For my fellow northern anglers, what are your favorite jerkbait colors for smallmouth? Do you prefer bright or natural colors? Looking to purchase some new colors of MB 110s but can only afford a few at $25 a pop.

Thanks in advance!

 

Perch, by far.

 

Specifically, Matte Perch

Here in northern Michigan, I fish jerkbaits often. I do OK with some type of natural pattern in clear water and go Western Clown in anything stained or a little dirty.  I will admit to having a few other colors to choose from as well.

A-Jay

 

@A-Jay that's a pretty ridiculous collection of jerk baits.

14 minutes ago, gimruis said:

@A-Jay that's a pretty effective collection of jerk baits.

Fixed that one for you.

A-Jay

I throw Rapalas for the most part. Natural colors. Darker backs, Olive/Emerald type back. 

15 hours ago, Spankey said:

I throw Rapalas for the most part. Natural colors. Darker backs, Olive/Emerald type back. 

Don’t forget the tried and true, Silver and gold  with black back.

Around these parts, perch make up the vast majority of a smallmouth’s diet. I try to stick to perch patterns when fishing smallmouth. 

French pearl orange belly is something I like to start with. Also like bright colors like Rapala's hot head. It all depends on water clarity. Altho not a huge fan of MB 110's for the shallowish rocky rivers I fish because the lips/bills are too fragile. Or I'm too tough on them lol. They are great baits tho and for sure catch fish!!!

 

How come you're not 5 by 5?

20 hours ago, A-Jay said:

Here in northern Michigan, I fish jerkbaits often. I do OK with some type of natural pattern in clear water and go Western Clown in anything stained or a little dirty.  I will admit to have a few other colors to choose from as well.

A-Jay

 

I'd like to ask you a question. Over the years you have posted pics & videos of what I call “trophy smallmouth bass” 

 

What 1 lure has a clear advantage over all other artificial baits in all your trophy SMB fishes caught? 

Not in reference to jerkbaits only but all baits man made..

Don’t laugh….Pink, Bubblegum or Metholiate or whatever name they are using for pink currently.  

22 minutes ago, TOXIC said:

Don’t laugh….Pink, Bubblegum or Metholiate or whatever name they are using for pink currently.  

Those are colors I use in my floating worm arsenal but I don’t use jerkbaits much.. southern waters tend to demand other presentations.. but I have been successful on some waters with a JB. My personal favorite would be a Lucky Craft pointer 100. 

23 hours ago, gimruis said:

Perch, by far.

 

Specifically, Matte Perch

 

Exactly the same for me in the lakes I fish in NY.

3 hours ago, Jar11591 said:

Around these parts, perch make up the vast majority of a smallmouth’s diet. I try to stick to perch patterns when fishing smallmouth. 

 

Crayfish make up the majority of smallmouth diets here on inland waters.  They've done stomach content studies to prove it.

 

But, perch are definitely a common prey item too.

 

I assume in Great Lakes and connected waterways, it would be gobies.

In general, gobies do not make for a good jerkbait bite.  They stay close to bottom. In the connected waterways (St- Lawrence) section I fish, perch are very abondant and, surprisingly, juvenile stripers have been very present the last years.

@gimruis Shhhh! Your great lakes assumption is spot on. 

One of my favorites is the American Shad LC.  For me it just works.

2 hours ago, Reel said:

juvenile strippers

 

Let's not get carried away here.  Stick to adult versions.

 

On 9/15/2024 at 11:07 AM, A-Jay said:

Here in northern Michigan, I fish jerkbaits often. I do OK with some type of natural pattern in clear water and go Western Clown in anything stained or a little dirty.  I will admit to have a few other colors to choose from as well.

A-Jay

 

A-Jay posts the best tackle porn, no else comes close.

8 hours ago, F14A-B said:

I'd like to ask you a question. Over the years you have posted pics & videos of what I call “trophy smallmouth bass” 

 

What 1 lure has a clear advantage over all other artificial baits in all your trophy SMB fishes caught? 

Not in reference to jerkbaits only but all baits man made..

Thanks for the kind words and Not to hi-jack this thread . . . . 

But that's a REALLY tough Call IMO. 

One I can't truly answer, especially as an all season producer.

I have Seasonal Favorites which are often a 'type' of bait.

Like Pre-spawn and going along with this thread,

A jerkbait has been like magic - was again this April for sure.

A vibrating jig gets honorable mention during that time as well.

But late summer and into fall, Topwater, A-Rig, Spinnerbaits and vibrating jigs again,

all account for plus size fish for me.

Perhaps some of this could help . . .

You might see some 'trends'.

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/209845-2018-~-my-most-productive-baits-by-season/

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/221344-my-2019-list-of-productive-baits-~/

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/233905-my-most-productive-baits-~-2020-edition/

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/243659-my-most-productive-baits-~-2021-edition/

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/252064-productive-baits-~-2022-big-fish-edition/

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/258333-productive-baits-2023-~/

A-Jay

2 hours ago, king fisher said:

A-Jay posts the best tackle porn, no else comes close.

Oh come on now.

Bet you say that to all the boys.

A-Jay

Perch and White Crappie are my go-to for jerks.

 

1 hour ago, A-Jay said:

Bet you say that to all the boys.

Only the 'special' ones, Andy.

4 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

White Crappie

White crappie colored jerkbait?

Ya - he doesn't carry them anymore but Clyde's Cranks had 110 clones in different patterns...including White Crappie.

There’s a lot of colors I use for smallies. But as I’ve moved around the country, I think the color(s) that work best for me for all 3 species are the Purple/Blues with a chartreuse underbelly. Seems to work in most waters - even Hybrids like it too 👍