However, in order to

Fish with jerkbaits effectively
the angler needs to show more invention and commitment than with other lures. A well-prepared casting equipment. At least superficial knowledge of techniques for fishing with various kinds of jerkbaits. Of course, an ideal learning situation is when an experience fellow-angler is willing to share his knowledge. With such help, practically everyone is able to learn necessary basics during the first fishing trip.

It is essential to know that every jerkbait works and so attracts predators in an optimum way when it is guided properly. The role of the lure presentation is well-known in all aspects of angling. However, with jerkbaits it is particularly important.

If you can avoid the line slack you can hook even the most delicate strikes.

In order to understand the lures of presentation of these mysterious lures we shall look at their basic types. Some of them require rather sharp jerks of the rod, others require delicate pulls, others act even when pulled uniformly. It should be remembered, though, that an action as varied as possible is usually the most effective. This is achieved by mastering cyclic pulls and jerks connected with immediate elimination of any line slack. Pauses between subsequent moves are extremely important as well. In order to learn the perfect combination of those elements for a particular lure, one should practice in more shallow water with a high transparency. Our lure is supposed to imitate a sick, weakened fish, which is trying in vain to dive deeper. The speed and strength of rod movements is a question of training. Many jerkbaits tend to catch the line with the belly hook when jerked too strong. These should be treated in a more delicate way. Of course, we work differently with floating and swimming jerks, even of the same type. Finally, having achieved a certain degree of expertise, we know which lure from our collection to choose and how to present it even when standing by the water.

Let's start discussing the use of jerkbaits with the most classic models. These are lures such as:

"Suick", Musky Mania "Burt", Fudally "Reef Hawg" and Salmo "Jack"

Classic jerkbaits - Salmo Jack, Burt, Reef Hawg, Bobbie Bait and Cobb's s.

When guided uniformly they show not even the slightest tendency to move. That is why many anglers after the first casts rashly consider them to be angling toys, which perhaps are effective out there in America, but not here. Nothing could be more mistaken. Each of those lures has caught an unbelievable amount of Esox specimens. Everybody knows that big pike are hardened cannibals. This is one of the natural ways of the population number control.

Pike is true canibal!

I think that the secret of their effectiveness lies in its near-perfect imitation of small pike movements. Probably everyone once saw what is characteristic of these movements. They are more like slow shifting in the water or forward and sideways leaps rather than "normal" fish swimming. That is also the way in which our lure should be presented.

Because of the lack of a swimming lip the resistance of all jerkbaits is minimal when the line is being reeled in. Because of this the angler's constant attention and control of their action is of the utmost importance when fishing with these lures. The classics mentioned in the title - Suick, Burt or Salmo Jack are extreme examples, even in the entire jerkbait family. They tend to glide far towards the angler after even the slightest jerk. They rarely turn sideways at the same time and their trajectory can be described as "saw-shaped".

Fishing with classic floating jerkbait.

It is extremely important, and at the same time difficult, to maintain at least minimal stress on the line. Without it is impossible to carry out a jerk during a strike. In effect jerks are usually slightly delayed and many fish unfortunately "fall off" during the first seconds of hauling.

When presenting a fishing technique with these lures, one should pay attention to the difference in using floating and diving models. Floating jerkbaits are usually used in 0.5-3m deep places and diving when it is 2 - 5m deep.

Jack 18 manufactured by Salmo will be used as an example for discussing the technique. After casting the lure should be sunk with a few fluent pulls. Their number depends on the depth of the fishery. The Jack reaches its maximum diving depth - approx. 1 meter - already after two or three moves. On 0.5 m shallows one move is enough, after which the lure can even be allowed to surface.

Floating Salmo Jack always works for postspawning pike on shallows.

The length of the pulls should depend on the depth of the fishery as well. Maximum depth is reached through working the rod between the hip level and the surface of the water. Sometimes it happens so, that in order to guide the lure out of reeds or slip between surfaced plants with precision, one has to hold the rod up, jerking just below the surface. Then, as the depth increases, the rod tip should be lowered towards the water. After every pull the Jack dives from time to time, deviating slightly from its course or jumping up towards the surface. At the same time it sways slightly when freezing head down for a moment.

If the average depth of a fishery is greater than 2 metres, it is better to use a diving version. The action of the diving Jack differs only slightly from the floating one. It slides forward more "eagerly" but delicate vibrations during stops are very similar. In those moments the lure sinks slowly, constantly slightly swaying from side to side. For large pikes it is like a proverbial red rag to a bull.

When fishing near the shore, where the bottom falls sharply 4-5m under the boat, the fact that the lure dives should be used. After casting one should wait for it to reach the proper depth and start a series of long, calm pulls, paused with stops, during which the lure sinks.

Fishing with sinking jerkbait.

Everybody knows what a great pike fishery the edge of deep reeds is. If they are not too dense it is worth a risk to cast the lure as far as possible and wait literally 1 or 2 seconds. Then, jerking with the rod tip high up starts. After guiding the lure out of the reeds it should be gradually lowered, allowing the Jack to dive deeper.