Hello everyone,

I am currently looking to purchase a new setup specialized for jerk bait fishing and was wondering what everybody thought was the best equipment. For rods I've been looking at the Megabass Levante Jerk bait special, or a Shimano expride. I'm not really sure for reels but I tend to stick to Shimano. Im probably looking to stay in the mid-range price point.

Thanks!

35 minutes ago, Rhetthulick said:

I'm not really sure for reels but I tend to stick to Shimano

Take a look at the new Lew's Tournament Pro LFS. I have plenty of Shimanos and I'm happy with them, but this particular Lew's is a superstar if you throw small jerkbaits. I've been throwing a list of true 1/4oz jerks lately and this reel has been flawless here. The distance I get is uncanny, and the braking is something special. Plus it palms great with it's very small frame. It's worth a look. The street price is 139$

The key for me was finding a rod handle length of 13 inches (according to TW measurements).  Longer than that the handle rubs against your side/forearm when you jerk, shorter than that you have very little leverage when setting the hook/fighting the fish.  The Expride and Megabass tend to have handles in the 14-15 inch range.  
 

I have a Dobyns 685cb with a 13 inch handle, paired with a Curado 70.  If the Dobyns is out of your price range, Lew’s does have some 13-13.5 inch handles in their Speed Stick line.  There is one however with a 10 inch handle that I had previously and don’t recommend.  
 

 

Is it windy where you fish when it is jerk bait throwing time?  It is where I fish when it is time to throw jerk baits.  That is why I use spinning gear, it is a little easier for me to use in the wind.

5 minutes ago, Fishes in trees said:

Is it windy where you fish when it is jerk bait throwing time?  It is where I fish when it is time to throw jerk baits.  That is why I use spinning gear, it is a little easier for me to use in the wind.

   Not only that, but spinning gear lets you work the lure and set the hook with your strong side, not your weak side. Sometimes, that makes all the difference.    ?     jj

1 hour ago, Fishes in trees said:

Is it windy where you fish when it is jerk bait throwing time?  It is where I fish when it is time to throw jerk baits.  That is why I use spinning gear, it is a little easier for me to use in the wind.

Every once in a while it can get pretty windy but its not terrible. My dad always uses spinning gear for throwing jerk baits, I prefer using casting but I'll definitely look into spinning as well. Thanks for the input!

On 2/12/2020 at 8:59 PM, Rhetthulick said:

Hello everyone,

I am currently looking to purchase a new setup specialized for jerk bait fishing and was wondering what everybody thought was the best equipment. For rods I've been looking at the Megabass Levante Jerk bait special, or a Shimano expride. I'm not really sure for reels but I tend to stick to Shimano. Im probably looking to stay in the mid-range price point.

Thanks!

I believe they recalled all of the Levantes. Not sure when they'll be coming back out.