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I love to test new fishing gadgets and share my opinion.
If you are fishing for bass, nothing will get the job done like a high-quality jerkbait. They’re so versatile that you can use them in all seasons and in a variety of bass habitats.
The reason why we recommend them is the amount of control you have over their actions. They give you the freedom to choose the speed of your fishing action from fast to slow, deep or shallow, and everywhere in between. Plus, their sharp hooks can easily catch any fish and maintain their quality throughout the year.
Nonetheless, if you want to gain more authority over your fishing experience, it’s time to choose from the best jerkbaits for your next trip, and we have the ultimate list for you!
Our Top 3 Picks
Best Overall
Rapala X-Rap
- Perfect for long-range shooting
- Internal rattling mechanism
- Has a distinct sound that can catch the attention of fish
Most Popular Jerkbait
Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait 10
- Unique casting action: imitates a wounded baitfish and stimulates predatory impulses
- Easy castability even on medium-heavy rods
- High-quality built mechanism: increasing the chances of fish attraction
Budget Jerkbait
Strike King KVD 300 Deep Jerkbait
- Excellent for targeting deeper water fish
- Advanced weight transfer: system with defined action making it easy to cast a mile
- Three razor-sharp trebles: enhancing the possibility for fish to hook
Table of Contents
6 Best Jerkbaits for Bass Fishing
- Rapala X-Rap – Best Overall Jerkbait for Bass
- Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait 10 – Most Popular Jerkbait for Bass
- Strike King KVD 300 Deep Jerkbait – Budget Jerkbait for Bass
- Megabass Vision 110 – Multiple Color Choices for Bass Jerkbait
- 13 FISHING – Loco Special – Deep Diving Jerkbait for Bass
- Yo-Zuri Crystal 3D Minnow – Floating Jerkbait for Bass
- Z-Man Scented Jerk ShadZ – Extremely Durability Jerkbait for Bass
#1
Best Overall Jerkbait for Bass
Rapala X-Rap
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Rapala x-rap jerkbait is ideal for fishers that prefer traditional lures. It has a streamlined design for increased stability, allowing you to maintain your fishing action as flawlessly as possible. The XR10 is built to help you combat difficult weather conditions and ensure you have an enjoyable fishing adventure.
- Weight: 0.027 pounds
- Length: 4 inches
- Colors: Silver, Blue Sardine, Glass Ghost, Gret, Multi, Olive Green, and Silver Blue Mackerel
Pros
- Perfect for long-range shooting
- Internal rattling mechanism
- Has a distinct sound that can catch the attention of fish
Cons
- Lighter than other jerkbaits
- Not big enough for saltwater
- Hooks are smaller
MY ADVICE: We would recommend buying this lure if you’re thinking of trolling inshore-striped bass. We have encountered great success with this technique using this amazing bass lure. It’s why this lure features on our list of best rapala lures for bass fishing.
FEATURES: Even though the X-Rap bass is smaller than most lures, it has two strong hooks and is able to catch an impressive number of fish.
Plus, with very little forearm fatigue, you can work with this jerkbait for the entire day. The bill’s angle reduces torque and resistance, making long casting much more pleasurable.
#2
Most Popular Jerkbait for Bass
Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait 10
WHY WE LIKE IT: As a shallow sinking jerkbait, the Rapala Shadow Rap is popular thanks to its unique and realistic casting action. It has a horizontal line movement, simultaneously imitating a wounded baitfish and attracting predatory fishing instincts for hook-up.
- A vast range of available sizes, ranging from 2.5 inches to 4 inches in length
- Running depth: 3-8 feet
- Weight: 0.022 pounds
- Comes in 8 Colors, including Multi, Rainbow Trout, Glass Ghost, and Gold
Pros
- Unique casting action: imitates a wounded baitfish and stimulates predatory impulses
- Easy castability even on medium-heavy rods
- High-quality built mechanism: increasing the chances of fish attraction
- Adaptable design: it can adjust to a variety of species, including bass and pike
Cons
- Difficult to use: hard to master the technique of shallow sinking jerkbait
- Limited availability: not accessible in certain regions, difficult to find
- No internal weight transfer system
MY ADVICE: Whenever looking for a bass bait that can increase the chances of catching more fish, this is the jerkbait we buy. The life-like color patterns and high-quality construction always ensure successful swimming action during my fishing adventures.
FEATURES: As a shallow sinking bass lure, this jerkbait can both suspend and gently sink, reaching depths that cannot be easily accessed with other jerkbaits. No wonder why the Rapala Shadow Rap has a competitive advantage over other jerkbaits on the market.
#3
Budget Jerkbait for Bass
Strike King KVD 300 Deep Jerkbait
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Strike King brand is commonly known as one of the best jerkbaits dominating the fishing world for more than 50 years. This top manufacturer is famous for their soft plastic lures, spinner baits, and crankbaits for fishing.
