Jerkbaits

Jerkbaits: powerful lures for active predator fishing

Jerkbaits have been one of the most popular types of lures for predator fishing for years, and for good reason. These robust, lipless plugs have a unique action that is entirely controlled by the angler. With short, sharp jerks you bring the jerkbait to life and perfectly imitate an injured baitfish – irresistible to pike, perch, and other predators.

What is a jerkbait?

A jerkbait is a lipless plug designed to be retrieved with short jerks – a technique called ‘jerking’. Unlike classic plugs, a jerkbait has no built-in action. It is therefore up to you as the angler to make the lure move. This makes fishing with a jerkbait more active, challenging, and fun.

These artificial fish are often heavier than other types of lures and range in size from 5 to 20+ centimeters. They are available in floating, sinking, and suspending variants, making it possible to fish at all water layers. Jerkbaits are especially suitable for pike fishing, but large perch and zander also eagerly strike them.

Which jerkbait should you choose?

Choosing the right jerkbait depends on where and what you are fishing for. In murky water or low light, bright colors like chartreuse or firetiger are most effective. In clear water, you prefer natural colors such as perch, roach, or zander. Also consider the buoyancy of the lure: in shallow water, a floating model is often ideal, while in deeper water you want to use a sinking jerkbait.

Also pay attention to the weight of the jerkbait and match it to your rod and reel. Most jerkbaits are quite heavy and require a sturdy jerkbait rod with a good reel, preferably combined with a braided line for maximum control and bite detection.

Tips for successful fishing with jerkbaits

Always use a short, stiff rod with a fast action and a low reel position. This allows you to give the right action to your jerkbait with minimal movements. Fish at a varied pace: jerk, pause, jerk. Those pause moments are often when the fish strike. Also vary colors, sizes, and sinking behavior if bites are lacking. And always take your fishing spot into account – obstacles, depths, and water clarity make the difference.

Buying a jerkbait

Ready to master fishing with jerkbaits? Then check out our wide range of top brands and choose the model that fits your water and target species. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, with a jerkbait in your tackle box you are always ready for action.