I'm looking for a jerkbait rod that may serve a dual purpose. I'm thinking 6'9 to 6'10" would be my sweet spot. Any suggestions?  Budget is $200 or less.

What else are you planning on using it for other than jerkbaits? The new daiwa tatula elite 6'9" ML jerkbait/topwater rod is a great rod, perfect bend for jerkbaits when a fish loads up on it and works the bait well. Another option that I got and didnt plan on using for jerkbaits is the Okuma Scott Martin TCS 6'9" MH. It is more of a medium and is a mod-fast type action and works very well for them. It also makes a great popper rod and can be had for around $100 on some sites and the auction site. By far the best if you spend a little more is the Megabass jerkbait special, it is the perfect jerkbait rod imo, and i have tried a bunch until i found one that worked the way i wanted it too. The Tatula Elite is very similar though for a much smaller price tag.

3 minutes ago, kstephes033 said:

What else are you planning on using it for other than jerkbaits? The new daiwa tatula elite 6'9" ML jerkbait/topwater rod is a great rod, perfect bend for jerkbaits when a fish loads up on it and works the bait well. Another option that I got and didnt plan on using for jerkbaits is the Okuma Scott Martin TCS 6'9" MH. It is more of a medium and is a mod-fast type action and works very well for them. It also makes a great popper rod and can be had for around $100 on some sites and the auction site. By far the best if you spend a little more is the Megabass jerkbait special, it is the perfect jerkbait rod imo, and i have tried a bunch until i found one that worked the way i wanted it too. The Tatula Elite is very similar though for a much smaller price tag.

 

Thanks. I was just looking at that Megabass rod. Maybe if I can find loose change and take back the bottles. Does Megabass go on sale when TW does their sales. We should have 2 coming in the next 6 weeks, tax day stimulus sale and memorial weekend.

How about Shimano Zodias 6'10" medium?  Rated for 1/4 to 3/4 oz lures.  Its a moderate fast which I assume would make it a good square bill rod too.

I had the poison adrena of that rod and it worked well, i thought it was a little on the stiff side when a fish was buttoned up i felt, also just a tad on the long side for me. Im 6'1" and the 6'10" i hit the water while jerking down with that rod. The Zodias i do believe they make in a ML 6'10" as well which would be the better choice for what i like. I tend to like a little more bend with my jerks and cranks to help keep them pinned.

Check out the Gen 2 Black. They make a 6'7" MF that's excellent.I'm 6'2" and the short handle on that rod works nicely even from the bank.

The traditional jerkbait rod has a moderate action, or moderate fast, and works well when the "jerk" is sort of slow.  But on Lake st Clair and probably many others, especially in the fall, smallmouths like a very fast "twitch."  A fast or Xtra fast action is right for this kind of "twitch/jerk."    The only way a moderate action can get it is if the moderate action rod has so much power that it doesn't cast the 1/2 oz or 5/8 oz jerks well.  

 

If you want to do a fast jerk, get a fast action rod which will load properly on the cast for the weight lures you plan to use.  It can also work for many other techniques.

I use an Avid AVC62MXF. I like a fast tip recovery for better control when making twitches. I've had this rod for over 15 years. Also great for spooks and short range spinnerbaits. 

6 hours ago, Fishin' Fool said:

 

Thanks. I was just looking at that Megabass rod. Maybe if I can find loose change and take back the bottles. Does Megabass go on sale when TW does their sales. We should have 2 coming in the next 6 weeks, tax day stimulus sale and memorial weekend.

They don't ever discount MB stuff. Your best option is to keep an eye out on eBay as the xx rods get posted up fairly often. It's not hard to get one for about $200 

I use a 6'8" St Croix M/XF and I love it. It's the SCIII blank so it would be a Mojo Now.

1 hour ago, rippin-lips said:

They don't ever discount MB stuff. Your best option is to keep an eye out on eBay as the xx rods get posted up fairly often. It's not hard to get one for about $200 

 

Always true in the past. Just added a destroyer rod to my cart & they are discounting 10%.

Unlimited budget this is the one I like.  This is the one I currently use.  Love the short 6'3" medium for vision 110s

 

http://www.gloomis.com/content/g-loomis/us/en/home/conventional/rods1/bass/bass/JERKBAIT_SERIES.html

1 hour ago, Dwight Hottle said:

 

Always true in the past. Just added a destroyer rod to my cart & they are discounting 10%.

 

You're right but not for the Orochi XXX

I use a 6'10" medium glass poison adrena for shallow jerks and shallow cranks. Pretty much any moving bait with treble hooks that is 10 feet or less. It's awesome for square bills, lipless and small top water lures.