Jerkbaits

Erratic, darting action that triggers reaction strikes from bass holding in open water and around cover. Jerkbaits suspend or sink on the pause, mimicking injured baitfish that bass can't resist. Deadly in cold water, clear water, and when bass are suspended.

Why Jerkbaits Work

Bass react to erratic movement. The sharp twitches and long pauses mimic a dying or injured baitfish — easy prey that triggers predatory instincts. Suspending jerkbaits hang in the strike zone during pauses, giving bass time to commit. The flash and wobble on the twitch draws fish from a distance.

Types of Jerkbaits

Suspending Jerkbaits: Hang motionless on the pause. Best for cold water when bass are lethargic and need time to commit. The pause is when most strikes happen.

Floating Jerkbaits: Rise slowly on the pause. Work them over shallow cover and grass. The rising action triggers strikes from bass watching from below.

Sinking Jerkbaits: Fall slowly on the pause. Work deeper water and count down to different depths. Great for targeting suspended fish at specific depths.

When to Fish Jerkbaits

Cold water when bass are sluggish and suspended. Clear water where bass can see the bait from a distance. Pre-spawn and post-spawn when bass are transitioning and holding in open water. Anytime bass are suspended around points, ledges, and drop-offs.

How to Fish Jerkbaits

Sharp downward twitches of the rod tip create the erratic darting action. Twitch, twitch, pause. The pause is critical — that's when most strikes happen. Vary the cadence to trigger bites — sometimes fast and aggressive, sometimes slow with long pauses. In cold water, longer pauses work better. In warmer water, speed up the cadence.

Watch your line during the pause. Bites are often subtle — a slight tick or line movement. Set the hook at the first sign of anything different.

Best For

• Cold water and clear water conditions
• Suspended bass around points, ledges, and drop-offs
• Pre-spawn and post-spawn transitions
• Triggering reaction strikes from inactive fish
• Open water and around cover

The D&F Way

We keep things simple, honest, and respectful of the water. If it's in our store, it's something we'd fish ourselves.

Nothing extra, nothing wasted. Just solid gear for good days on the lake.