Jerkbait Rod Question

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drp71
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Jerkbait Rod Question

Post by drp71 » Fri Mar 17, 2023 8:07 am

I started smallmouth fishing last year and trying to buy gear and learn new techniques as I go. I want to start throwing a jerkbait this year and loved throwing a fluke down south for spots and largemouth. I am looking for a jerkbait rod that will fit those needs and maybe some small topwater. My budget for a rod is no more than $150 and I have been considering the Halo HFX 6’10” M XF and the Shimano SLX 6’10” M XF. I am planning to order a 7’3” MH/F HFX from Halo for open water spinnerbaits and chatterbaits so that is what got me looking at that one. If there are others you would recommend I am all ears. Again I am new to jerkbaits so tips are welcome.

PotatoLake
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Re: Jerkbait Rod Question

Post by PotatoLake » Fri Mar 17, 2023 3:46 pm

Id take a look at the St. Croix's in your budget that has the 6'8" length. I've seen some wild sales on them this year. Could probably find a Victory for 150 if you're patient. Pretty solid warranty too. I was not a fan of the SLX rods I messed around with. Too stiff. I know nothing about the Halos.

drp71
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Re: Jerkbait Rod Question

Post by drp71 » Fri Mar 17, 2023 5:26 pm

Thank you. There is a used Falcon Expert rod at ALFO at good price too.

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Hobie-Wan Kenobi
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Re: Jerkbait Rod Question

Post by Hobie-Wan Kenobi » Fri Mar 17, 2023 6:39 pm

If going with treble hooked hard jerkbaits (X raps, Vision 110s...) for smallies, I'd look into a medium powers fast action rod. XFast rods can lose fish at the boat and pull hooks. If using mono, not as big a deal but, FC with a Medium fast rod is a great combo. Smallies are hard fighting and like to jump. The slightly softer taper will make a difference keeping the fish from throwing hooks.
IG @hobie_wan_kenobi_fishing

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Hogsticker2
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Re: Jerkbait Rod Question

Post by Hogsticker2 » Fri Mar 17, 2023 10:36 pm

Phenix Feather 6'9 medium heavy
Shimano Curado 6'10 medium

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slipperybob
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Re: Jerkbait Rod Question

Post by slipperybob » Mon Mar 20, 2023 9:28 am

I've always used the St. Croix LTB 6'8" MXF rod. It was labeled topwater but later iterations labeled as a jerkbait rod. :lol:

Anyways my target lures has always been 1/4 oz to 3/8 oz. So a lot of #9 size lures down to #7 size lures for jerkbaits. The XF tip allows me to have a slightly quicker response feel, especially off the pause portion when there's a strike. And I have a slightly softer touch so it suits me.
slip bobbing is the laziest way to fish

drp71
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Re: Jerkbait Rod Question

Post by drp71 » Mon Mar 20, 2023 11:14 am

If I decided to go with a spinning setup would specs be the same?
Fishing northern smallmouth in clear lakes so thinking of going with a spinning setup. Not sure if I need a new rod if I go this direction. The only rods I have under 7' are a bps carbonlite 6'6" mh/f rod with a president reel or a custom 6'10 ml/XF that I use for fishing a ned rig with a Daiwa Fuego reel. Just not sure if the mh is too much and the ml too light or if I need to find something in a medium-fast. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

stevenhatchy
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Re: Jerkbait Rod Question

Post by stevenhatchy » Mon Mar 20, 2023 12:00 pm

The Cashion Element jerkbait rod is a lot fun.

SteveSchmelzle
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Re: Jerkbait Rod Question

Post by SteveSchmelzle » Mon Mar 20, 2023 2:39 pm

drp71 wrote:
Mon Mar 20, 2023 11:14 am
If I decided to go with a spinning setup would specs be the same?
Fishing northern smallmouth in clear lakes so thinking of going with a spinning setup. Not sure if I need a new rod if I go this direction. The only rods I have under 7' are a bps carbonlite 6'6" mh/f rod with a president reel or a custom 6'10 ml/XF that I use for fishing a ned rig with a Daiwa Fuego reel. Just not sure if the mh is too much and the ml too light or if I need to find something in a medium-fast. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
if you are fishing northern clear, open water smallie lakes, your ML will be just fine. A tiny bit longer than I'd like to see, but it also depends on how tall you are.

The extra length will also assist in keeping those smallies pinned.
1-2%

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Re: Jerkbait Rod Question

Post by sarcazmo » Thu Mar 23, 2023 12:03 pm

Daiwa Tatula 701MRB is the finest jerkbait rod IMO.

Perfect action, have caught tons of fish on a 110+1 on it.

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Randingo
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Re: Jerkbait Rod Question

Post by Randingo » Fri Mar 24, 2023 2:11 pm

sarcazmo wrote:
Thu Mar 23, 2023 12:03 pm
Daiwa Tatula 701MRB is the finest jerkbait rod IMO.

Perfect action, have caught tons of fish on a 110+1 on it.
That is a seriously versatile rod for baits with treble hooks! Inexpensive, comfortable, and decently sensitive.

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sbd3
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Re: Jerkbait Rod Question

Post by sbd3 » Fri Mar 24, 2023 2:27 pm

sarcazmo wrote:
Thu Mar 23, 2023 12:03 pm
Daiwa Tatula 701MRB is the finest jerkbait rod IMO.

Perfect action, have caught tons of fish on a 110+1 on it.
I got eyes on that rod, have you by chance tied any lighter jerks on it, 3/8 or 1/4oz? Also what line you running?

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Re: Jerkbait Rod Question

Post by sarcazmo » Wed Mar 29, 2023 2:46 pm

sbd3 wrote:
Fri Mar 24, 2023 2:27 pm
sarcazmo wrote:
Thu Mar 23, 2023 12:03 pm
Daiwa Tatula 701MRB is the finest jerkbait rod IMO.

Perfect action, have caught tons of fish on a 110+1 on it.
I got eyes on that rod, have you by chance tied any lighter jerks on it, 3/8 or 1/4oz? Also what line you running?
I use it for 110s and x-nanahan +1 and 2.

I usually just use 10lb copoly, mccoy mean green.

This rod is seriously great for these applications. The action is just perfect IMO, and I rarely lose a fish with this rod.

I don't see the point in spending a ton of money on a rod for moving or reaction baits, especially when this one is so good.

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Re: Jerkbait Rod Question

Post by Crd4Liberty » Sat Apr 29, 2023 2:12 pm

In my opinion jerkbaits are probably the hardest lures to pick a bass rod for, Hogsticker2 hit the nail right on the head, if I quit building rods and had to buy one, I would pick either the 6' 10" Shimano Expride or Curado Medium. The Curado Medium is the closest to your price point, don't save a few bucks here and get an inferior product you have to live with.

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