Are these the same thing? What's different and why do some people want to throw a jerk bait in the winter? :-)

Nope they are different. Jerkbaits are longer and slender while cranks are generally shorter and more round/square. Jerkbaits are fished by giving the rod short jerks and pauses which gives the bait erratic slashing action in the water. Cranks are usually just thrown out and reeled in trying to bounce of structure or the bottom to cause an erratic action. Jerks are fished in winter because there is a shad die off as the water cools and the jerkbait closely resembles a shad dying. The key to fishing them in the cold is slowing down

Nope, different, Basically jerkbaits are meant to be jerked, example-, Rapala X-Rap.

Crankbaits, are basically, cranked. Example-Rapala DTseries.

Thanks guys! Justin, I appreciate the info on the winter use of jerk baits. That makes sense. Ill try then out. :-)

Here's a great breakdown of jerkbaits in cold water: http://www.burniehaney.com/files/Cold_Water_Jerkbaits_LOO_Spring_09_.pdf

also, don't hesitate to use jerkbaits in warm water too, There have been a couple times where fish won't touch a crank, but will absolutley hammer a jerkbait.

-gk