Many years ago, I read the story of LJ Brasher. He became well known for catching many huge bass on the muskie jitterbug while night fishing. After reading about him, I bought a black muskie jitterbug, and, tried several times using it at a local lake. I never caught a single bass on the big lure. I did have good success on the standard size 3/8 and 5/8 oz Jitterbugs, and caught many bass on night trips with them. I'm not sure why I never did well with the muskie jitterbug. I may try it again this summer. I will say, if you've never used a jitterbug at night, your missing out on some exciting fishing. The bass blast these plugs at night, and the strikes are very hard, often, right next to the boat or the bank. Has anyone else done well at night with the muskie Jitterbug?

They're very effective on calm, dark nights. If using one, then the mentality should be BIG fish. Not always will this happen but when it does, it's like a smashing like no other, a very angry hit. Brasher "tuned" his jitterbugs. He reshaped the aluminum cup to make different sounds. He also relocated the rear treble hook to the very end of the lure, probably for better hookup ratios. Seems to me that most of these big guns who fish at night for DD fish always end up "tuning" their lures. Same with Pat Cullen, he "tuned" his buzzbaits. Nothing stock seemed to work for them. So they all resorted to making their own modifications, which obviously worked!

The Muskie Jitterbug

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October 6, 2025Oct 6

I might buy one of these larger jitterbugs and give it a try.

Not doing the wood route as that seems like too much money and work.

But the plastic version and change the hooks and line tie.

I'm not catching DD bass like some of those guys so I don't think a 6 pounder up here will be tearing out hooks, etc.

Might buy some 3/4 - 1 oz spinnerbaits as well.

I want to start targeting big bass at night.

Watched a video last night and a guy said he fishes deep rather than topwater for big night bass.

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The Muskie Jitterbug

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