- Weight: 0.0375 pounds
- Length: 4.75 inches
- Diving depth: 11′
- Comes in 13 Colors including Oyster, Clown, Nude, Pro Black, Pro Citrus, and Phantom Perch
Pros
- Excellent for targeting deeper water fish
- Advanced weight transfer: system with defined action making it easy to cast a mile
- Three razor-sharp trebles: enhancing the possibility for fish to hook
Cons
- Paint might chip off after a few uses
- Not balanced well
- Hooks may be damaged easily
MY ADVICE: We have tried the “Clearwater Minnow” color of this jerkbait and can confirm this is the best choice for fishing in clear waters. When the jerkbait bite is on up north, it’s all you need. If you’re looking for alternative products, check out our article on the best cobia lures. They’re tried and tested by us, and they’re absolutely loved by our community!
FEATURES: If you’re a deep diving angler aiming for distance and/or precision, this lure makes it simple for you to achieve both. From the weight transfer system which expands the casting length to the life-like 3D eyes and incredible details, this bass lure has certainly got every angler covered.
#4
Color Jerkbait for Bass
Megabass Vision 110 Jerkbait
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you are into exploring unique darting movements, balancing mechanisms, and amazing fish-catching action. then the Megabass Vision 110 is probably the best choice for you. But what makes this jerkbait stand out is the vast range of realistic color patterns not typical for other bass lures.
- Weight: 0.031 pounds
- Length: 4.33 inches
- Depth: 6 feet
Pros
- Impressive hook-up - three treble sharp hooks for tough cast action
- Balanced mechanism- multi-way movement internal system
- Vast range of color options - The color scheme for the lures is often blue back/orange belly/silver sides.
Cons
- Smaller in comparison to other jerkbaits
- Weak bill: it might come off after first use
MY ADVICE: When you choose from the design patterns of this jerkbait, make sure you pick either a clear color, an opaque color with some contrast, or a flashy color for windy weather. You may consider trying out Pro Blue because if you ask me, this bad boy gets the job done every time.
FEATURES: Apart from the impressive color scheme, and 3 sharp hookups for tough action, this jerkbait has no trouble getting bites in harsh and cold weather conditions.
If you want to try the Megabass Vision 110 jerkbait then wintertime is the most suitable period for this type of bass fishing.
#5
Deep Diving Jerkbait for Bass
13 FISHING - Loco Special Jerkbait
WHY WE LIKE IT: To increase castability, the lure designer included a weight transfer device in the bait. They did this by adding two enormous metal balls in the bass chamber. This weight transfer technique gives the bait an aerodynamic feeling which is one of the most attractive characteristics in casting.
- Weight: 0.0375 pounds
- Length: 4.25 inches
- Width: 0.75 inches
- Height: 1 inch
- Comes in 15 colors including, Golden Retriever, Lucky Charm, Fantasy Shad, Natty Light, and So Shiny
Pros
- Improved castability: the weight transfer system provides long casting periods
- Rhythmic side-to-side action: sharp action that triggers more fish bites
- Triple grips: making it more likely for fish to hook
Cons
- Hard to locate in water: in some underwater cases, deep-diving jerkbait is difficult to find
- Pricier than most jerkbaits
- Slow riser
MY ADVICE: From what we have learned using the 13 Fishing Loco Special, is that these are the appropriate hooks for penetrating fish in cold water, However, you need to be conscious of your drag once a large bite hooks up, because then you can capitalize on it. Looking for something else? Why not check out our article on the best topwater lures for bass fishing?
FEATURES: Thanks to the finish with a life-like appearance in the water, the upgraded hooks, and the durability of this jerkbait, it easily surpasses its rivals. So, if you want to fall in love again with jerkbait fishing, tie the loco special and get some erratic fish action!
#6
Floating Jerkbait for Bass
Yo-Zuri Crystal 3D Minnow Jerkbait
WHY WE LIKE IT: Floating jerkbaits are one of the most popular hard jerkbaits on the market, and this is especially true when it comes to bass lures like 5 Yo-Zuri Crystal 3D Minnow. Due to its lifelike design and superior swimming action, this bass lure is an attractive choice for every experienced angler.
The floating movement effective on summer days and the unique blend of features are what makes this jerkbait stand out from the competition.
- Diver depth: 3 feet
- Weight: 0.016 pounds
- Comes in 11 Colors including, Silver Black, Sardine, Silver Bonze, Blue River, and Red Head
Pros
- Realistic design features: transparent color patterns and 3D eyes
- Floating action: ideal for a variety of fishing conditions and species.
- Durability: high-quality bass lure that can withstand any fishing resistance
Cons
- More expensive than other jerkbaits
- Limited color options: colors may not match all fishing environments
- Low-quality hooks: may need to be often replaced after a few actions
MY ADVICE: If you are looking for a way to catch predatory fish, then the 5 Yo-Zuri Crystal 3D Minnow is probably the best choice for you. In our personal experience of using this lure, we can tell you that the high-quality design can overcome any fish, regardless of their size.
