Jerkbait fishing is not a basic technique but its one that anyone, even a beginner angler, can learn. When fished properly the jerkbaits ability to draw bass in and trigger a feed response is remarkable! The key to the technique is in the equipment. We almost never emphasize equipment over technique but this is one category where an angler can have all the right mechanics but paired with the wrong equipment, the bait still won't work properly.

In today's video Matt begins by explaining exactly what you should look for in a jerkbait rod/reel combo. He also gives some key tips about adapting your existing equipment for a jerkbait. There are some changes you can make including fishing smaller reel sizes and braided line that will help improve your jerkbait fishing even without owning a dedicated jerkbait rod.

Now, choosing the right baits is a whole different animal. While we didn't lean as heavy into the specific lures in today's video we promised to do exactly that in the video description. Below you will find a very detailed breakdown of the baits as well as the rod and reel combos we recommend. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

The baits are separated by depth range so you can easily decide between shallow, medium, and deep divers to match the waters you fish. The colors recommendations are universal and will work around the country but if you're just starting out lean toward the ghost colors in clear water, the reflective colors in stained water, and the bold (chartreuse or white) in murky water.

Upgrading hooks is also a major consideration once you bend out the stock hooks. Its very difficult to find replacement hooks for jerkbaits without impacting the sink rates of the baits and hurting their action. Luckily, we've found excellent replacement hooks for you and have linked those below between the baits and the rod/reel combos.

Shallow Jerkbaits...

-Jackall Rerange 110: http://bit.ly/2ge0qED

(Blue Pearl Shad, Ghost Wakasagi, HL Hasu)

-Megabass Vision 110: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb

(GP Pro Blue, ITO Tennessee Shad, Killer Kawaguchi)

-Lucky Craft Flash Pointer 115: http://bit.ly/2aHz588

(American Shad, Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow)

Mid-Depth Jerkbaits...

-Jackall Rerange 110 MR: https://bit.ly/2CbWr6X

(RT Holo Minnow, HL Hasu, SG Threadfin)

-Megabass Vision 110+1: http://bit.ly/2iGYOCX

(GP Pro Blue, ITO Tennessee Shad, Elegy Bone)

Deep Diving Jerkbaits...

-Megabass Vision 110+2: http://bit.ly/2BLQIBA

(MB Gizzard, Elegy Bone, ITO Tennessee Shad)

-Lucky Craft Staysee 90: http://bit.ly/2dBzMmz

(American Shad, Ghost Minnow, Chartreuse Shad)

-Lucky Craft Pointer 100 DD: http://bit.ly/2e0sQj7

(American Shad, Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow)

Smaller and Oversized Jerkbaits...

Smaller-Megabass Vision 110 Jr: http://bit.ly/2OeAFBf

(GP Pro Blue, Deadly Black Shad)

Bigger- Megabass Oneten Max LBO: https://bit.ly/3dfhL9y

(ITO Tennessee Shad, MB Gizzard)

Hook and Split Ring Upgrades...

Hook- Gamakatsu Finesse Nano Trebles: http://bit.ly/2dWWAut

(Size 5 and 6 will fit all of the baits except Pointer DD and Max LBO)

Split Ring- Owner Hyperwire Black: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

(Size 2 for all baits except Pointer DD and Max LBO, They use size 3)

Matt's Favorite Jerkbait Combo...

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Aldebaran 50 MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line- Sunline Assassin 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget Jerkbait Combo...

Rod- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel- Shimano SLX MGL 70 (Pre-Order Available): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Other Great Jerkbait Rods...

-Megabass Orochi XX 6'11" Jerkbait Special: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

-Megabass Destroyer Oneten Special: http://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

-G Loomis IMX Pro 812 JBR: http://bit.ly/2QurcHi

-St Croix Legend Elite 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

-St. Croix Bass X 6'8" medium: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel...

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G