Rod suggestions for fishing bigger jerkbaits

I’m looking for input on a casting rod that will be used to fish larger jerkbaits like the #12 X rap, etc. I feel I can work the smaller sizes, #10 and under, the way I want with spinning rods but the #12 X Rap and similar baits are bigger, requires more effort to move it through the water and I just can’t get the right “snap and dart” action on the bait with my existing rods. So, time for a new addition to the arsenal.

So here’s what I have in mind. No longer than 7′. An XF action with a very fine tip section. Light weight. In my experience casting rods labeled XF are slower than spinning rods labeled with that same action, even rods made by the same manufacturer. I really want a FAST action rod to get the action out of the jerkbaits they way I like to present them.

Suggestions?

James, I use the Quantum EXO and Smoke models. Specifically I have the (Smoke) SKC 696XF, (Smoke) SKC 705F (EXO) EXC 705 F & EXC706F
My goto rods are the Medium (7′)705’s in Fast. For a crank’n rod they have a true fast action.
When I’m tossing smaller musky baits, BIG jerk baits, or super deep diver (16′ or deeper) I grab the EXC 706F which is a medium/heavy 7′ fast. All the backbone you could ask for, perfect tip for swim or jerk baits.

For the money, I think the Smokes are the best value. Retail is about 149 or 159. A little searching and you may find them for less than retail on the net. As for comfort and weight, EVERY client in my boat that fishes Criox, loomis,….rods all comment on how incredibly light and sensitive they are. For the last couple years i haven’t found another rod to compare in a similar price range.

I don’t have a brand or model to suggest but I have something for you to consider. I was watching some fishing show awhile back, I don’t remember which one but the guy was talking about using a short rod so you can work the rod downward without hitting the tip on the water. I dug out an old 6′ medium I had laying around and I tried it. Wow what a difference, by being able to sweep straight down my suspending jerkbait stays a lot deeper and I can work the bait much easier. I’m only 5′ 9″ and I have a bass boat so you might be able to get away with a longer rod. If I could pick the perfect rod it would have the same length from reel seat to tip as the one I have but a longer butt grip would be nice for two handed casting. I like the medium action and the fast tip. You do lose casting distance with the short rod but it is definitely worth it in my opinion.

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I don’t have a brand or model to suggest but I have something for you to consider. I was watching some fishing show awhile back, I don’t remember which one but the guy was talking about using a short rod so you can work the rod downward without hitting the tip on the water. I dug out an old 6′ medium I had laying around and I tried it. Wow what a difference, by being able to sweep straight down my suspending jerkbait stays a lot deeper and I can work the bait much easier. I’m only 5′ 9″ and I have a bass boat so you might be able to get away with a longer rod. If I could pick the perfect rod it would have the same length from reel seat to tip as the one I have but a longer butt grip would be nice for two handed casting. I like the medium action and the fast tip. You do lose casting distance with the short rod but it is definitely worth it in my opinion.

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I’m right there with you on length! That’s why I specified 7′ length MAX. I’m 6’4″ tall and my MX 2025 does sit a bit higher in the bow than a bass boat so I’m thinking if I keep the rod under 7′ I should be in good shape.

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James, I use the Quantum EXO and Smoke models. Specifically I have the (Smoke) SKC 696XF, (Smoke) SKC 705F (EXO) EXC 705 F & EXC706F
My goto rods are the Medium (7′)705’s in Fast. For a crank’n rod they have a true fast action.
When I’m tossing smaller musky baits, BIG jerk baits, or super deep diver (16′ or deeper) I grab the EXC 706F which is a medium/heavy 7′ fast. All the backbone you could ask for, perfect tip for swim or jerk baits.

For the money, I think the Smokes are the best value. Retail is about 149 or 159. A little searching and you may find them for less than retail on the net. As for comfort and weight, EVERY client in my boat that fishes Criox, loomis,….rods all comment on how incredibly light and sensitive they are. For the last couple years i haven’t found another rod to compare in a similar price range.

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Thanks for the info, Randy. I’ll be sure to check out the Quantums you recommended.

Hmm that is an interesting one.

This sounds like a heavy drop shot rod. Softer tip, extra fast built into a baitcaster.

Let me see what I can dig up. There are a lot of options out there for this I use a 7’3″ MH EF rod for this.

I have a St. Croix Legend Tourney Bass 7’1″ MF spinning rod that has a stupid amount of backbone to it. It’s barely light enough to throw a #12 Husky Jerk but does a good job. That said, I haven’t thrown a big x-rap with it yet and that’s a lot more bait than a #12 husky. I know you said casting, but it might be worth holding one if you’re at all interested in staying spinning just to see if it would make sense.

Edit: I have model TBS71MF. The handle takes some getting used to for sure. There’s a bunch of potentially great walleye rods in the tournament bass line whether you want spinning or casting, and you can get the 71MF blank in a casting model if you want. They also have a 71MHF that could be more of what you’re looking for.

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Hmm that is an interesting one.

This sounds like a heavy drop shot rod. Softer tip, extra fast built into a baitcaster.

Let me see what I can dig up. There are a lot of options out there for this I use a 7’3″ MH EF rod for this.

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I’m open to anything. Let me know if you have a rod around the shop I could shake. Or better yet, take down to the river near the shop and make a couple test casts.

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I have a St. Croix Legend Tourney Bass 7’1″ MF spinning rod that has a stupid amount of backbone to it. It’s barely light enough to throw a #12 Husky Jerk but does a good job. That said, I haven’t thrown a big x-rap with it yet and that’s a lot more bait than a #12 husky. I know you said casting, but it might be worth holding one if you’re at all interested in staying spinning just to see if it would make sense.

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John

Thanks for the input. I’m definitely not committed to going baitcaster. I just haven’t been able to find a spinning rod blank that fits the bill… yet. I’ll see if I can’t track down one of those 7’1″ rods to shake. And based on your initial description it sounds like this rod you’re recommending might make a really good laker jigging rod as well. I just happen to be on the hunt for one of those too. IF I could kill two birds with one stone, that would be an added bonus.

I use a Shimano Compre Casting Rod 6’8″ Med Hvy X Fast for #14 Husky Jerks and #12 X-Raps.