Every bass angler has his niche, no matter if you are a recreational or a pro-angler, it's been seen often that one angler who's an expert in this, or an expert in that. There's the Denny Brauers of fishing, where their favorite lures are jigs, or the Kevin VanDams, where all they throw are crankbaits and spinnerbaits.
Bassmaster Elite Series angler Kelley Jaye is no different; his expertise is fishing a jerkbait.
"I enjoy fishing jerkbaits the same reason Denny Brauer enjoys jigs, or David Fritts enjoys crankbaits. I have caught a ton of fish on them and have a ton of confidence with jerkbaits. They allow you to cover a lot of water, fish fast, and can load the boat in minutes," said the Alabama pro.
The Usual
Jaye uses a Jerkbait (Smithwick Rattling Rogue) 90% of the time. In some lakes he fishes, the fish are a little more finicky so he will use a Spro Mcstick. Jaye notes it has a smaller profile than the rogue does and he can work it just as aggressive without disturbing the action. During winter months, when the water temperature drops and a slower presentation is needed, he will go with a Megabass 110, because it's more of a finesse jerkbait.
[...] basically use 3 different jerkbait sizes throughout the year. I use a Smithwick Rogue Limited Edition 90% of the time. I also use a 110 Jerkbait (Megabass). I use this jerkbait in winter months when the water is cold and the fish are not as aggressive. It is more of a finesse jerkbait that casts extremely well for its size and darts back and forth with very little effort.” What to expect “I've had times where I've caught 50-60 a day. [...]
[...] Jaye pauses his jerkbait, under normal temperature situations, for one- second max between twitches when the water temperature is above 60 degrees. fish them where the fish are. If it is pre-spawn or spawn, I will fish them around transition banks from spawning areas to deeper water. Post spawn, I like to fish around piers, floating docks and laydowns or brush,” he said. Jaye made it a point to note jerkbait will work all year. Though he's found it works best during pre-spawn and during the fall when the fish are keying in on baitfish as the water cools back down. [...]
[...] 9th place on Beaver Lake, I probably caught 35-40 fish a day. Different lakes have different results. Time of year and water temperature has a lot to do with the numbers as well.” Video of Kelley Jaye Jerkbaiting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH9jGX4plnM&feature=player_embedded Bio: P.J. Pahygiannis began free-lance writing in 2012 when he had his first article published in Crappie World Magazine. His articles have appeared in Bass Angler Magazine, Bassin', Crappie World, and on sites such as Pro Bass networks, Advanced Angler, and Bass Resource. [...]
[...] I think it gives the fish something they are not used to seeing.” The Versatility “Most anglers use a jerkbait with a long moderate pause between jerks. When the water temperature is above 60 degrees, I work a jerkbait extremely fast. The minimum retrieve I use is in the dead of winter when the water temperature is around 45-48 degrees,” noted Jaye. will sweep the jerkbait as if you would a Carolina rig almost times out of 10 when you reel the slack up and go to sweep your rod again, it will just load up. [...]
[...] It's just a good all-around size for Jaye uses a 7 foot Med-Heavy rod when throwing a jerkbait. One thing he's found is a lot of people use shorter rods and lighter action, but he likes a long rod which allows him to make long casts. He wants a rod with a fast tip. His goal is to make the jerkbait walk-the-dog under water when he's working it. The Alabama pro has found a soft tipped rod will load up when you twitch the jerkbait. [...]
APA Style reference
For your bibliographyOnline reading
with our online readerContent validated
by our reading committee
