Section: ontario-bassin
Bill RiversBest Bass BaitsTwitchbaits & Jerkbaits |
| Jerkbaits, sometimes called "twitchbaits" are long, narrow, lipped, shallow-diving, natural-finish, minnow-imitating baits. When bass are foraging on baitfish, especially in shallow and / or clear water, fishing a jerkbait is the way to go. Neutrally buoyant hard-bodied twitchbaits and soft-plastic jerkbaits are effective in a variety of situations fishing and a great way to cover water and locate active bass. | |
| When bass are feeding on minnows near, in and around cover, or busting baitfish near the surface over deeper water, a twitchbait comes into its own. A jerkbait imitates an injured baitfish as it convulsively stutter-steps its way through the water. With the rod tip lowered, short twitches of the rod tip induce both a forward darting motion and a side to side stagger. Between twitches, the neutrally buoyant lure suspends, motionless, giving bass a moment's inspection before darting away again. Invariably, bass strike a jerkbait when it is jump-started after a short pause, and they are seldom subtle about it. |  |
| Jerkbaits are especially effective in shallow water along shorelines, over sandbars, grass beds, shoals, or rock / rubble bottoms, near weedlines, pad beds, shoreline cover, submerged logs and stumps - places where baitfish naturally congregate. Baits should imitate the lake's natural forage's size, shape and colouration as closely as possible. Shad and minnow-like finishes, perch, and fire-tiger are among the more popular choices. A few jerkbaits have BB inserts to create a distinct rattle when the bait is twitched, and many anglers elect to add a rattle of some type to soft-plastic jerkbaits. | |
 | Jerkbaits do have limited deep-water applications - for surface feeding bass or bass feeding on suspended baitfish in clear water. The key is the presence of baitfish which, in turn, attracts bass, especially smallmouths. Where electronics clearly indicate baitfish schools or bass are feeding on the surface, twitching a jerkbait will generate great bass action. |