I am just getting into fishing jerkbaits, but from what I hear/read it is mostly used as a clear water bait.  

 

In what water clarity do you stop throwing them (feet of clarity)?  I would think they would still work in slightly stained water, but might not be as effective.  

 

What colors do you like for stained water.  I bought a Shadow Rap in clown I thought would work.  What about really dark colors, you don't see to often but how about black?

 

Or is it simply there are better options for stained water.

 

Thanks!

Matt

Matt they work best in clearer water but still effective with a couple feet of visibility. If you really want some good info on colors & baits take a look at the thread pinned at the top about jerkbaits. Lots of good info here.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/108594-jerkbait-help-advice/

"Jerkbaits Only For Clear Water?"

 

Nope !!!! 

No. It's never exceptionally clear around here and they work well in the springtime. But it helps to know fish are going to be shallow so they'll see the bait. Gold some places, silver others.

I stop using them with less than 2' of visibility. Now, in shallow water during the warm water period I like to use the F6 floating Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnows, they have a finish made of highly reflective iridescent tape and when the sun is out you can get shallow fish to get on them. Another is the Smithwick Rattling Rogues, they have BBs in the body and when worked aggressively the fish seem to get those pretty good too but when the water is cold there has to be decent visibility or they aren't as effective and other baits come into play.

I like 3 to 4 feet of visibility, minimum, to work jerk baits.  I generally fish these baits on points, getting them 3 to 6 feet down in 8 to 20 feet of water.   If the water is more stained than that, I think that there are better options.  Early spring time, shallower water, muddy or clear, I think that a lipless crank, moved pretty fast is a better option.

 

I've heard that on some lakes, in the summer time, when you have a steeply sloping bank that fish would herd bait fish up against, that a jerk bait works good in that situation.   I haven't run into that situation, so I don't know.

I don't like them in really muddy water but a foot or two of visibility is okay. 

Clear or not they work.

I prefer at least 2' of visibility. Less than that I don't have much confidence and feel there are better options.

Try firetiger

No lure is strictly clear water or strictly muddy water!

Bass in clear water are mostly sight feeders while muddy water bass are mostly lateral line feeders.

Adjust accordingly

Clown or firetiger for your stained waters...