Top 6 Best Jerkbait Rod that will make you Fish like A Pro!

Jerkbait fishing has been known to be a powerful and effective angling technique as it prompts the natural feeding response from the fish. But for it to work well, you need the best jerkbait rod. It will come in handy in working the bait, twitching, and walking it persuasively to replicate the erratic movement of a hurt baitfish and arouse the predators feeding response, causing them to bite. The pole should be well-built to avoid breakages when pulling out the catch.  

In order to get the perfect rod, you will need to check on the recommended length, weight, power, and action. The right combination of these features will result in stress-free and successful angling. Before picking one out of the many rods available in the market, you need to research on different models. This can take up much time, which could have been utilized in other productive activities. This is the reason why we have prepared this article. Here we look at six top-rated products that have been tested and approved to work best in jerkbait fishing. We also provide the buyer’s guide that will help you pick one that matches your fishing needs.

READ FIRST to the end to get all the information needed to pick the perfect rod for your next fishing excursion.

Top 6 Best Jerkbait Rod For 2021 (Best Picks)

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Best Jerkbait Rod

In-Depth Review of the Six Top-Rated Jarkbait Rods

Choosing the jerkbait rod needs a thorough understanding of the features that make it unique and the best in the market. Here we have provided a detail review of each of the six top-rated products to help you make an informed decision.

01- Lew’s Tournament Performance TP-1 Speed Stick Casting Rods

This type of rod performs superbly, allowing you to catch the fish effortlessly. They are designed for bass-tournament featuring IM8 graphite blanks that make them lightweight, sensitive, and sturdy while providing the much-needed control for proper hook set-up.  The casting distance and accuracy are increased with reduced occurrence of wind knots through the application of the American Tackle MicroWave Guide system. 

The Lew’s high-class skeletal graphite reel seats further decrease the rod’s weight while providing enough comfort.  Extra security is also offered through the expert style hook keeper that is positioned well.  No more slipping during wet condition since the handle features Dri-Tac Winn grip that provides excellent control of the rod and comfortable to hold. Buy one and enjoy an outstanding performance at an affordable cost!

Key Features

  • IM8 graphite blank construction that makes the rod lightweight, sturdy and sensitive
  • American Tackle Micro Wave Guide system that increases casting distance and accuracy while reducing the wind knot occurrences
  • Non-slip Dri-Tac Winn grip that is comfortable and offers sufficient control of the rod
  • Lew’s high-class skeletal graphite reel seats which make the rod lightweight and easy to control 

Specifications

  • Brand: Lew’s
  • Style Name: Topwater/Jerkbait
  • Model: TP168MLF
  • Length: 6ft.8inches
  • Power: Medium-Light

For more information and current pricing, click to check the latest price.

02- KastKing Speed Demon Pro Tournament Series Bass Fishing Rods

The KastKing rods come in various sizes and lengths designed to meet different needs of anglers. One of them is the Jerk bait casting medium power rod.  The rod has been well designed using Nano Resin Technology and high-class carbon blanks, which makes it lightweight, highly sensitive, and increases the breaking and lifting weight. The reels are firmly held in place by Fuji reel seats, which are known to be sturdy with a strong connection. The guides are also made of Fuji fabric and have aconite rings which give smooth cast without insert pop-outs.  With Speed Demon Pro rod, you can be sure of successful fishing all day long as the WINN golf-style handles are comfortable to hold. 

Key Features

  • High-class carbon blanks that ensure that the rod is strong, sensitive and durable
  • Nano Resin Technology which results in decreased weight and increases in casting accuracy and distance
  • Fuji reel seats which keep the reels firmly in place
  • Fuji guides with alconite rings for smooth casts without insert pop-out
  • WINN golf-style handle for comfortable holding and durability

Specifications

  • Brand: KastKing
  • Style Name: Cast-Jerk Bait 
  • Weight: 4oz.
  • Length: 6ft. 10 inches
  • Power: Medium
  • Action: Fast
  • Line Weight: 10-20lbs
  • Lure Weight: ¼-3/4 ounces
  • Guides: 9+1

For more information and current pricing, click here.

