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Best Jerkbait Rod

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Best Jerkbait Rod - Top 10 Review

Each year, dozens of new fishing rods are introduced on the market. These new rods offer anglers improved technology and new designs. One of the most popular new fishing rod options for 2011 was the jerk bait rods.

What is jerk bait? (skip if you already know this)

A jerkbait is a crankbait that imitates an injured or dying baitfish that has been tempting predators in the water. It is usually fished on or near the surface and retrieves at medium speeds mimicking a fish fleeing for its life.

Manufacturers such as G Loomis produce rod models with fast action and sensitive tips which suit this style of fishing perfectly. They feature strong butt sections to fight larger fish and come with high-quality components such as titanium oxide guides and graphite blanks.

 

Best jerkbait rod features

A jerkbait rod is designed with a medium to fast action that provides precise hooksets which allow for excellent fish fighting capabilities when paired with the appropriate reel.

A jerkbait rod is used with a number of different techniques, but they are most commonly used for trolling and pitching, and… when bass fishing, which means that anglers can choose from a variety of available models depending on their preferences.

Jerkbait rods are also incredibly lightweight compared to other rods designed for these fishing styles.

In the following guide, we will introduce our readers to 10 of the best jerkbait rod options currently available on the market.

 

How do you pick the best jerkbait rod?

There are hundreds of jerkbait rod brands and styles on the market. The most important thing to consider when selecting a rod is your preference for action, length, weight, and power. 

Depending on where you plan on fishing with your new rod, you might want to select between different brands or styles. For example, tournament fishermen who require tournament-grade equipment might not want to purchase a jerk bait rod that is known for quality, but not showy. 

On the other hand, an avid fisherman looking for an upgrade or the perfect fishing gift may be interested in purchasing a reliable and well-known brand name.

Besides selecting between brands and styles, you will need to consider how you will be fishing. If you plan on pitching and flipping your jerk bait, for example, you might want to select a heavier and more powerful rod. 

Anglers who plan on trolling with their new rod should opt for the traditional medium action model that is designed for this technique. You will also need to consider wireline or braided fishing lines, and purchase a model that is made to work with these types of lines.

For most anglers, the weight, length, and power of your new rod will depend on where you plan on fishing. It does not matter if you are an experienced fisherman or looking for the perfect gift for a loved one, there is a jerkbait rod available that is perfect for your needs.

As a professional reviewer, I have reviewed the 10 best jerk bait rods of the year that you might like:

Glossary:

  • Fishing rod blanks – The rod’s blank is a pole, usually graphite, that serves as the rod’s foundation.
  • Rod guides and rod-guide inserts – rings that keep the fishing line in place along the rod
  • EVA rod handle – The EVA foam is dense, long-lasting, and pleasant. These handles can be utilized to repair or replace old rickety rod handles.
  • Reel seat – The reel seat is the portion of a fishing rod button on which the reel is mounted.

Best Jerkbait Rod - KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rods

KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rods

KastKing is a new and improved brand that has bright colors, powerful blanks, and attractive reel seats. Designed with comfort and durability in mind, these rods feature flexible designs which require less energy to work jerk baits the way they were intended. This is the perfect choice for an entry-level angler or anyone who wants a high-quality rod that can be used for all types of fishing.

Specs:

  • KastKing PTS (Power Transition System)
  • Fuji O-Ring line guides
  • Toray 24-ton carbon matrix
  • Length: 4’6”/5’6”/5’/6’6”/6’7”/6’/7’1”/7’6”/7′
 

Best Jerkbait Rod - Zebco Rhino Tough Glowtip

Zebco Rhino Tough Glowtip

Zebco is a trusted name in the fishing rod industry that continues to improve upon its products. These rods feature tough, flexible tip blanks that allow anglers to work jerk baits with precision accuracy. Designed for medium power, these rods are perfect for pitching and flipping as well as trolling for several species of fish. This is the perfect choice for a serious fisherman who wants a new rod for this season’s best catch.

Specs:

  • Layers of heavy-duty cross-weave graphite
  • 6 heavy-duty guides and a stainless steel d-frame tip guide
  • Comfortable EVA rod handle
  • Lure weight of 1/16-1/4 ounces
  • Line weight of 4-10 pounds

 

Best Jerkbait Rod - Cadence Spinning Rod

Cadence Spinning Rod

Cadence rods are designed for excellent action and performance. Their ultralight model is perfect for pitching and flipping jerk baits, while their medium power rod works well for trolling with different styles of jerk baits. These rod blanks feature a high-quality design and an attractive metallic finish that will look great in your boat or at your favorite fishing spot. This is the perfect choice for anglers who want premium quality in a stylish package.

