With all the different fishing rods on the market it can be difficult choosing the right one. This is no different when shopping for the best jerkbait rod.
You may wonder: What is the best power rating for a jerkbait rod? What is the best action? Is there an advantage of having a very long fishing rod versus a shorter rod?
In this post we are going try to answer those questions and much more. We are also going to highlight a few of the best options on the market.
Enjoy!
Table of Contents
What is the best jerkbait rod for bass fishing?
Here is a preview of what’s to come:
- Lew’s Mach 2
- Custom Lite Speed Stick
- Dobyns 705CB Glass
- TP1 Black Speed Stick
- Dobyns Fury Series
- St Croix Bass X Series
- Duckett Micro Magic Pro
What makes a good jerkbait rod?
The quick answer: Look for a rod that has a medium to medium-heavy power rating, with a moderate fast to fast action and one that is under 7 feet long.
As I have done in previous posts, before we talk about some of the options on the market let’s take a moment and talk about some of the specs that will help you choose the correct rod.
I will begin by talking about what is the best power rating, what is the best action, and what is the best length when choosing the right jerkbait rod.
Power. Generally, when fishing with jerkbaits you will want to fish with a fishing rod that has a power rating of Medium to Medium heavy. This gives you the power to control the fish, but not overpower the fish and rip the hooks out of its mouth.
My recommendation: Look for a power rating between medium to medium-heavy.
Action. This is probably the most important rating that you need to consider when fishing with jerkbaits.
The reason is because the action can affect how your lure acts when it is in the water. As we know the action of the lure is what triggers the strike, without it, you won’t be very successful on the water.
There are two different ways to fish a jerkbait. You can fish it slow and steady or you can quickly move it across the water.
If you plan on fishing slow and steady I would recommend the same action as a crankbait rod, Moderate to slow action. This works especially well when fishing in cold water as you won’t be needing a lot of action.
An added bonus to fishing with a slower action is you may find yourself landing more fish as the moderate action will be more forgiving with the treble hooks.
The second approach to fishing with a jerkbait and probably the most common is relying on the action of the lure. This is done mainly with the fishing rod itself and quickly twitching it across the water.
When fishing it topwater it is important that you put a lot of action into the lure. For that reason, I would recommend a Moderate fast to fast action. This action will allow you to give the jerkbait that eradicates the movement bass crave.
My recommendation: Look for a Moderate fast to fast action tip.
Length. Another important aspect to consider is the length of the fishing rod. This doesn’t affect the movement of the lure as much as it affects the fisherman.
The reason I say that is because the movement of the lure depends on you twitching the rod. A very long fishing rod will cause you to do one of two things.
First, it will cause you to hit the surface of the water on every twitch. In order to avoid hitting the water, some fishermen start to twitch it from side to side. This method, while just as effective, will quickly wear you out.
The best way to avoid that is to choose a shorter fishing rod. Yes, you will be sacrificing a longer cast, but let me reassure you it is well worth it than being tired out after a few casts.
My Recommendation: Look for a rod under 7 feet.
Shorter handle. There is more thing that I wanted to consider that I haven’t in previous fishing rod posts, that is the length of the handle. Once again, this doesn’t affect the lure, but it does affect your comfort.
A longer handle can become very cumbersome when twitching the lure all day long. For that reason, I recommend a shorter handle. While this isn’t necessary to fish, it will definitely make fishing more comfortable.
Learn more about rod selection in the following video:
Alright, now that we’ve talked about a few basics, let’s look at some fishing rods.
Lew’s Mach 6’8″
- Power: Medium
- Action: Moderate Fast
- Lure Size: 1/8 – 1/3oz.
- Line: 8-12lb test
- Length: 6’8″
As you know from reading this blog an important factor to consider when selecting any fishing gear, is to choose one that is comfortable. If you are not comfortable, you will not enjoy fishing.
A comfortable fishing rod for jerkbait fishing is one that is powerful, but lightweight at the same time. Trust me having a lightweight rod makes a huge difference while on the water all day long.
For that reason, I have included Lew’s Mach 2 on our list of the best fishing rod for jerkbaits.
The Lew’s Jerkbait rod with made with IM7 graphite blank making it very light and yet powerful fishing rod. It has the recommended moderate fast action allowing you to give it the lure a nice pop.
Lastly, it comes a good overall length, 6 feet, and 8 inches. You should have no worries about slapping the water on the retrieval.
Lew’s Fishing Custom Lite Speed Stick
- Power: Medium light
- Action: Fast
- Lure Size: 1/8 – 1/2 oz.
- Line: 6-10lb test
- Length: 6’8″
- Spinning rod
Another great option by Lew’s is their Custom Lite Speed Stick.
