Preparing gear and equipment is very important for any fisherman who goes to a body of water. Fishing is not only a pleasant pastime, but also an exciting hobby for many men.
Why do they prepare so carefully for each trip and get up at 5 am to watch the sunrise on the river bank with a fishing rod in their hands? For many women, this will forever remain a mystery.
Almost any man, when going fishing, secretly dreams of bringing back a trophy that will arouse the admiration of ladies and the envy of friends.
In order to catch a predatory fish you will need not only a fishing rod, but also good bait. Today, many anglers prefer jerk wobblers for pike (jerkbaits). Predators are very interested in them.
What is jerk
The word jerk gets its name from the literal translation of the English word “jerk”. This name itself translates as jerk or twitch.
The essence of a jerk wobbler is the sharp and chaotic twitching of the bait in the water. It may look like a small fish fry that is twitching in its death convulsions, or perhaps it is entangled somewhere and is an easy prey for the pike. At the moment when the predator swims up to the jerk, it is very important for the fisherman to pull the rod towards himself in time. If this is not done, the moment will be missed and the fish will simply swim away with the bait.
In order to fish with such bait as efficiently as possible, a person must follow several rules:
- you need to fish with bait in deep water places;
- for fishing in reservoirs with standing water, you need to use small baits;
- if fishing takes place on the river. Then the tackle must be thrown as far as possible and perpendicular to the current. When lowering the bait into the water, you need to constantly “play” with it, supporting the bait. You can get by with the natural pressure of the current, but the result will take longer;
- Fishing with a speaker must be carried out from a sitting position. With a sharp movement it is necessary to bring the jerk to the edge of the boat and at the same time allow it to pass 20-30 cm along the edge of the side. Then jerk the bait sharply;
- When fishing on the surface, it is recommended to use only light baits. They should be no heavier than 10-15 grams.
What is a jerkbait
Novice fishermen will not be able to distinguish jerkbaits for pike from wobblers on their own; at the very beginning, many lures seem very similar. However, they will differ radically. Jerk has the following features:
- The weight of the bait starts from 30 g, but the maximum can reach 140 g;
- The jerkbait does not have a shovel; it sinks into the water due to its heavy weight;
- minimum size 10 cm.
Such indicators indicate that it is necessary to use these baits in reservoirs with sufficient depths.
There are several types of pike jerks:
| subspecies | characteristics |
| gliders | a bait without a shovel with a high and voluminous body, thanks to such indicators, with correctly selected wiring, it moves jerkily from side to side |
| pullbaits | there is no shovel; when inserted, it is immersed to the depth specified by the manufacturer |
| divers | a large type of bait that will not play with even wiring is often additionally equipped with propellers in the rear |
| twitchbaits | They play well with monotonous retrieves, but with jerky retrieves they will perform better with a small blade |
Jerk fishing is designed for catching pike from 700 g and more, therefore it is necessary to form the tackle from good quality components.
Tackle for jerks
In order to catch a predator, you will need specialized equipment - jerk gear, namely: a short rod, a well-oiled reel, and a braided baitcaster. Real jerk fishing professionals choose a heavy rod weighing 20-100 grams. This suggests that the rod should be short and stiff, and only suitable for jerk fishing. The length should also be short. It is recommended to choose up to 2 meters. These parameters are created so that the rod can withstand a greater load when casting and jerking the bait.
It is advisable to choose multiplier reels. This type guarantees a long service life. Many fishermen choose a braided leader rather than a steel wire leader. Titanium leashes, popular recently, are well used.
For beginners, it is not necessary to have specialized equipment. If a fisherman is just learning jerking, then there is no need to spend a lot of money on a very powerful rod and a multifunctional reel. At the very beginning, a regular hard spinning rod will do, but you can use a spinning reel with a metal spool from a good company. But it is recommended to replace the cord and select a thicker and stronger part.
For the fish, it doesn’t matter what gear the fisherman uses; all it needs is a twitching bait in the form of a small fish. When fishing, the main importance is not what technical equipment a person uses, but what his experience in this matter is and how honed his skill is.
