I am going to build ME a Jerk Bait Rod. I found in my stash an ATC III IP703. Would that make a decent Jerk Bait rod ? Has anyone built a Jerk Bait rod on this particular blank and if so, how did she perform ?

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

Some guys like crankbait type blanks and popping blanks for their jerk baits. Some guys don't mind a long rod. In which case, that IP will be fine.


Personally, I want a rod that is 6' to 6'6", Fast action and pretty stiff. Mag Bass or Spin Bass rated up to 3/4 ounces. I wouldn't touch that IP for my jerk bait rod.


Just depends on what you like in a jerk bait rod.



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Better to have and not need than to need and not have.

I'm with Matt. I prefer shorter/stiffer rods for JBs. I smack the tip on the side of the boat with a 7' rod. I also find I don't overwork the bait with a shorter rod.

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How about an IP844, I have a couple of those. I will definitely have to cut it down to 6 or 6' 6" to keep from slapping the water. Or an MB 843, I have some of those also. How would the Popping blank do in a 4 power ?
I trust you guys opinion a lot more than mine because I have fished a Jerk Bait very little. I certainly don't want to build something that wont work like it's supposed to. Therefore your Jerk Bait experience means a lot to me.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

Jay,

These baits come in a wide assortment of sizes so keep that in mind. Which weight you want to toss will tell you what power you will need. I use a spinning rod for the Pointer 78's and a MH power baitcaster for the 100 and 128 sized (over an ounce) baits. It is a St. Croix blank so it runs a bit higher in power than some blanks. I also have moved to a 7' rod and it will work fine if you adjust your "jerk" to start at 3-4 down 5 o'clock rather than closer to vertical. I too prefer fairly stiff but some feel they over work the baits with a stiffer rod. If you can I would try different rods with the baits then you will know more about which suits your style.

I agree, NO popping bank for me as a jerkbait rod and that includes the IP844, but that IP844 makes a GREAT crankbait rod!

For me, the perfect jerkbait rod is a pool que in 6ft fast action for 1/2oz and over lures......then I need one in spnning for the smaller jerkbaits from 1/4-1/2oz.

I have never found a "perfect" rod that can do both.

DR

A popping or crank bait rod may not be the best choice to get the action to the bait needed for walk, popper or jerks -

The Castaway XP3 784 is designed for Jerk and Twitch Bait rods -

The lower modulus fibers on the tip end provide "some softness" to minimize lure snatching when the fish blow up on top. Most will react too quickly and snatch the lure due to the pure excitemnet. If you are not fishing this stuff try it and you will get excited as well. Lots of fun!

Tip Down - micro all on top may result in a build under 3.3 ounces.

6'6" Length Line # 10 - 17 Lure Oz. - 5/16 - 3/4
PWR - Med Hvy Action - Mod

Butt Dia. - 0.543 Tip - 5.5 Wt. Oz. - 2.2

[www.swamplandtackle.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/03/2009 06:45PM by Bill Stevens.

I like the Rainshadow IC722 or IC723 for jerkbaits. 6' fast action, soft enough tip to cast, but stiff enough to give good action....

Thanks guys. I have on hand also an MB 843 with a fast tip. Sounds like that may be a better choice. I may cut it down, build it and see how it works. The IP blank went back in the bin.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY