When used properly, a jerkbait is an extremely effective way to lure in bigger fish. This is because a jerkbait plays on a fish’s natural feeding habits, and will bring them right up close to the bait, where they will be fooled into thinking they’re getting a meal.
For those who aren’t sure, a jerkbait is a replica of a baitfish, often made of plastic, that does not move independently but instead requires the angler to create the jerking, twitching movements a live baitfish would make in the water themselves.
Sounds simple enough, right?
But, it’s actually tricker to pull off than it sounds, so to do it right you’ll need a good jerkbait rod to make that little plastic fish dance, and in turn, lure in the big boys!
But which jerkbait rod is the best one to use for this?
With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which one will give you the most effective results. That’s why we’ve put together this list of our favorites, as well as a useful buying guide that will help you find the perfect jerkbait for your needs.
If you’re in a hurry and would like to know which jerkbait rod will help you draw in a good catch, our top pick is an absolutely fin-tastic choice!
Best Jerkbait Rods – Reviews
- PREMIUM IM8 GRAPHITE BLANKS in GC and GS models deliver strength, durability, and sensitivity
- PREMIUM IM8 GRAPHITE/COMPOSITE BLANKS in CC models offer the perfect action for cranking applications
- FULL CONTACT REEL SEATS on casting models provide increased blank contact and sensitivity
- REAR LOCKING REEL SEATS on spinning models offer a reliable, comfortable union between rod and reel
- SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED ACTIONS to meet specifications of Kevin VanDam, delivering expert performance every time
- ABU GARCIA VERITAS 6’6” CASTING ROD: A balanced and lightweight rod designed for on-the-water technique and style. 1-piece fishing rod is designed for increased sensitivity.
- 12-20LB LINE RATING, MEDIUM HEAVY POWER, MODERATE FAST ACTION: The Veritas Casting Fishing Rod is up for the next challenge. Lure rating of 1/4-1 oz. The Texas-rigged hook keeper will work with all...
- GRAPHITE CONSTRUCTION featuring exclusive Powerlux 100 to deliver a 15% stronger* and 5% lighter** rod. Total weight is just 4.6 oz.
- 10 TITANIUM ALLOY GUIDES: Built with zirconium inserts to allow for a lightweight balanced rod. Also features ROCS (Robotically Optimized Casting System) guide train for maximized casting distance...
- ERGONOMIC CUSTOM REEL SEAT provides a dependable anchor point for the reel. Closed cell EVA split grip handle (type A) with a Rubber rod butt delivers greater weather and wear resistance.
- PREMIUM IM8 GRAPHITE BLANKS in GC and GS models deliver strength, durability, and sensitivity
- PREMIUM IM8 GRAPHITE/COMPOSITE BLANKS in CC models offer the perfect action for cranking applications
- FULL CONTACT REEL SEATS on casting models provide increased blank contact and sensitivity
- REAR LOCKING REEL SEATS on spinning models offer a reliable, comfortable union between rod and reel
- SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED ACTIONS to meet specifications of Kevin VanDam, delivering expert performance every time
- PVG Japanese 24 Ton Blank Construction
- Preminum Natural Cork Handle
- Finely Crafted with State of the Art Components
- Lazer Etched Tatula Spider Graphic
- X-45 Concept Blanks
- Fuji FazLite guides
Best Jerkbait Rods – Buyers Guide
From the length of the rod itself to the aesthetics of it, there are going to be many things to bear in mind when you’re looking for the perfect jerkbait rod.
We’ve broken down some points that you should consider before making your final decision, which will simplify the process and help you find the perfect jerkbait rod for your fishing needs.
Type
When you’re shopping around for jerkbait rod, you’ll notice that you’re mostly given the choice between a baitcasting and a spinning rod. But which one should you go for? Well, it really comes down to your level of experience.
If you’re fairly new to fishing, we would recommend opting for a spinning rod as it will be easier to master, and is the most effective for casting jerkbait lures on a lighter line.
Baitcasting rods offer more power and control, especially when you’re fishing with a heavier tackle, and are better suited for more experienced anglers that know how to control the line without running into problems.