Jerk tackle
The most important element of the kit is a reliable and powerful baitcasting reel, and this can be either a classic “barrel” or a low-profile “point-and-shoot”. The first type of “multi” is traditionally used in jerk fishing and has great power, but the “soap dish” lies more comfortably in the hand and baits fly further from it.
Jerk rods are relatively inexpensive, but their choice must be taken very seriously, because... this will directly affect the comfort of fishing. If everything is more or less clear with the upper test of the rod - it should correspond to the maximum weight of the jerks you use, then everything is not so clear about its length.
The classics of jerk fishing from the end of the last century - like Piotr Piskorski or Bertus Rosemeyer - taught to work with a jerk rod from top to bottom, standing in a powerful boat with high sides. To do this, the rod must be short, a little more than one and a half meters long, otherwise it will be inconvenient for them to make the notorious up and down movements. But not everyone has the opportunity to catch pike from a large boat - what should they do then? At one time, I also fell into the trap of these stereotypes and began my jerk journey with a mop-shaped shorty rod and a “barrel” multiplier, but very soon I realized that the tackle needed to be changed, and in the most dramatic way.
Let's start with the rod: contrary to all the canons, it would be much more correct to use a longer one in jerky fishing. Stiff short ones, reminiscent of a billiard cue, are inconvenient in literally everything - for example, when using such well-flying baits as jerky, you have to invest in more or less long casting - even a heavy jerk is not able to properly load a short rod when casting. And in a day of fishing, such a technique can tire even a physically developed fisherman. So here a long rod will be a definite winner - when casting, it is well loaded with heavy bait and shoots it like a catapult: casting turns into pure pleasure - and we will cast far without making much effort.
When fishing, a short rod does not dampen the jerks of the pike and does not “knit” it - hence the frequent derailments, especially if the predator takes it sluggishly and the tees are not very sharp. A long spinning rod works perfectly at all stages of fishing, literally tying the fish hand and foot, not allowing it to get away - this is also a very important point.
It is impossible not to note one undoubted advantage of jerk tackle - this is that for fishing with these heavy baits, a powerful cord with a high breaking load is used: for example, for jerks weighing up to 100 - 150 g, I use Sunline
Super PE 100 lb. With it, you can stop worrying about possible snags - many times, I wound the cord around the sleeve of my jacket, dragged poachers’ nets to the shore, tore out snags from the bottom, and unbent the most powerful Owner tees. The absence of fear of losing the bait is very expensive - now we can fish in snags and near sunken trees, without fear of losing the jerk, which can be very expensive.
Jerk fishing technique
First of all, what you should pay attention to when using jerk fishing techniques is the casting of the tackle. Ideally, it occurs in a pendulum manner. The rod should be on the side, and the bait should be swung forward/backward. As soon as the spin speed reaches high speeds, the pendulum must be thrown as far as possible. The brake is released and the jerkbait wobbler hits the right spot. To avoid the “beard” effect, you need to stop the cord coming off in time, which will slow down the rotation of the reel drum.
Jerky wiring
When moving to jerk wiring, you need to remember the possibility of a problem with the cord loosening. Wiring is done using a spinning rod and involves jerking movements. Using your other hand to avoid sagging of the cord, you need to wind the wiring onto the drum. With these actions, synchronicity is very important; this ensures that the desired result is obtained, and also makes it possible to strike on time.
Sweeping
Even the smallest touch of the bait gives a strong response to the gear. The hook must be done with sharp and strong movements. Even if, unfortunately, the maneuver was unsuccessful and the pike was not hooked, this will allow you to release the bait and restart its water automatically.
Fishing with Jerk Baits Part 1. Tactics and Posting Techniques
For example, if you are going to use a jerk bait in a still body of water, then you should use lighter models of tackle. Otherwise, there is a high probability of getting caught and losing the jerk bait.
