BEST JERKBAIT RODS 2023

At first glance, the Speed Demon Pro jerkbait rod looks great. Looks appear to be a top priority with a matte black finish and bright orange accents this is a rod that catches the eye. Even the grips include custom engraved designs. Closer inspection reveals that there is more than meets the eye. The components are all high end and selected to allow this rod to perform as well as it looks. Fuji Alconite line guides, custom Fuji reel seats, Fuji foregrips & custom Winn Grips all mounted on a proprietary carbon blank.

This particular member of the Pro Tournament Series is specifically designed for jerkbait and topwater fishing. The combination of length, action, and power will allow for lure movement and is well suited for fishing from either a boat or shore. The stout blank will allow for good hook sets and let you successfully fight the fish without undue stress to it. Finally, the Winn split grip and microwave guides allow for a comfortable, secure grip in all types of weather and increased sensitivity when paired with a jerkbait.

TYPE: Baitcaster
PIECES: 1 Piece
ACTION: Fast
POWER: Medium
LENGTH: 6’08”
ROD WEIGHT: 4.60 oz
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Not specific

The Triumph Series Spinning jerkbait rods are of exceptionally high quality constructed with only the finest components. The SCII graphite blank with 2 coats of Flex-Coat finish provides a lightweight yet extremely durable platform. Fuji DPS reel seat with frosted silver hood and aluminum oxide guides with black frames are as stylish as they are functional. The premium-cork handle provides all-day comfort and increased grip even when wet.

This rod is available in either 6’06” or 7’0” lengths so you can select the perfect length for your specific fishing style. Both lengths are also produced in both a single or 2 pieces design, the latter being easier for transport when traveling. The combination of fast action and medium power is just what you need to work jerkbaits how they are intended while still providing the strength needed to effectively fight fish to the end. All sizes are rated for ¼ to 5/8 ounce lure weights and line weight of 6 to 12 lbs.

TYPE: Spinning
PIECES: 1 or 2 Pieces available
ACTION: Fast
POWER: Medium
LENGTH: 6’06”, 7’0”
ROD WEIGHT: 3.9 to 4.3 oz
PRIMARY MATERIAL: SCII Graphite

The Sellus was designed with bass anglers in mind and offers the features bucket mouth anglers look for. The moderate fast action, medium-heavy power, jerkbait rod, higher line weight limits and 6’08” foot length allows anglers to get lures a little farther, while still being short enough for comfortable boat use. Despite providing this level of strength it does not sacrifice sensitivity. The 24-ton carbon blank provides a lightweight platform with increased sensitivity needed when bites are subtle. The reel seat design offers a well-balanced feel and when coupled with the EVA split grip handle provides all-day comfort. Aluminum oxide low profile line guides allow you to use a wide range of line types including braided without concern. The multipurpose hook keeper permits easier transportation when rigged.

This may be one of the new designs on the list, but it is backed by a well-respected name in the fishing industry, one that bass anglers have been trusting for years. While this rod is well suited for a wide range of anglers it is specifically designed for bass anglers looking to get the most out of their crankbaits, jerkbaits, and topwaters.

TYPE: Baitcasting
PIECES: 1 Piece
ACTION: Moderate Fast
POWER: Moderate Fast
LENGTH: 6’08”
ROD WEIGHT: Varies by rod length
PRIMARY MATERIAL: 24-ton Carbon

A sturdy jerkbait rod for any angler.
Featuring stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts, the Lightning rod enables sensitivity, durability, and lightness of feel. Its double-locking reel seat provides security and steadiness.
Offering a nice level of sensitivity means that you’ll immediately feel any tugs and nibbles and prepare yourself to bring in your fish.
For those that are after a nice casting distance with a rod on a budget, then the Lightning jerkbait rod is the go-to choice.

TYPE: Casting
PIECES: 1 Piece
ACTION: Fast
POWER: Medium Heavy
LENGTH: 7′
ROD WEIGHT: 5.6 oz
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Graphite

As is the case with other Skeet Reese jerkbait rods the Tournament Series was built with a specific purpose or technique in mind, in this case, jerkbait and topwater angling. The S-curve graphite blank is sensitive enough to detect the slightest bite or lure movement but retains the strength necessary to lift big fish. The Zirconium guides increase casting performance and line to angler transfer while the slim EVA handle offers all-day comfort.

The lightweight design and slim handle design allows for comfortable all-day fishing, especially when tossing jerkbaits time after time. The combination of Zirconium guides, S-curve blank and split-grip exposed handle & jerkbait rod seat increases sensitivity and allows the angler to better detect light bites and subtle lure action.

TYPE: Baitcaster
PIECES: 1 Piece
ACTION: Moderate Fast
POWER: Medium
LENGTH: 6’08”
ROD WEIGHT: Varies by rod length
PRIMARY MATERIAL: S-curve graphite

Sporting a one-of-a-kind and industry-grade design, Entsport’s Camo Legend is a fishing jerkbait rod that boasts 2 tips, each offering different power levels – medium and medium-heavy.
Made of 24-ton carbon fiber, the Camo Legend is praised for its astonishing strength.
Reel seat-wise, its quality-enhanced construction is corrosion-repellent, featuring aluminum hoods. The line guides, numbering 6+1 ensure the line stays put, and tangle-free, delivering a smooth casting experience. Best for lure weight of 0.1-1.1oz, and line weight from 10-26 lbs.
The high-density EVA handles ensure enough sensitivity without overlooking the firmness of the grip.