Essentially, they are both great choices for using jerkbait, it just depends on which one you’d feel more comfortable using, and the fishing expertise that you have.
Action
A jerkbait lure needs to be moved around manually by the angler, and the action of your jerkbait rod will need to make your bait dance in the water realistically enough to trigger a strike from a fish.
Generally speaking, the best action to look for in a jerkbait rod is a fast action that will react quickly and allow the angler a good amount of control over the movement, meaning they can recreate the natural, jerking movements of a small fish.
Power
You will also be given a variety of strengths to choose from when looking for a jerkbait rod as well, such as ultralight, medium or medium-heavy. The strength that you choose will determine how much power your rod has over its power, flexibility and sensitivity.
For jerkbait fishing, the ideal power would be medium or medium-heavy as this will provide a good balance of both flexibility and strength, allowing you to pull a fish out of the water without accidentally unhooking it.
Medium powered rods also tend to have enough power behind them to reel in bigger catches without the rod snapping or breaking.
Length
Another decision you’ll be faced with is the length of your rod, with multiple sizes on offer across the board.
When you’re fishing with a jerkbait, shorter rods are more beneficial as they will allow you to have better control over the movement of the lure, and will also have less of an exhausting effect on your arms when you’re sat twitching the bait for hours.
Longer rods will launch the bait further out, but can be a lot more awkward and tiresome to use when making the jerkbait dance.
Style
There are many different styles of rod available and, although you’re obviously going to want to find one that delivers a great performance, you might also want to give some thought to how it looks.
So whether you go for a sleek, black one, or choose a rod in a more vibrant color, you’ll want to make sure that it’s aesthetically pleasing to you.
Give some thought also to how easy it is going to be to pack away and transport. One-piece rods are going to be harder to fit into a car, or take with you on a long fishing trip, and will also take up more space in your house when you’re not using it.
Try looking for a rod that can be broken down into several parts and then reassembled when you need it. Not only will this save on storage space when you’re not using it, but will also be much easier to transport.
Handle
Once you feel a bite, and the time has come to reel in your catch, you’re going to need a good, sturdy handle that won’t fly out of your hand as soon as battle commences.
Many rods offer non-slip handles, that will ensure you have a good grip and ultimate control over your rod while you pull the fish towards you.
Some rods also offer an interchangeable handle, which lets you choose between left-handed and right-handed operation. This is a great feature for the much-overlooked left-handed person.
Another thing to consider when looking at the handle of your rod, is how comfortable it is. You could be sat out for a long time before you get a catch, and as jerkbait fishing requires constant manual movement from the angler, an uncomfortable handle could affect the movements that the bait makes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is jerkbait?
Ordinarily made from plastic, jerkbait is a lure that is modelled after a baitfish. Completely inactive, the angler then uses their rod to recreate the movements and twitches that a baitfish would make, which then draws in bigger fish that would normally feed on these smaller fish.
What should I look for in a jerkbait rod?
To get the realistic, natural looking movements of a baitfish that you need to mimic when jerkbait fishing, your rod will need to be lightweight and flexible. It will also need to be strong enough to reel in a large fish, and be able to withstand a good amount of weight without breaking or snapping.
How long should a jerkbait rod be?
Fishing rods come in varying lengths, but for jerkbait fishing a shorter rod (around 5’ long) is most effective. A shorter rod will allow you better control over the movements, and will be less tiresome on your arms over a long period of time.
Should I go for a baitcasting or a spinning rod?
This comes to do both personal preference, and where your level of skill is. Spinning rods are much easier to use, and are better for casting lighter lines, so would be more beneficial for a beginner angler. Baitcasting rods offer more power and control over larger catches, and are better for using heavier bait.
What material should a good jerkbait rod be made from?
Any jerkbait rod needs to be constructed from a tough, durable material that is going to be able to withstand a lot of weight without snapping. Carbon fiber, fiberglass and graphite are the most commonly used materials in fishing rods, and are all great options.
What’s the best reel seat material?
We would recommend looking for a jerkbait rod that has reel seats constructed from anodized aluminum. This will not only make them tough and lightweight at the same time so you can reel in heavier catches, but will also be less prone to rust or corrosion.