This often happens with heavier models, since they sink relatively quickly. In addition, standing water very often becomes home to a large amount of aquatic vegetation.
For such places, you should do slow and smooth wiring with long breaks. With this tactic, the bait makes slides. The bait is always located almost at the very surface of the water.
This wiring technique works great even in heavily overgrown reservoirs. In addition, it is not at all necessary to throw the bait into the thicket of algae.
It will be more than enough to move the jerkbait close to where the pike is standing. And she will definitely give you her attention!
Top 10 jerks for pike
This top will look at the most popular jerks for pike. People choose bait based on 2 categories: price and quality.
Salmo Slider
Salmo Slider - this model captivated fishermen back in 2013. She became a real hit. The company that released the first jerk received a lot of flattering reviews about its model, and later many manufacturers began to follow its example. This jerk wobbler is made without a blade, but this does not prevent it from swinging from side to side, thereby luring large fish. This bait is referred to as the “glider” type. The bottom line is that when playing with fish, this type of jerk behaves exactly as the fisherman needs. The amplitude of lateral movements becomes greater when a really big fish is on the hook.
Pike easily fall for the bait. This is due to its size and design. There are small baits from 5 cm, and there are larger ones up to 12 cm. All of them have a bright color and a remarkable appearance. Such that not a single predatory fish will remain indifferent to it. This type of jerk is divided into 2 categories: sinking and floating.
Salmo Fatso
Salmo Fatso is a type of bait considered a classic model. It was first introduced to the fish market in 2001. It is distinguished by its simplicity of design and relatively small size. Polish manufacturers have tried to make the jerk wobbler as convenient as possible for catching freshwater predators. Initially, fishermen preferred this bait when fishing in the northern hemisphere of the planet.
Later, the bait “spread” through the waters of the Amazon, and later captured the love of the rest of the world. This model is available in 10 different colors and is divided into 2 large categories: sinking and pop-up models. Their principle of operation: the opposite. The first type is suitable for fishing small predators that are located on the surface of the water and do not go too deep. The second model, on the contrary, is designed for deep fishing. It is especially effective at luring sloth pikes. Slow and thick pikes never swim to the upper layers of water, preferring to stay in the depths due to too much weight. The essence of the bait is that the jerk slowly settles to the bottom and when hooked, all its movements still remain smooth - large fish manage to grab the bait in time.
Strike Pro Big Bandit
Strike Pro Big Bandit is a very convenient lure designed for fishing in shallow depths. They are programmed to keep the depth to no more than 1 meter. Even if the jerk wobbler sinks, it quickly gains the required depth again. The advantage of this model is the combination of design and quality.
The bright colors of miniature fish are combined with their ability to maneuver in the water and obey even the slightest turn of the fisherman’s hand. A distinctive feature is their durability and the possibility of long-term use, as well as insensitivity to various types of mechanical damage.
Strike Pro Buster Jerk
Strike Pro Buster Jerk - This lure falls into the slow-sinking category. The maximum length reaches 15 cm, and the approximate weight is 75 grams. Manufacturers assure: there is no need to be afraid that the fish will not see the jerk wobbler. Even at a great distance, the bait will attract the attention of the hunter.
Bright design, many colors - this is what will attract all the pikes in the area. If you fish at a depth of 4 meters, then it is better to let the model sink to 2-2.5 meters.
HardBaits Jolly Dancer
The HardBaits Jolly Dancer model has become widespread not only in our regions, but throughout Europe. The peculiarity of this bait is its smooth, but at the same time fast movements that create naturalness. At any time of the year, the bait will delight its owner.
It is very obedient and adapted to any climatic conditions: it has a very durable body and reliable coating, which ensures its beautiful appearance for a very long time.
Rapala Glidin Rap
Rapala Glidin Rap is the brainchild of a Finnish company. The specialists worked hard to ensure that their model conquered the whole world. The bait has been on the market for 50 years and during this time it has received only the most positive reviews. It was developed in 2 categories: for shallow depths up to 1.5 meters and for large depths up to 4 meters.