TYPE: Casting
PIECES: 2 Pieces
ACTION: Fast
POWER: Medium Heavy
LENGTH: 7′
ROD WEIGHT: N/A
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Carbon

Due to its 49-ton graphite blank wrapped in carbon, this 1-piece fishing jerkbait rod is both lightweight and powerful, sensitive and sturdy, so anglers get the best of both worlds. The line weight on this 6’10’’ rod is from 12-20 lbs, and the lure weight is of 1/4-3/4 oz.
Detailed with a Fuji jerkbait rod seat and stainless steel guides, you can rest assured the line won’t budge and stay knot-free.
The handle is made of EVA foam enabling a soft and firm grip. The versatility of this jerkbait rod makes it a suitable choice for saltwater or freshwater fishing, no matter the type of fish you’re after – trout, bass, or any other.

TYPE: Casting
PIECES: 1 Piece
ACTION: Moderte Fast
POWER: Medium Heavy
LENGTH: 6’10”
ROD WEIGHT: 1.7 oz
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Carbon/Stainless Steel

Boasting a graphite blank, the HD model ensures quality, power, strength, and lightness, suitable for freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Constructed to withstand a line weight from 8-17-pounds, this casting rod won’t let you down even if you find yourself struggling to bring in your game.
Its handle made of natural cork is there to ensure your jerkbait rod stays in your hands regardless of the weather and water conditions, making sure you get a nice, firm grip. The 100% graphite frames yield performance, durability, and flexibility, while the fuji line guides make sure the line stays put, knot-free.

TYPE: Casting
PIECES: 1 Piece
ACTION: Moderate
POWER: Medium
LENGTH: 6’6”
ROD WEIGHT: N/A
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Graphite

Thanks to the jerkbait rod being made of graphite, its construction is pretty light to the touch but offers quite the power to withstand a tough duel. This 6’6’’ casting rod’s line weight is from 8-20 lbs, and lure weight of 1/4 – 3/4.
This particular casting rod is a nice pick for bass, walleye, trout, and catfish fishing, thanks to its rod length, power, and accuracy. Coming in with a two-piece tip makes the Trout Boy a neat choice for switching between power levels – medium or medium-heavy power. The guide rings that are rust-resistant ensure the line stays in place, and is knot-free. The EVA handle ensures you get a nice hold of the jerkbait rod.

TYPE: Casting
PIECES: 2 Pieces
ACTION: Moderate
POWER: Medium Heavy
LENGTH: 6’6”
ROD WEIGHT: 5.5 oz
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Graphite

When selecting a jerkbait rod it is important to remember what it is you are trying to get the lure to do and think about how the rod’s features will allow or interfere with that intended result.

Power

This refers to both how flexible the rod is and how sensitive it when a fish pulls on the boat. When fishing a jerkbait most anglers find a medium or medium-heavy power works best as it allows you to fight fish effectively without pulling the lure from its mouth or playing it so long that survival is at risk.

Action

This refers to how fast the jerkbait rod flexes and returns to normal as well as where on the rod that bends will occur. When fishing a jerkbait it is important to select an action that will allow the bait to twitch, flutter, and darts like a wounded or dying minnow. This requires a rod that reacts quickly to a turn of the reel handle or jerk of the handle, so fast action is preferred. Likewise, fast action will limit flex to near the tip and increase your ability to control the subtle movement of the lure.

1. What is jerkbait fishing?

Jerkbait fishing is a technique that utilizes realistic lures meant to mimic minnows that are wounded, stunned or struggling. By combining these lures with actions that include twitching, jerks & pauses or deep dives & sudden stops it can be a very effective means of enticing gamefish.

2. What is different about a jerkbait rod?

Jerkbait rods offer a unique combination of sensitivity and strength. You need to move the lure with minimum movement of the rod, especially when twitching, to avoid pulling it out of the strike zone. You also need to feel the lure moving so that you can effectively use it when out of sight. Finally, you need a rod that has the backbone necessary to take hard hits and fight large fish until the end. Most are in the 6’06” to 7’0″ range, have a fast action and medium to medium-heavy power.

3. When to jerkbait fish?

Although a jerkbait can be used at any time of the year there are periods where it is most effective and will out produce other options. The most productive period is in cold weather. A twitching, suspended jerkbait imitates minnows dying off due to cold which makes them an easy target for hungry gamefish. Because jerkbaits are shallow divers they are most effective in water less than 15 feet in depth. Finally, the visual characteristics are meant to be seen so stick to clear water when using a jerkbait.

4. What is the best line for jerkbaits?

Cold winter months, early spring before water warming and late fall when temperatures are dropping rapidly are the best times to switch to a jerkbait.

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