19 replies to this topic

[KentuckyDave]

I was wondering if anyone could help me out picking between different jerkbait brands. I know that everyone seems to love LuckyCraft but I am not really crazy about dropping $15-$20 on one lure. Can anyone tell me any other brands that would be of similar quality. I know they won't be exactly the same quality as LuckyCraft but anything close would be very appreciative.

[JT_NCbassman]

Lucky Craft jerkbaits are relatively cheap compared to other "super-duper Japanase magic"   jerkbaits. But... that doesn't answer your question. Rapala X-raps seem to be good-quality and can be bought pretty cheap on E-bay.    Husky Jerks are great jerkbaits.     I strongly recommend that you buy a Lucky Craft Pointer 78sp in the color Chartruese Shad for 15 bucks though.

[KentuckyDave]

Would that be a good color for lakes in the state of Kentucky?

[Marty]

In addition to Husky Jerks, you can try Rattling Rogues, Bombers and other brands which work well, including the store brands. I've never spent over $8 for a hard bait, but wouldn't hesitate if and when I saw evidence that they catch more and/or bigger fish. I'm still waiting. But I would say if you think fishing with such baits would give you more confidence, then maybe you should go for it. The confidence factor can't be overstated.

[smalljaw67]

I have a couple of Pointer 100s and 3 Megabass Vision 110s and they are expensive and they work well but they aren't magic and you don't have to have them. The thing with the Lucky Craft Pointer is the suspending ability right out of the box, that is why I spent a lot for them and I use them only if the bite is tough. The Vision 110 is another bait that has an action different than the rest, it just has a distinct flash and I believe that is why they are good but here are good domestic baits. I don't have any yet but I have heard a lot of good things about the new Luck E Strike RC STX, so that would be one to get at 8 bucks, my personal favorite and one that works in cold and warm water is the X-Rap in both the XR08 and the XR10 . Another favorite that does extremely well that a lot of anglers forgot about is the Smithwick Rattlin' Rogue, I have the suspending rogues and the floating rogues and in the summer the floating rogues are fish killers.  The Rapala Flat Rap is one I used a lot last year, the smaller 1/4oz with a chrome finish is a fish magnet in warm water when you see bass chasing minnows.  I can't help you with Kentucky waters when it comes to colors but I can give you some tips that may help with color selection. If you don't know where to start try pearl or white of some kind, this color is what I call universal as it works everywhere, and if you have smallies then clown is a must. After those two I suggest you find something that comes close to the regular forage species found in the waters you are using them in.

[ClackerBuzz]

2x's Smithwick Rattlin' Rogue.  BPS has them on sale now for around $4.50

[aavery2]

Take a look at the H2O jerkbaits from Academy Sports, great finish, good hooks, and suspend ok.   Best thing is they are around 5-6 bucks each.

[BradH]

KentuckyDave, on February 08 2012 - 07:11 PM, said:

I was wondering if anyone could help me out picking between different jerkbait brands. I know that everyone seems to love LuckyCraft but I am not really crazy about dropping $15-$20 on one lure. Can anyone tell me any other brands that would be of similar quality. I know they won't be exactly the same quality as LuckyCraft but anything close would be very appreciative.

I like to fish a HJ10 to HJ14 in Glass Perch or a Deep X-Rap in Purple Albino. Color is the least critical factor but I've always had luck with those. They're in your price range and they will definitely catch fish. The Smithwick Rogues are also great. If you are looking for floating jerkbaits the original Rapalas are hard to beat and the Storm Thundersticks have caught me a bunch of fish too.

[Will Wetline]

My favorite has been the Bomber Suspending Pro A since KVD was repping it in the mid-'90s. I've done well with Smithwick's Rogue too.

I've been reluctant to spend 3X the price on Pointer 100s, but I have been convinced by several top smallie fisherman in my area that they're worth it. I'll try a few this year when the water temp. is between 47 and 55 degrees.

Here's a look at some of the lower priced suspending minnows:

[Dave T.]

The XCalibur xt3 Twitch bait is pretty decent, and a few dollars less that a Pointer. However, they are tough to find. Lurenet is about the only place that handles all of them.

[Sam]

KentuckyDave, I was just ending a great post about jerkbaits when I hit a wrong key and the post disappeared. This happens on this site and I know better than to try to post a long message without writing it on a Word Document and then pasting it into the reply box.

So I am just going to say to try to locate a copy of the Bass Pro Shops Stacey King Jerkbait Fishing - Tactics adn Techniques video and watch it while taking notes. You will learn all you need to know about jerkbaits and how to fish them.

The production may be out of production but call and find out. The phone number on the box is 1.800.227.7776

And remember, you will need at least one silver and black jerkbait in your arsenal. They usually work best.

Good luck.

[SausageFingers]

I've had pretty good success with the Rapala Husky Jerk, HJ-10 and HJ-12.

[roadwarrior]

I have been "collecting" jerkbaits for some time. Last year I gave away all my Rogues,
Husky Jerks and most X-Raps. I prefer Lucky Craft Pointers and Staysee, Magabass
Vision 110 and Mc Stick.

[.ghoti.]

I have, and use, Pointers and X-Raps. As they become lost or damaged, I will be replacing the X-Raps. I will not replace the Pointers. I see no advantage to paying twice the price for a jerkbait. Others will no doubt disagree with this position. My judgment is based on my experiences.

[Triton Man]

I also have had equal success on my x-raps as I have on my pointers.