Want to trigger fish that don’t want to bite? What depth is right to fish a jerkbait? A jerkbait/twitchbait in clear water can catch bass in any time of year, if you follow these tips. The colder the water, the longer the pause, the warmer the water the more active and erratic the retrieve.
KVD breaks it all down for you. Both start AND finish your cast with slack in your line. Clear water? long cast and look for the wind. Bass are more aggressive over wind and looking up. Keep that cadence and presentation erratic.
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I grew up fishing in Michigan. I love fishing in northern clear-water lakes, and one thing I learned long ago is that a jerkbait is an incredible tool for finding and triggering bass, even when they don’t seem willing to bite.
Many anglers think of jerkbaits as a springtime lure, but for me, they work all season long. As long as the water is clear enough for bass to see the lure and the fish are in the right depth zone, you can catch them with a jerkbait.
Best Seasons for Jerkbait Fishing
While jerkbaits are effective throughout the year, the two best seasons for using them are spring and fall. These are the times when large populations of big bass move into the shallows where they can easily spot your bait.
When I say “shallows,” I don’t just mean super shallow water. If you can see the bottom at 20 feet, that’s still shallow enough. As long as bass can see the bait, you can call them to it. There’s no other lure in my tackle box that can pull bass from farther away to come up and strike.
Why Fall is a Key Time for Jerkbaits
Fall is an especially great time for jerkbait fishing because the forage has been growing all year. Whether you’re fishing in open water with smelt, alewives, shad, or in inland lakes with bluegill as the primary forage, everything is bigger in the fall.
That’s why I like to use bigger jerkbaits this time of year. As the water gets colder, I adjust my technique based on bass metabolism. The clearer the water, the more action I put into my retrieve.
The Importance of Wind and Casting Distance
When fishing a jerkbait, always choose areas with wind over calm spots. Windy areas make bass more aggressive and cause them to look up, which is exactly what you want when using a jerkbait.
Make long casts so the bait covers more water. The way you retrieve it is crucial—jerkbaits should be worked with an erratic motion.
Finding the Right Jerkbait Cadence
One of the most common questions I get is:
“What cadence should I use with a jerkbait? Should I jerk it hard or soft, short or long?”
The answer is experiment every day and let the bass tell you what they want. However, I always start with an erratic retrieve. The most important thing is to start and finish with slack in your line, this gives the bait its best side-to-side action.
Choosing the Best Jerkbait and Color
Without a doubt, my favorite jerkbait for fall is the Strike King Wild Shiner. I always choose a color that matches the forage in the lake.
In many cases, it’s hard to beat the Chrome Sexy Shad color. On sunny days, this bait gives off a lot of flash, making it highly effective. If you’re fishing in big lakes with smelt, alewives, or shad, this color mimics those baitfish perfectly.
Final Tips for Jerkbait Success
- Adjust your cadence based on water temperature:
- Colder water → Longer pauses
- Warmer water → More active retrieve
- Match the bait color to the local forage.
- Always fish where the wind is blowing—it makes bass more aggressive.
Jerkbaits are incredibly effective, whether you’re targeting largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass, and they work from north to south. If you learn how to use them correctly, they can be one of the best tools in your tackle box!