Both of these models are of excellent quality and have very accurate aiming. The material from which the bait is made is high-quality wood. The main feature is the absence of a blade on the front part, this provides the bait with a kind of play in the water. The fish twitches in a circular amplitude and creates the impression of movement.
Agat Mr Boss
Agat Mr Boss - its peculiarity is that the jerk has relatively little weight compared to the long one. (12 cm with a weight of 50g). Its wooden body is very light and almost weightless, while Jack can sink to a depth of 2 meters.
The action of the bait is very clear, it is understandable to everyone: from a beginner amateur to a real professional fisherman. Jack makes large, but very clear turns, allowing the bait to play slowly and smoothly in the water.
Zalt Zam Z - Tail
Zalt Zam Z - Tail is a huge bait, it is very long and heavy. This ensures that large fish bite.
Very large pike at great depths will certainly notice the bright and stylish design of the jerk and will certainly try to grab it. The fisherman's tasks include sharp hooking and playing with bait.
JAXON Hiper Jerk
JAXON Hiper Jerk is a relatively new series of jerks that has proven itself a few years ago. Characteristic for shallow depths. This type of bait is very easy to play.
It obeys any movement, and has phenomenal accuracy. To achieve maximum results, the fisherman must make jerks with the rod that should be as sharp as possible. In this case, it is necessary to play the bait using the “back and forth” technique.
AXON Jerk Plus
AXON Jerk Plus - this model has an extremely beautiful design. Her drawing of the lines and scales of the fish is simply amazing. In the sun, she is able to twine with all the colors of the rainbow. At the same time, manufacturers were not too lazy to reward the bait with excellent quality. It has great buoyancy, which provides it with sharp play on the upper layers of water. It easily obeys any fisherman’s commands and is considered optimal specifically for Russian fishing.
In order to choose the optimal type of jerky for yourself, you must first take into account its weight and length. The appearance of the bait is also of great importance.
Subtleties of fishing
Fishing for pike with a jerk has its own subtleties, knowing all of them, every angler will definitely be able to spot and fish out worthy trophies from almost any body of water.
This type of bait is designed to catch predators weighing 1.5-3 kg, but larger trophies often end up on the hook. In order not to miss the toothy predator, you must first prepare for fishing. To do this, they collect high-quality tackle, select baits and learn how to properly guide them through the water column.
Features of the tackle
The following kit will help you catch pike with jerkbaits:
- The rod blank should be selected small, up to 2 m long, and the test on the rod should correspond to the baits used. Fast or super-fast action is suitable; it is better to give preference to carbon fiber products.
- It is better to equip the form with a multiplier as a reel. This type will be an excellent option for withstanding significant power loads over a long period of time, which an inertia-free machine cannot cope with.
- The best base is a thick braided cord, which is used on the cartoons. Using a leash is not necessary, but recommended.
Experienced fishermen recommend using rod blanks as long as the fisherman’s height, but a 2-meter rod will also work well.
Jerk baits
Pike bites well on jerk in the autumn and spring, and it is based on these characteristics that baits are chosen. Large size will not scare away predators, rather the opposite. Immediately after spawning, with an empty belly without milk and caviar, the pike will want to fill it up as quickly as possible, and in the autumn, when the fat is fattening, the pike will easily rush to the bait even larger than it.
The color scheme can be very diverse; both acid baits and natural-colored baits are used equally often.
Fishing technique
In order for a pike to react to a jerk as it should, you need to be able to move the bait. There are models that will perform well with a monotonous look, but sharp twitches and pull-ups will attract the attention of a predator better.
In most cases, jerky fishing for pike is done from a boat, so the casts are made relatively close. And the wiring itself is more controlled. The best ways to attract attention are:
- sharp dynamic jerks;
- chaotic fast jerks;
- sharp twitching.
This type of bait is often used for trolling, but casting with correctly selected wiring will bring no less tangible results. Beginners often use:
- uniform wiring with pauses;
- stop and go;
- uniform.
