Anyone have any tips on how to avoid wind knots when using jerkbaits with braid? I got 15lb PowerPro spooled on a 35 Pflueger President reel on my hardbait rod, and way too often get nasty unfixable wind knots only when fishing hard jerkbaits. It's getting to the point where I'm seriously considering just switching to mono or copoly.

Larger diameter braid

A baitcaster will help stop those wind knots 

As mentioned a baitcaster will cut down on wind knots.

In my opinion braid is too limp for jerkbaits. I use copoly. 

 

I use 10 or 15lb braid to fluorocarbon or mono for jerkbaits all the time without issues. 

I would recommend not casting too hard.

I use 50lb braid on one of my baitcasters when fishing jerkbaits, never any trouble.  

My main jerkbait reel is the President BC - loaded with 20# Power Pro...no leader. Haven't had an issue casting at all.

I use 30 pound 832 for jerkbaits without issue. You line is too thin/light. 

 

Try 20lb braid

Personal preference ...........  jerkbaits + braid + spinning gear = aggravation 

 

Baitcaster 7.x retrieve, 7' and under MH Fast rod with a soft tip, and 12lb FC =  ?

I use braid on spinning all the time with no wind knot issues. I usually use #15 power pro on a 1000 size shimano reel.

Do you close the bail by hand or use the reel's trip machinism?

With braid I usually do it by hand to pull the line tight before I start the retrieve.