What is the difference between the Custom Lite Speed Stick and the previously mentioned Jerkbait series?
Let’s take a closer look.
First, the graphite material. The Custom Lite is made with a premium 85 million modulus graphite. However, even though it is high-quality graphite, the rod comes in at a very reasonable price.
Additionally, it is equipped with Titanium oxide guide inserts allowing for smooth line flow which in turn allows for larger casts.
Lastly, it has a lure rating for small to medium-sized jerkbaits.
Dobyns Champion XP series
- Power: Medium Heavy
- Action: Fast
- Lure Size: 1/4 – 1 oz.
- Line: 8-20lb test
- Length: 7′
Another good fishing rod to add to our list is actually considered a crankbait rod, but I promise you that if you use it for jerkbait fishing you won’t be disappointed.
It is the Dobyns 705CB Glass.
The reason I chose this Champion XP series is because it is a glass rod. What does that mean for you?
Glass rods work great for hooking up fish and keeping them hooked. If you are found yourself losing fish with either a jerkbait or a crankbait I would recommend that you switch to a glass rod.
They have just enough flex to keep the fish hooked and increase your chances of landing them.
Another great advantage of this rod is its size. It comes in at 7 feet. This makes it great for casting your jerkbait a mile.
Lew’s TP1 Black Speed Stick
- Power: Medium
- Action: Moderate Fast
- Lure Size: 1/8 – 1/2 oz.
- Line: 8-12lb test
- Length: 6’8″
Another option at a very affordable price is the TP1 Black Speed Stick. This rod is made with a Premium HM50 Tour Grade high modulus blank. One cool feature of the black speed stick is what is known as their vibration transfer ring, which is located just about the handle. This allows you to feel everything that is going on with your lure when on the water.
Lastly, it is equipped with a microwave guide system ensuring that the line comes off your rod as effectively as possible.
Because of the power and the length of the rod it is perfect for working with very light jerkbaits and as well as your heavier 1/2 ouncer.
Give this rod and try! You won’t be disappointed!
Dobyns Rods Fury Series
- Power: Medium
- Action: Moderate Fast
- Lure Size: 1/4 – 1 oz.
- Line: 8-17lb test
- Length: 7’0″
- Handle: 7 inches
Another great rod by Dobyns is the Fury Series.
There are a few reasons why I really like this rod for fishing with jerkbaits. The first feature is the price. The whole reason this rod was created was to try to create a good rod at a lower price point.
However, just because it is at a lower price point, doesn’t mean it isn’t a quality rod. It has many features that even rods at a higher price point have.
Speaking particularly about fishing with jerkbaits, it has that moderate fast action. It is has a medium power rating and lastly, it comes in a good all-around length of 7’0 inches.
If you are looking for a good jerkbait rod and would like to try a different one, I think this may be just the rod for you!
So, what do you think? Does the Dobyns Fury Series have what it takes to be considered the best jerkbait rod?
St Croix Bass X Series
- Power: Medium Heavy
- Action: Fast
- Lure Size: 1/4 – 5/8 oz.
- Line: 8-14lb test
- Length: 6’8″
The next rod on our list is the St Croix Bass X Series.
While this particular series may be new, St. Croix has been around for many years and is recognized for making high-quality rods.
What makes the St. Croix Bass X different? Well, many St. Croix fishing sticks are made from quality materials that last, but they also come at a high price point.
However, with the Bass X, things are different. They wanted to create a high-quality rod but at a much lower price point.
And with this series, they have definitely proven themselves. This blank is made with premium (SCII) graphite keeping it lightweight and easy to use.
In addition, it has a medium power rating with a fast action. As you can see from the lure rating, it isn’t the best for giant baits, but it will be useful is small to medium sized jerkbaits.
Lastly, it comes at a good length of 6’8″.
Duckett Micro Magic Pro
- Power: Medium
- Action: Moderate Fast
- Line 10 to 14lbs
- Lure: 1/8 to 3/8 ounces
- Handle: 9 inches
- Height: 6’6″
Are you a tall guy and tired of splashing the water the rod tip every time you go fishing with these baits? If so, you need to check out the Duckett Micro Magic Pro.
This is a medium power, 6’6″. That is the perfect size for a tall guy. Did I mention it has that coveted soft tip? Yes, everything you could want in a rod for jerkbaits.
Another great feature about this particular rod is the micro guides. Not only do this help to increase your casting distance, but it also can help with sensitivity? How is that the case? Well, think about it.
The smaller the guides, the better contact your line is going to have with them. Thus giving you the best idea of what is going on with your bait.
What is the best jerkbait rod? Please share with us your thoughts in the comments section below.
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