Soft Plastic Jerkbaits

These are a new generation of lures that mimic injured baitfish. They may be used as sight fishing lures but can also be weighted and fished deeper. Like floating worms, they are at their best in clear water.

WHEN TO FISH SOFT PLASTIC JERKBAITS: Soft jerkbaits are most effective in cold to cool water. Anglers rely on them in early spring and fall when the water temperature ranges from around 47 to 70 degrees.

WHERE TO FISH SOFT PLASTIC JERKBAITS: These are among the deadliest of all lures in clear water. They can be fished around shallow cover or in deeper, more open water. Try them in the following places: 1. Around Shallow Cover, Under Docks, and Under Overhanging Trees. Fish soft jerkbaits in the exact same places you'd fish a floating worm. Keep in mind they may be less effective than the floating worm in warm water. 2. Off 45 Degree Banks. In clear highland lakes, bass will often suspend off these sloping banks and will take a soft jerkbait fished on or just under the surface. 3. On Points. In early spring and fall, both deep and slow tapering points in clear lakes will hold suspended bass. These fish are feeding on shad, and the jerkbait's injured baitfish look will draw strikes. 4. Around Other Structures. When weighted, soft jerkbaits can be fished wherever you'd fish a plastic worm or crankbait.

RIGGING SOFT JERKBAITS: 1. With a 6 or 7 inch jerkbait, use a 4/0 wide gap hook. 2. Rig these lures Texas style or with the hook point resting between the grooves on the back of the lure. 3. Take special care when rigging soft jerkbaits to make sure the worm hook is rigged absolutely straight in the lure. Otherwise, it will twist your line. 4. If a deeper presentation is desired, use insert ( nail ) weights. Some pro anglers insert the weight in the center of the lure so it falls horizontally. Use just enough weight to sink the lure slowly.

SOFT JERKBAIT TACKLE: Soft jerkbaits demand a hard hook set, so use a heavy action rod. In superclear water, a spinning rod and light ( 8 or10 pound test ) line may be necessary. In normal clear water, try a baitcasting outfit with 12 to14 pound test mono.

SOFT JERKBAIT COLORS: These baitfish imitating lures are most effective in natural shad colors. On overcast days, however, brighter colors such as chartreuse and bubblegum may draw strikes.