However, before purchasing this product, it is important to encounter your individual angler skills and preferences.
FEATURES: Apart from the life-like design this bass has excellent swimming action, making it an outstanding fishing lure. Ultimately, the 5 Yo-Zuri Crystal 3D Minnow offers a unique mix of features and casting performance.
What is a Jerkbait?
A jerkbait is a fishing lure made to imitate the action of a struggling baitfish. It’s tailor-made for anglers who aim to catch bass fish, making this type of fishing lure feature often on our list of the best bass fishing lures. These types of baits are long and skinny, ranging in size from 3-6 inches (7.6-15.2 cm), with a usual design of two or three treble hooks.
The name itself indicates that the fisherman generates a specific jerking action with rod movement. Jerkbaits are usually designed from plastic, wood, and metal and come in a vast range of forms, sizes, and colors, imitating the fish environment.
Buyer’s Guide
No fouls or tangles
There is a possibility for some jerkbaits to have defects that can affect the whole casting experience. Hence, as an experienced angler, it is important to make sure your jerkbait doesn’t have any manufacturing flaws that could cause it to tangle or foul during casting or retrieving.
Color and pattern
Jerkbaits are available in a range of colors and designs to suit various water conditions, light levels, and prey species. It is critical to select a color and pattern that is suited for the fishing conditions you may encounter.
Action
The action of a jerkbait is an important factor to consider while selecting one. The ability to attract fish is determined by how the jerkbait moves in the water. If you want to catch predatory fish you need to look over for a bait that has a realistic, lifelike swimming movement.
Casting
Keep in mind the casting characteristics of a jerkbait when buying one, especially for their weight, length, and balance. A well-casting and precise jerkbait will be more successful in reaching the fish and presenting the lure correctly.
Hooks
Hooks are of crucial importance when it comes to casting performance and fish resistance. That is why any angler like yourself, should always look over for sharp treble hooks, securely attached and not easily damaged.
Jerkbait Types
Hard Jerkbaits
The type of jerkbait which has a hard body with two or three treble hooks makes your fishing experience much more aggressive and effective.
In the bass fishing world, they are known amongst experienced anglers as best for aerodynamic casting and some of them for their specific weight load.
Soft Jerkbaits
Soft jerkbaits are a more artificial type of jerkbaits than the hard ones made mostly from plastic materials, but with a more natural appearance. If you are usually fishing in a more seedless environment in order to avoid hook-ups, then the soft jerkbait is probably the better choice for your bass fishing lure.
Suspending Jerkbaits
Suspending jerkbaits have lures with a more neutral movement. This allows anglers to stop or suspend at a certain depth once they start retrieving from the water.
Floating Jerkbaits
This type of hard jerkbait is commonly known amongst anglers due to its specific floating action above the water which dips in, once the rod is whipped into motion. It is most effective in warm weather conditions.
Sinking Jerkbaits
The sinking in the water is what makes these kinds of lures stand out from their competition. Namely, if your jerkbaits don’t go deep enough, it’s time to switch to sinking jerkbait.
To get within the strike zone, you can just count according to the sink rate. Follow the lure’s depth in order to reveal how quickly they sink and how much time they require to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
The optimal size for a jerkbait depends on the fishing conditions, the species you’re after, and your own preferences. If you are fishing in murky water, you might want to look for a larger jerkbait, while in clear water a jerkbait of a smaller size might be most suitable for you.
Furthermore, some anglers may pick larger baits for more aggressive action. But if you consider yourself to be more subtle, then a small jerkbait is probably the best choice.
Yes, the color of a jerkbait may be of big influence during the casting experience, right after the bait design. Depending on the water conditions, light levels, and prey species, different colors and patterns may be more or less successful. However, most anglers tend to choose more realistic and watery colors with a life-like design ensuring your fish’s attraction.
Yes, they can be effective but it might take some time for the jerkbait to adjust due to its colors and sizes. Namely, bright colors and large sizes may be more effective in dirty water fishing ponds, by attracting fish that are easier to see. Check out our article on the best bass lures for pond fishing.
Yes they can be effective on windy days, but you may need to make some adjustments to your fishing approach in order to obtain the greatest results.
Yes, there are jerkbaits that can be used during nighttime. This is especially true when it comes to the types which have a more glowing appearance and shiny finish which can attract the attention of any fish when there is no light around.
Jerkbaits can be effective regardless of the water temperature. However, the best water temp depends on the species you are targeting. Generally speaking, for anglers, it is commonly known that jerkbaits are most successful when the water temperature is between 50-70°F (10-21°C).
Jerkbaits can be used in any season, including the summer period. However, during the hotter days, anglers employ fast jerks with short pauses for better casting outcomes of more fish in warmer waters.