So from what I generally see there are two rod types people like to throw jerkbaits and topwaters on. One is usually a rod around 6'6"- 6'10" medium/fast. The other is 6'10"- 7' medium/moderate or mod. fast. I've used both and think I prefer the more crankbait style rod for jerkbaits and topwaters, I like braid as well so that could have something to do with it. Anyway I was curious to hear what others like to use.

I feel I get a better presentation and lure action with a fast action but soft tipped rods. 

Been throwing them on a spinning rod with 8lb line since I learned to fish the rogue back in the 80's.  You can back-boat some folks if you throw them on your spinning rod....especially if you line-jump and get it deep.

I use a 6' 2" M/XF and a 6' 8" M/F.

2 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

I feel I get a better presentation and lure action with a fast action but soft tipped rods. 

This. Something with a fast tip (not too fast), and has a nice flex down the blank. The Orochi jerkbait special and Kistler klx crank rip twitch rods come to mind. I use a custom built on an Mhx high mod popping blank and it's pretty perfect. I don't like typical cranking rods for this even with braid. It doesn't recover quick enough. I also don't like an overly stiff and fast rod as it limits what I can do with the bait. It can be challenging finding the perfect rod if you're a jerkbait aficionado. 

9 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

I feel I get a better presentation and lure action with a fast action but soft tipped rods. 

My dedicate rig is an Avid AVC66MF with a soft tip.

 

I prefer 6'6MF for jerks and walkers, and a Moderate or Mod Fast of any length for poppers. 

13 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

My dedicate rig is an Avid AVC66MF with a soft tip.

 

I have the exact same rod.  Only Avid I have left.

I use a 6'8" MXF as a jerkbait/walker rod

I like my MB Orochi XX jerkbait special.

Going to be giving the MHX 842 SJ blank a go. Currently having a custom built on this blank specifically for jerkbaits and maybe a few topwaters on occasion. I am hoping it's the cats meow for this technique.

In a completely unprecedented turn of events - I routinely use . . .wait for it . . . A Spinning rod & reel for jerkbaits.

It allows for a very long cast (especially with 10lb Braided line) which provides fish more time to find, track & eat the lure.

I especially like it for the deeper diving variety of Jerkbaits.

The St Croix Legend Tournament Bass TBS71MF / PLASTICS rod is Very Good with 1/2 oz baits.

A-Jay

 

2 hours ago, kickerfish1 said:

Going to be giving the MHX 842 SJ blank a go. Currently having a custom built on this blank specifically for jerkbaits and maybe a few topwaters on occasion. I am hoping it's the cats meow for this technique.

I have a rod built on this blank. It's actually a relatively universal stick. I think you'll be happy with it for jerkbaits. 

17 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

My dedicate rig is an Avid AVC66MF with a soft tip.

 

I use this exact rig with #10 super fc sniper and I think it's absolutely perfect 

6' M/F GLX spinning rod.

I've always been in the spinning rod camp when it comes to jerkbaits.

34 minutes ago, BassThumb said:

6' M/F GLX spinning rod.

I've always been in the spinning rod camp when it comes to jerkbaits.

They don't make that rod anymore...found that out looking for a jerkbait rod earlier this year.  I also like the 6' for jerkbaits...

21 minutes ago, KP Duty said:

They don't make that rod anymore...found that out looking for a jerkbait rod earlier this year.  I also like the 6' for jerkbaits...

I didn't know that. I actually found it floating in a lake, slightly damaged. I used the warranty to replace it, and then tried to sell it on here for cheap, $200.

Nobody wanted it, I made it into a jerkbait rod and learned to really like it. Sometimes I use my 7' cranking sticks, but I just can't get used to the length. It's not like additional length is really needed for casting purposes; jerkbaits cast a mile. 

My perfect jerkbait stick is my 6'6" M/F Legend Xtreme. Loads up to cast them great, fast enough action to let me impart the action I want, and soft enough action to keep them pinned. It's also short enough I'm hot slapping the water or anything else when I'm doing my thing. Sometimes I'll also use a 6'8" M/XF as well. 

Another vote for the Megabass Orochi XX Jerkbait Special. There's just something about that rod. Loads very well, is just right for imparting subtle action to a bait, and keeps fish on. 

I prefer spinning gear for hard jerk baits like Rogues, Pointers and such.  I use a different spinning rig for soft jerk baits.   The hard jerk bait rod is a little more tippy, helps some with casting into the wind.   Tx Rig soft jerk bait rod, I like a more exra-fast tip for strike recognition and hook setting.

Anything less than 1/2 oz. or 100mm, I like a spinner.  The rest, casting gear.  In both cases, I like 6' to 6'6", medium power, x-fast taper.  The fast action offers the bast control for slight twitches.

For jerkbaits i like to use a M/F 6'8"

Thats the biggest rod size I would go, so that the rod wont hit the water when jerking the lure.  ?

Fluorocarbon 8-12lb  is my preference...

Me personally, I use a st croix avid 6'8 MXF. Pair that with a chronarch 50E and 10 lb flouro. Man it's an awesome combo.

I'm in the M/XF house as well.  It doubles as my topwater rod.

I have a M/F and a M/MF... and I like them both... I'm undecided thus far haha