When would you use each one? Swimbaits and spybaits seem pretty similar to me. They’re both (mostly) straight retrieve baits that can be worked in the middle of the water column. For that matter, when would you use a spybait over a jerkbait? If the fish are schooled up on structure, wouldn’t both work?

 

I have very limited experience with jerkbaits and spybaits, and I’d like to figure them out this year

I have fished the spybait on or just off the bottom with some success. You need a  good

lure retriever.  

I just started using spy baits so I'll offer my opinion based on very limited experience. 

 

To me spybaits and jerkbaits are similar but different. I think they complement each other, especially in some of the places I fish. 

 

I can fish a jerk bait and work it in almost the same position. For instance over a rock pile. I can keep the bait in almost the same position over that rock pile.

 

I have to keep the spybait moving or it will sink into those rocks but I can move it very slowly at different depths over the rocks. 

 

I'm able to present two different presentations to the same fish and I can fish both lures slowly in the water column above the fish. That slow part is a plus. 

 

I think the Bait Monkey may have gotten me again. ☺️

 

 

 

 

Spy baits are the opposite of a jerk bait imo. The retrieve is a steady natural slow glide just fast enough to keep the props turning.

Jerk is a dying or panicked bait, nothing natural about the movements.

The only similarity is their shape.

Swimmers like Kietect displace water using the tail motion and soft life like coloration and texture being soft plastic.

Swimmers often get bit on the fall as a jig trailer and be be rigged weedless. 

Tom

41 minutes ago, WRB said:

Spy baits are the opposite of a jerk bait imo. The retrieve is a steady natural slow glide just fast enough to keep the props turning.

Jerk is a dying or panicked bait, nothing natural about the movements.

The only similarity is their shape.

Swimmers like Kietect displace water using the tail motion and soft life like coloration and texture being soft plastic.

Swimmers often get bit on the fall as a jig trailer and be be rigged weedless. 

Tom

 

There is your answer.