast sinking versus slow suspending—so make sure you have a variety available before embarking on your next fishing trip.

Conclusion for the Best Jerkbaits for Bass

With the right rod and reel setup, you can target larger bass in deeper water more effectively. Pay attention to the environment when employing jerkbaits for bass—it can be crucial for success. When used correctly, jerkbaits are one of the best lures out there for catching bass. So don’t forget about them next time you’re looking for that trophy-sized fish.

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