03- Cadence Spinning Rod

Cadence rod has 30T carbon matrix graphite fiber blank construction, which makes it sturdy, sensitive, lightweight, and durable. The durability is further enhanced by carbon veil blank wrapping and the quality Fuji reel seats, which keep the reels firmly in place. The handles come in two configurations, and you can choose either those made of EVA or Cork. They are also designed either as a split grip or full grip, and you pick one that is comfortable when holding for long hours.  The rods have to supper smooth power as a result of stainless steel guides with SIC inserts that also make durable and prevents the line from sticking to the guides. Buy one and travel conveniently with Cadence 2-piece rod that can easily be stored as it has a collapsible design.

Key Features

  • Carbon matrix graphite blanks that make it strong, durable and sensitive
  • Fuji reel seats that are long-lasting and keeps the reels firmly in place
  • Stainless steel guides with SIC inserts that are durable and prevents the line from sticking to the guides
  • 2-piece design for easy transport and storage

Specifications

  • Brand: Cadence
  • Model: CR5-662S-MF
  • Length: 6ft.6inches
  • Power: Medium
  • Action: Fast
  • Pieces: 2
  • Handle type: Split grip
  • Lure weight: 6-12lbs
  • Line weight: 1/8-3/4 ounces
  • Guides: 7+tip 

For more information and current pricing, click here.

04- Piscifun Serpent One Piece Baitcasting Rod 

Piscuin understands that for you to have the best rod, it must have a great blank. This Serpent 1-piece rod is made of high-modulus carbon fiber blank that is constructed with X wrapping.  This results in a strong, highly- sensitive, and lightweight pole for fishing. The handle features a high-class golf style that makes it comfortable and firm even in wet conditions. The fighting butt is also featured golf style that is known to handle big hooksets and fish. 

The cast is made incredibly smooth and extended by the Fuji O-rings and the Anti-line twist tip. No more stress when hooking and unhooking the baits as the hook-keepers are tough and safe. All these great features are wrapped up with zero coating blank that significantly improves the performance of the rod. With Piscifun Serpent One Piece Baitcasting Rod, you will fish like a pro!

Key Features

  • Anti-slip and comfortable even in wet conditions
  • Stress-free to handle big hooksets and fish
  • Fuji O-rings and anti-line twist tip that results in long and smooth casting
  • Tough and safe hook-keeper that makes it easy to hook and unhook the lures while fishing
  • Zero-coating blank made of high-modulus carbon fiber for sensitivity, lightweight and great performance

Specifications

  • Brand: Piscifun
  • Model: PSS6101MC
  • Length: 6ft.10inches
  • Power: Medium
  • Action: Fast
  • Pieces: 1
  • Lure weight: 8-12lbs
  • Line weight: 1/8-1/2 ounces
  • Guides: 8+tip 

For more information and current pricing, click here.

05- Okuma Reflexions 24-ton Carbon Freshwater Fishing Rod

This is a powerful rod that comes with various lengths of between 6feet 8inches to 7 feet. You can choose from depending on your desired casting distance and control of the pole.  Since the rod comes with different powers and actions, you need to choose ones that work best for jerkbait fishing.  Go for the medium-light power and fast action rod has it has been proven to work perfectly well. 

The rod is made of 24T carbon blank that makes it lightweight, sensitive, and durable. The cork handle allows you to fish all day comfortably without getting fatigued. You get to choose either spinning or casting poles with the same specifications depending on your skill level. If you are just starting out, spinning poles will be the perfect option as they are known to have a smooth learning curve. Experienced anglers can opt for casting type as they have outstanding performance.  

Key Features

  • 24T carbon blanks which are durable and responsive
  • Increased rod tip lifting ability due to unidirectional fiber reinforcement
  • Cork handle for comfortable and lightweight making fishing fatigue-free
  • Increased lifting weight at the tip
  • Spinning and casting options

Specifications

  • Brand: Okuma
  • Model: Rx-C-701MLa
  • Weight: 4.6 ounces
  • Power: Medium Light
  • Action: Fast

For more information and current pricing, click here.