Specs:

  • 30-TON Carbon Fiber Blank
  • SiC guides with durable stainless steel frames
  • Fuji reel seat and a blank wrapped in carbon veil
  • Premium cork and EVA
  • Stainless steel guides with SiC inserts

 

Best Jerkbait Rod - PLUSINNO Red Eagle

PLUSINNO Red Eagle

PLUSINNO is a reliable brand that has been producing high-quality fishing products for years. The Red Eagle features one of the best designs on the market with its attractive colors and unique reel choices. These reels feature an ultra-smooth drag system, a durable design, and a smooth cast/retrieve performance. This is perfect for anglers who want to buy an entire combo in order to make their shopping easier without sacrificing quality or durability in any way.

Specs:

  • IM6 Carbon matrix technology blanks
  • Non-slip EVA Handle
  • Stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts
  • The Tips of PLUSINNO spinning rods is designed to better prevent the fishing line from twisting.
  • Plastic reel seat with double locking structure

 

Best Jerkbait Rod - Okuma Celilo

Okuma Celilo

MadeOkuma is a brand that has been dedicated to improving its fishing products for years. These rods feature an ultra-light design with sensitive tip blanks that allow anglers to feel even the slightest bites.

They are made of lightweight graphite material with titanium oxide oraemongui Dfriendlydes, comfortable cork grips, and stainless steel hooded reel seats. This is perfect for beginner fishermen who want high-quality rod options at entry-level prices in order to learn the ropes before investing in one of the best models on the market.

Specs:

  • Sensitive Graphite Blank Construction
  • Aluminum Oxide Guide Inserts
  • Stainless Steel Hooded Reel Seats
  • Quality Grade Fore and Rear Cork Grips

Best Jerkbait Rod - St. Croix Rods Triumph

St. Croix Rods Triumph

St. Croix is known for its premium fishing rods that are designed to last season after season. This model features a medium power blank with backbone and sensitivity, along with high-quality guides placed perfectly along with the blank. 

The cork handle provides anglers with an improved grip while still looking sleek and stylish at the same time. This is perfect for any fisherman who wants one of the best rods on the market without having to pay top dollar for it every time they need a new option.

Specs:

  • premium SCIII carbon rod combines with the Fortified Resin System (FRS) for unparalleled strength and durability
  • Contoured handle
  • Sea Guide Atlas Performance SS304 with black finish guides
  • Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure
  • Length – 5’6”; Power – UL; Action – Fast; Pieces – 2; Line Wt. – 2-6 lbs; Lure Wt. – 1/32-3/16 oz; Rod Wt. – 2.3 oz; Handle – 1

Best Jerkbait Rod - Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod

Shakespeare fishing rods are designed to include multiple uses that will allow anglers to maximize the amount of time they spend at their favorite fishing spot. The medium power model is perfect for pitching and flipping jerk baits, while the ultralight rod allows you to work them slowly in order to catch walleye or other types of fish in deeper waters.

These rods feature durable designs with sensitive tip blanks in order to feel even the slightest nibbles along with tough rod blanks that can handle strong bites. This is perfect for an angler who wants a one-size-fits-all option instead of having several different rods throughout their boat.

Specs:

  • Graphite composite rod
  • Full cork handles
  • Conventional reel seat with cushioned hoods
  • Stainless Steel guides with stainless steel inserts

 

Best jerkbait rod for bass - Akataka M'Wave

Akataka is a new fishing rod brand that has burst onto the market with its premium quality products. The Akataka M’Wave features unique color combinations and eye-catching design options. Their rods are made with titanium oxide guides, high-quality cork grips, ballistic carbon fiber blanks, and stainless steel hooded reel seats. The medium action blank allows anglers to work jerkbaits like never before, while still retaining excellent fish fighting capabilities. This is the perfect option for experienced fisherman who wants more flexibility in their equipment choices.

Specs:

  • IM6 graphite blank and woven with X-type cross winding technology
  • Zirconium Oxide, whose friction coefficient is half of Aluminum Oxide
  • EVA handle
  • Graphite reel seat

 

Budget best jerkbait rod - Ugly Stik Elite

Ugly Stik rods have been a favorite of fishermen for years, and their newest designs are not disappointing. These rods feature improved action, sensitivity, and toughness to ensure that they last season after season. The elite spinning model offers a medium flex rod blank that works well with jerk baits while still being sensitive enough to feel the lightest bites. This is the perfect option for an angler who wants high quality at a value price point.

Specs:

  • 35% more graphite for exceptional strength and feel
  • blank construction with a combination of graphite and fiberglass
  • Clear Tip design
  • Cork handles
  • 1-piece stainless steel Ugly Tuff guides

 

FAQ’s

What else can a jerkbait rod be used for?

Although a jerkbait rod is mostly designed for trolling and pitching, it can also be used to fish for other types of large game fish. Many experienced anglers use their new rods as jigging rods that are designed to handle larger fish, such as muskies and northern pike.

This versatile fishing equipment can also provide excellent results when used with a number of different fishing lures, including nightcrawlers, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, swimbaits, and more.

 

Can you throw a jerkbait on a spinning rod?

Yes, you can throw a jerkbait on a spinning rod.

 

What line do you use for jerk baits?

The best line for jerk bait fishing is either braided or wire.

 

What is the power and action of a jerkbait rod?

The best jerkbait rod is one with a medium action.