Jerk bait rod

When you see the pros throwing a jerk bait it’s always on a bait casting rod.
When you see the Linders throwing one for smallmouth it’s always it’s always on a spinning rod.
So I have always used a 6’8 medium fast for a jerk bait.
What size rod and spinning or bait casting is your go to rod?

I use a bait caster. It’s a fairly stiff rod with a fast action. It think it’s 6’10” in length.

The ideal length may depend on how tall you are too, and what kind of boat you primarily fish out of. It takes some getting used to in order to constantly snap a jerk bait for extended periods of time so personal comfort is important.

The line also plays a role. I use mono because you need some “give” when a fish strikes and you snap back. Jerk bait trebles are not stout – they are often thinner wire but very sharp. You could use braided line with a leader but you’ll want to back off on the drag to allow for some give. Or you could use a less stiff rod too. Just so there is something in your overall setup that has the “give” when you pull back with a fish on. They always hit it on the pause.

I should have clarified I have always used spinning rods as well when targeting smallmouth.
Yes I have seen them hammer it and nip at it but it’s always on the pause.

I have a bait casting rod that I bought that is 7’1 medium heavy but moderate action with 10 lb braid. I am 6’3 and my boat is a Recon so it sits higher than your average bass boat. But I do fish with my dad in his Nitro bass boat as well.

With Big Stone almost all the way open I was thinking about heading up there this up coming Friday and give it a shot.
Temps are suppose to be around 70 degrees that day.

1A Jerk Rod for me is a St. Croix Avid 6’8″ mxf. I have two of them. Love that rod for several things. Braid for line.
1B Jerk Rod is a Tatula 6’10” mhf. FC for line. Also, it is a very versatile rod. For when more power is called for.
1C Jerk Rod 763 Loomis IMX. Such a fun rod to throw jerkbaits with. Doesn’t cast as far because it’s only 6’6″

Spinning rods, whatever. Use several love none of them. Top choice would be a 782 GLX Loomis for mostly throwing size 6 or 8 X-Raps, which I don’t throw very often.

Baitcasting setup. 6’6″ medium rod, usually an old shimano V rod. Same rod I’ll throw spooks on. I’d say keep it 7 feet or under. Usually use Baitcasting but smaller and lighter lures will use a spinning setup.

I use a 7 ft medium heavy rod with a moderate tip. You want enough give in the tip to let the rod bounce so that jerk can slash and jerk around. If your tip is too fast you won’t get that bounce and it will pull the lure instead of giving it the freedom to be erratic. The 7ft length is short enough so when I’m twitching the lure my rod tip isn’t in the water.

There are quite a few people who use spinning gear for jerkbaits. It’s mostly a feel thing or personal preference. Seem to get wind knots and my line tangling when I use spinning gear so I like a casting setup.

Gim mentioned line also, and you need to pay attention to it. If you go braid, it could affect the bouyancy of the lure on the pause and make it rise because braid floats. The opposite is true if you’re using fluoro. You want that jerk to suspend not slowly float or sink.

Jerkbaiting is awesome. One of my favorite ways to fish and you can tinker with a lot of the aspects of it.