Fish Sniffer On Demand Digital Edition Issue 3802 Jan 4-18 | Page 27

VOL.38 • ISS. 2 FRESHWATER BASS FISHING SPOTLIGHT I January 4-18, 2019 25 By Steve Pennaz 11 Tips For Jerk-Baiting Bass! f you want to become a better jerkbait angler, here are 11 tips that will improve your success. Lesson #1: Down, down, down! - Some anglers have the tendency to fish jerkbaits by moving the rod horizontally, even vertically. Actually, its better to fish jerkbaits by moving the rod tip in downward sweeps from roughly the 3:00 o’clock to 5:00 o’clock position. Quick rips at the beginning of your retrieve will help your bait reach your target depth zone sooner, and subsequent strokes and pauses will keep the neutrally-buoyant bait more or less on a horizontal retrieve toward the boat. Lesson #2: Slack is good - Introduce slack line between the lure and the rod tip before you start the actual jerk-stroke down and immediately after. The intro- duction of slack line produces more erratic lure action and allows the bait to glide naturally after the stroke. You want to hear “tsst, tsst, tsst” during each cast. Lesson #3: Cadence - I quickly learned that the right cadence and stroke combi- nation is key to jerkbait fishing. During our filming, water was cold and bass did not want the baits fished fast; the pause was key, those moments in the retrieve when the bait would just sit in the water column, neutrally buoyant. Instead of a pop, pop, pop, and pause – or even two pops and a pause – it was a single stroke followed by a pause that got bites. Lesson #4: Painfully long pauses - As a general rule of thumb, the colder the water, the slower you should fish a jerkbait. There may be times when you need to pause 10, 20, 30, or even 50 seconds between jerk-strokes. It’s painful to fish that way—and I hate it—but sometimes that’s the only way you’re going to get bit in cold water. Other times, fish may want the bait fished more aggressively. Lesson #5: Apples and oranges - The best way to fish a jerkbait can also depend on target species. In this particular tour- nament we were targeting largemouths, and I mention that because smallmouths and largemouths seem to react differ- ently to how jerkbaits are fished. In some cases it can really be apples and oranges. My experience is smallmouths typically want the bait fished with more aggressive strokes, while largies prefer jerkbaits fished slow. Still, on most days, you’ll need to let the fish tell you what you what they want. Lesson #6: Rod Length - I’m 6’ 2” and I fish out of a Ranger 620FS, so I’m a little higher off the water when I’m fishing off the deck. So, depending on your height and your boat, the key is to look for a rod that is long enough that you can fish the bait with a downstroke without the rod tip getting wet. My go-to rod (an Abu Villain) measures 7 feet and features a soft tip. I like a long rod; I can pick up line faster, and it gives me a little more control of the fish during the fight. Lesson #7: Rod power/action - For larger jerkbaits, I prefer a medium-power baitcasting rod, which is 90% of the time. But for finesse situations in clear, heavily-pressured waters, I will step down in bait size and use a spinning rod. But no matter which you choose, the rod should have enough backbone to move the jerkbait. I like a 7’ medium-action rod with a softer tip, which allows slower bait movement at the start of each rip (doesn’t seem to spook as many fish). A softer tip is more forgiving with hooked fish; you’ll land more fish. Lesson #8: Line choice - I’m usually throwing jerkbaits on 8-, 10- or 12-lb. Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon. First, it’s a little stiffer than mono to but thinner prevent the bait from hooking itself on profile; and the your line. Secondly, because fluorocarbon Cutter 90+ has sinks, that little extra weight can help keep only two treble baits down. Lastly, the near-invisibility of hooks -- the fluorocarbon puts the odds in your favor perfect jerkbait on clear waters. Fish that move 10, 20, 30 for finesse feet or more to hit a bait can be line shy. situations. The exception to the rule comes when Each comes in fishing long pauses. There may be times 12 finishes and features Berkley’s new so forth. when heavier fluoro can cause certain Fusion 19 hooks, which are sticky sharp. What will happen is you’ll start baits to nose-dip. In those cases, I may My go-to bait is the 110+ but there are figuring out little patterns in the patterns. switch to neutrally-buoyant monofilament times when downsizing to the 90+ is Finally, although we’re focused on to keep baits horizontal. simply the best way to get bit. early-season cold water right now, keep Lesson #9: Examine how fish are Parting Thoughts in mind that jerkbaits are incredibly hooked - Which jerkbait hook you catch Really, the best way to learn how to versatile. Sure, they’re a great spring, the fish on can tell you a lot. If you’re fish a jerkbait is to leave the dock with a fall and winter bait, but can perform in catching bass barely hooked via the rear small sample of jerkbaits – and commit warm-water situations, too! jerkbait hook, chances are fish aren’t in to yourself to fish only those love with what you’re doing. So, you may baits for the day. It’s even want to look at your presentation. Are you better to have two anglers in fishing with the right color? Am I fishing the boat: one fishing fast, the it too fast? Not fast enough? The best bites other fishing slow; one fishing are those when the front or front and rear natural colors, the other bright hooks end up in the bass’ mouth. I’ll start colors; one fishing a larger by trying different colors if I get several bait, one a smaller bait; and fish on the back hook. Lesson #10: Colors - In clear water, I like more natural For both Bank Anglers and Boat Anglers! Sponsored by patterns, those 2019 TOURNAMENT DATES translucent finish • FEB. 2nd .................. San Pablo Dam Res. options in silver • March 2nd .............. Lake Pardee or natural forage patterns. But • March 23rd ............. Lake Amador there are times • APRIL 13th .............. Collins Lake when it seems • OCT. 12th ................ Lake Pardee smallmouths • NOV. 2-3rd...Tournament of Champions... react better to Brought to bright baits with Collins Lake you by chartreuse and TONS OF FUN FOR YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY! Top 50 adult finishers from all oranges. So, start 2019 tournaments are eligible with more natural for a chance to win the patterns and see Grand Raffle Prize what the fish prefer. 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It’s almost like an Phone Entry Reservations: (916) 768-0938 • Enter Online At www.anglerspress.com CASH Mail Entry To: Anglers Press P.O. Box 601956, Sacramento, CA 95680 underwater walk- GREAT PRIZES and PRIZES EXHIBITOR BOOTHS • HUGE RAFFLE AFTER THE WEIGH-IN • PRIZES • FAMILY FUN & EXCITEMENT! FOR THE KIDS for the Adults the-dog with a *Prizes and payout are subjected to change without notice DIVISION! Division! slight side-to-side *Boats shown with options. A Sheldon Bright Production. roll. And bass crush ‘em. SPONSORED BY: The Cutter 110+ is a beefy, Fisherman’s Warehouse standard-size jerkbait; the Skinny Cutter 110+ has a similar length 3802 NorCal Trout Anglers Challenge! WIN A NEW BOAT!