Wondering what ya'all like for hard jerkbait s(xrap, pointer, etc)? Do not want specific brand; just whether you like spinning tackle over casting rods and what lengths and actions. Thanks Jeremy

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1296698690/6#6

big question for me I guess is spinning vs. casting.  I am going to be fishing them mainly on big water(erie,st.clair,saginaw bay).

i prefer spinning outfits it feels more natrual for me when fishing jerk baits usualy smithwicks i use a bps . rod and reel combo the reels kinda on the crappy side the drag sucks but the rods good its a 6'6 mf

big question for me I guess is spinning vs. casting. I am going to be fishing them mainly on big water(erie,st.clair,saginaw bay).

Doesn't matter, use what's comfortable.  I use casting gear, but most of my rip baits are 100mm or larger. 

Agree w/Franco. Whatever you like best. Neat lightweight baits go better with the spinning tackle while the 100's and above suit me better on baitcasting. I'd recommend flouro or braid +  flouro in 8-10 lb, a 6"6" medium action rod with a decent amount of feel (graphite). One knock against spinning tackle with just flouro is line twist which just happen on a baitcaster.

I think it's much more fun to fish these on a baitcaster. anything bigger than a LC 65 you should be able to cast with a baitcaster. I use a St Croix LT topwater rod most of the time. it's 6'8" M XF. Sometimes I'll use the Teaser rod, which is a 7' M, F. I think most 6'6" to 7' M, f or xf will work for you. Just depends on which you prefer. But for me, baitcasters are just nicer to use all day for something like throwing topwaters or jerkbaits. I get tired of having to grab the line and turn the bail on the spinning reels. Of course if you're throwing tiny jerkbaits then you have to use a spinning outfit. unless you have a baitcaster that will throw something lighter than 1/4oz.

I use casting gear for all my jerkbaits and I usually fish an owner cultiva 65sp, it weighs around 1/4oz I think.  I use a 7'M-XF Zillion with a Daiwa Alphas 103.  I don't care too much for spinning gear when fishing jerkbaits but I will throw a fast floater on a spinning rod, just easier for me to work faster.

This is my rig:

St. Croix Avid AVC66MF/ CH50MG

8-)

I like a shorter rod in the 6'6" range, as you are often using a tip-down motion. As JFrancho mentioned...a short-handled rod is a must. I prefer a MH/F action rod. You need a decent amount of backbone as you are using mono/coploy line and neeed to account for the stretch. I have been using the Yo-Zuri Ultra Soft #10 co-poly and so far it has worked great for jerkbaits. I prefer a faster retrieve, baitcast reel for this fishing. It is true the rod moves the bait and the reel speed is not a big factor. However, I like being able to pick up line quickly with this short rod. I have no problem throwing baits as small as 78mm with this setup....I don't really use the smaller ones, but if I did I'd probably consider a spinning reel.

What manufacturers have a jerkbait/topwater composite rod? I lost too many fish with a 6'4" All Star M/F rod with soft tip.

For casting I generally use a Loomis MBR782 with a Daiwa Steez 103.

Spinning is usually an Avid AVS63MXF paired with a Shimano Sustain or Stradic.

I think the casting versus spinning decision also depends on what kind of weather you're fishing in. I fish a lot during Winter here in the Ozarks using suspending jerks, and it's just easier to for me use spinning gear with gloves on. I like longer casts with smaller baits, too. For close range and warmer weather casting is just fine for me.

I actually downgraded my jerkbait set up, I was using a 6'6" M/F St Croix Legend tournament. That rod was nice but I sold it to buy another LT, a 7' MH/F. I am going to throw them this year on a 6'8" M/XF Mojo, or on my 6'8" MH Kistler Mag TS APS. I will probably regret selling that rod, and have another one someday