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Posts: 127
Location: NW burbs of Chicago | I just started to throw jerkbaits last weekend, and Andrew made an interesting statement about how he 'hadn't figured out' how to throw one of his new baits -- so he gave it to me to use, not that I knew what I was doing...
So my question is: When faced with a bait you've never used before, what are some techniques to figure out how best to throw it?
Thanks,
Crash McG |
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Posts: 8840
| First thing I do is figure 8 it a couple times before I even try casting. Then I'll throw a few short casts, just far enough to get a cadence going, and see how the lure responds. No sense throwing it further than you can see and working it all the way back to the boat on its side or whatever. Once I get a feel for how it responds while I can see it, THEN I'll throw it farther and work it based on how it feels. Next thing is try to see how far it flies, so I know how hard to throw it when aiming at structure. After that it's mostly just getting used to how it feels.
Jeff |
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| try using it on a couple rods with different lengths and actions as well. |
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| In addition to getting a feel for the rhytm of a new bait, I find I have to experiment with leader length and rod action / length.
As a rule of thumb I tend to match the leader length to length of the bait.
If I still can't figure it out, I give it to my wife and ask her to do my job for me.  |
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| Crash, nice meeting you recently. You just have to experiment and see what works best for you.
I use single strand metal leaders with jerk baits, a Heavy or Medium Heavy action rod, and I often split ring the front of them. They work best twitch, twitch, twich, pause, or more violent jerks to get wilder action.
Jerkbaits like Bobbies and Suicks often need to be customized to work properly. I usually add custom weights and dog ear the tails until I get the action I like best. |
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Posts: 4266
| I include an instruction card with all of my lures for guys that aren't used to using a nice soft twitch or snap to get a lure moving. A guy that uses one of mine and pulls it or rips it hard is going to be disappointed. I usually do the same thing that the other guys mentioned, as far as short casts, different rods etc. But just for a rule of thumb, for glider I keep the rod tip low to the water and leave it there during the retrieve. For jerkbaits, I'll do just that...jerk and wind, but always finish with the rod tip low so I'm ready for a good hook set. I never jerk to the side, until something eats what is at the other end of my line.
I'd also suggest learning to use all new baits before you are actually fishing. A local pond or boatlanding can be a great test area so you don't have to go to school while you are actually fishing.
Beav |
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Posts: 1046
| Just put it on your line and throw it, if it does not act like you think it should just put on a different bait. I would be alot more worried about my baits location then its action. Technique comes with experience and you will find out that a bait that is hot for someone else, can be your worst nightmare, get use to it and dont sweat the small stuff! |
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| I agree with Handyman. Sounds like he stole my secret technique. Used to have another secret technique, until I realized any idiot could catch a fish on a suick with any retrieve, and I mean, yah know, c'mon, a suick is just a flat chunkawood buddy! |
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| Ditto to the last two! I've seen guys out for their first muskie experience working a jerkbait in a completely unorthodox fashion get all the bites while my expert rhythmic action gets me merely follows. Mix it up/do it different! Main things really to concern yourself with jerks are good hooksets, keeping the fishing down so that they don't "shake the wood off", and keeping those hooks razor sharp! |
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| Crash your not alone we just sposored a free spring tune up pool night with Gander Moutain. We asked the public to bring there equipment. There were some pretty good sticks on hand to help work with the people it was a great time. I was amazed who many baits these guy's had in there tackle boxes that, they didn't really know how to use. After working with these guys it was clear we as manufactures need better instuctions or a better way to cummunicate with our cutomers. The problem is there just isn't enough room on the package for a detailed explanations.
So what wev'e done is added a video demo of each of our baits on our website home page. The demo shows you how the baits should perform and how we work the baits you will also see what the fish see. www.hawgseekers.com maybe some of the footage will help you.
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