06- St Croix Triumph Spinning Rods

You get a perfect rod from the different powers and actions presented by the St Croix Triumph Spinning pole. The lengths range from 6 feet to 7 feet 6 inches with ultra-light to medium-heavy power fast action options.  For successful jerkbait fishing, pick a 6 feet 6-inch rod that is fast action with medium or medium-heavy power. It will make your lure ideally look like an injured fish triggering the predator to strike. Made of SCII graphite blanks, you get around that is sturdy, highly sensitive, and lightweight. No fatigue while fishing for long hours as the handle is made of comfortable cork grip. The aluminum guides with black flames further enhance its durability. Grab one today and fish like a pro!

Key Features

  • Highly sensitive and sturdy  as a result of graphite blanks 
  • Comfortable cork handle for fatigue-free fishing
  • Aluminum-oxide guides that are corrosion-resistant for long-lasting services
  • 5-year warranty that shows confidence in the quality

Specifications

  • Brand: St. Croix
  • Model: TRS66MF
  • Weight: 3.9 ounces
  • Length: 6ft.6inch.
  • Pieces: 1
  • Action: First
  • Power: Medium
  • Lure weight: ¼-5/8
  • Line weight: 6-12lbs

For more information and current pricing, click here.

Factors to Consider When Buying Jerkbait Rods

In order to get the best jerkbait rod, there is a need to keenly consider crucial features that will enable you to fish like a pro.  These considerations are discussed below:

  • Type

Jerkbait fishing can be done using either a baitcasting or spinning technique.  You should choose one carefully that will present fewer challenges when using. Baitcasting is the most common jerk bait rods, but some brands have both styles with similar features.  The spinning is known to have a smooth learning curve, and therefore beginners can opt for this type of rods. They have excellent performance and can drop light lures using light lines. 

The bait casting jerkbait rods work best for experienced anglers.  They use heavy lures and offer so much control and power at your fingertips. Careful consideration should be made by novice anglers as they can experience a lot of challenges when using the baitcasting rod as they may not be able to control it effectively. However, some expert fishermen still prefer spinning rods, and to some extent, your preference will also count.

  • Styles

There are different styles used in jerkbait fishing, depending on the depth of water. This means that anglers need to first examine their fishing conditions in order to identify the suitable method to use. After this, you will buy one that will be suitable for the favorable technique.   Floating methods are known to work well in shallow waters. Suspended jerkbait systems are excellent for still waters, while those with deep rocks and structure require sinking forms. Check the features of the jerkbait pole to ensure it matches your desired method.

  • Length

Just like any other pole, the dimension is an important consideration when choosing a jerkbait rod.   The shorter poles are known to be active, and most of them range between 6 to 7 feet. The one measuring 6feet 6 inches is the most ideal for the jerkbait technique.  These kinds of poles are stress-free to control, less strenuous, especially when jerking bait for an extended period. Additionally, when working on a lure, there is a minimum chance of hitting the water. Though a long rod will offer further casting, it might be tiresome and cumbersome when moving the jerkbait and can easily smash the water.

  • Action

The behavior of jerkbait in the water is what will trigger the fish to strike. Since the jerkbait lure does not produce any effect on its own, there is a need to control it using the fishing poles. The movements of the bait will significantly depend on the action of the rod. Typically, those will fast response will be the best as it can react and act quickly, allowing much control of the rod.  This is ideal as you can promptly jerk the lures around, making them life-like and  looks like the one struggles. The fish will see it as natural food, and on biting, you can count it as a catch.

If, in any case, you are planning to fish in freezing water or your preference is angling slow and steady, then moderate to slow action rod may be the most ideal. This is because not much action will be required in such situations and can the most effective when using treble hooks.