But in each of the above, there are always sharp jerks and the slack in the cord being pulled out.
Fishing is carried out in reservoirs with depths of 3 m or more, while the most promising are pits with snags, edges, and places near thickets of grass; good results are also obtained when fishing water areas near trees fallen into the water.
Jerking: what is it?
The term “jerking” in translation sounds like “jerk”, “twitch”. That is, this fishing method involves moving the bait with sharp jerks. Fragmentary movements imitate the death throes of a small fish, which awakens the hunter's instinct in predators. Chaotic twitching allows you to demonstrate the delicious sides of a jerkbait. The predator instantly grabs the “edible” bait and... finds itself on the hook.
Jerking appeared in the USA. The aggressive style is great for hunting musky pike. But as it turned out, this wonderful tackle “works” not only on the Great Lakes. In our “domestic” waters, fishing with a jerk wobbler is no less exciting and, of course, no less effective.
Types of jerks and postings
There are several types of jerks, the use of which determines the wiring technique.
Educational video about jerkbaits from the Shcherbakov brothers
3.1 Gliders
Glider or glider - have a laterally flattened body shape. These lures are ideal for the American jerking technique called walking the dog , which means a zigzag movement behavior.
walk the dog wiring diagram
The glider responds perfectly to jerky and fast movement of the rod.
Gliders are divided into:
According to the game moment they are divided into:
Examples of long-stroke baits:
- rever run - manta;
- strike pro - big Bandit;
- salmo – sweeper;
- erc - hellhound;
- piketime – lucio;
- savagear – deviator.
Examples, short-stroke, medium:
- reachion strike-glaide;
- salmo – slider;
- abu Garcia - fat head killer;
- savager - deviator belly up;
- i-fish the duke;
- strike pro - buster jerk.
The special feature of the glider is that it only starts working when the fishing line is reeled in.
To catch active fish, short and high gliders are used, which have the ability to move rapidly like a snake. For catching passive fish - low-bodied models with a smooth (gentle) game.
Game nuances:
- the sharper and more frequent the jerking movements, the higher the frequency of movement of the snake;
- the slower the reeling of the line, the higher the amplitude of movement and vice versa.
3.2 Darters
Darter or darter is a sinking jerk model. When rewinding, it moves both in a straight line and deviates to the sides. The wiring technique is reeling and chaotic jerking of the tackle, after which the jerk deviates to the sides one by one, returning to its original position. A distinctive feature from other jerks is the unpredictability of behavior during retrieve.
3.3 Pullbaits
Pullbait or pullbait. The wiring technique is reeling with short pauses and jerks of varying sharpness and length. The pullbait moves exclusively in a straight line with depth. How is it different from a diver? Because they have sinking models in their arsenal. Such baits are good in narrow algae areas of the reservoir.
3.4 Divers
Divers are floating baits, they move according to the saw principle (dive and rise) or dive and rise darting action. The representative of divers is the suick bait. On the back, this bait is equipped with a plate that regulates the depth of immersion. So, if you bend it down, the bait will go deeper.
Advantages over gliders:
- easier to learn how to manage them;
- better in terms of passage through plant areas.
Types of divers:
- Lightweight – quickly floating to the surface due to the lack of weight, good for catching a leisurely predator. Wiring method: long pauses with quick twitches. Seasonal use: after winter, when fish are voracious.
- Heavy - floating slowly due to the load.
The best jerks for pike: Top 5 rating
Top 5 best jerkbaits:
Salmo Slider
Salmo Slader - small jerkbaits for pike 10-12 cm long. Twitches easily with a pause, movements are smooth and sinuous, suitable for monotonous retrieve. Price from 200 to 1000 rubles per piece.
Strike Pro Big Bandit
The bait is 19.6 cm in size and requires the selection of the correct animation. It has proven itself to be excellent among experienced spinning players. The greater length of the Strike Pro Big Bandit affects derailments, increasing their frequency. Price 750 - 1000 rub.