  • Power 

The sensitivity, strength, and flexibility of the rod are determined by its power. Medium or medium-heavy have been proven to work well for jerk bait fishing. It will provide a well-balanced rod in terms of strength and flexibility while ensuring that the hook stays hooked in the mouth of the fish. These choices of powers also ensure that there is enough prop to fight strong and big fish without snapping the rod.

  • Grip design

Comfort is very crucial when fishing, especially for long hours. This will demand a well-made handle that is comfortable and durable. Working the rod in a proper manner will be done with much control to achieve the desired outcome.  The handle should also have a suitable length to allow you to use both hands, and it should not slip even in wet conditions. However, the short rods are more comfortable, easy to use, and not tiring also when used for an extended period.

FAQs 

Q: Under which weather conditions would the pole work best?

The jerkbait technique is suitable for stable water conditions. This is the time that you can be able to work your bait well to produce the desired rhythm that can easily attract the fish to bite. The best condition is also during a sunny sky.  The colors of the lure should be picked wisely to match the sky settings. When the sky is clear, light-colored baits will be useful, while when they are cloudy, the darker ones should be chosen.

Q: Is the jerkbait fishing better than other styles?

Although every technique may be suitable in specific conditions, jerkbait is known to be the best in freezing water. You only need to master how to make rhythm with the lures, and you will be ready to go out fishing. Additionally, you will be able to identify with most certainty if your fishing location has a potential catch. There is no need to wait for a long time in vain compared to other styles. 

Q: What can I do in order to be successful when using the jerkbait technique?

There is no magic rather than investing in a perfect and versatile pole that has the right action and power. This means that you need to choose your rod wisely as it will significantly determine your success. Also, ensure that the lines used are sinking to the bottom so that you can work out on the lure appropriately.  

To avoid landing on the wrong products, choose among those we have reviewed above as they have been tested and found to have exemplary performance. Do not forget to practice a little before heading out and also buy the necessary accessories that will complete your pole.

Q: What kind of reel is suitable for jerkbait rods?

Getting the correct parts of the poles and attachments will enable you to work with perfection. The reel is one necessary gear that completes your fishing rod. Check the drag ratio of the spool, the type of the winder, seat, and the weight it can handle. You should never compromise on quality to get a cheaper rod. Though it needs not to be very expensive, you should be ready to invest more. Choose bait casting reels if you have a lot of experience fishing, but for beginners, a spinning type will work just fine. 

Features of the Best Jerkbait Rods

Product Name Features
Lew’s TP-1 Speed Stick Casting Rods Graphite 1-piece blank construction Improved casting distance & accuracy No wind knots Lew’s high-class skeletal graphite reel seats Dri-Tac WINN grip design
KastKing Speed Demon Pro Tournament Series Bass Fishing Rods
Nano Resin Technology with high-class carbon blanks Fuji reel seats and guides Alconites rings WINN golf-style handle 
Cadence Spinning Rod
30T carbon matrix graphite blank  Split grip design Fuji reel seats Stainless guides with SIC inserts
Piscifun Serpent One Piece Baitcasting Rod Premium golf-style grip Golf style fighting butt Fuji O-rings Zero coatings blanks Safe & sturdy hook keeper Anti-line twist tip
Okuma Reflexions Fishing Rod
24T carbon blank construction Cork comfortable handle Increased tip lifting weight Casting and spinning options available
St Croix Triumph Spinning Rods High-class SCII graphite Robust, sensitive and powerful hook-setting Comfortable cork handle Durable aluminum-oxide guides with black frames

Final Word

Jerkbait fishing technique is suitable for both experienced and novice anglers. The only thing that will make a whole lot difference is the kind of rod you use for fishing. No more lies! If you do not invest in the best jerkbait rod, then you are preparing flop terribly.  These days there are many affordable poles like the ones reviewed here that have been proven to produce great results.

Choosing any of the products analyzed in this article will make you fish like a pro. You only need to check your fishing needs so as to make the right decision. No more guesswork! Read the buyer’s guide, and you will pick one without much thinking.  With the right rod at hand, you will always long for the next jerkbait fishing expedition! 

Reference Links

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API