What temprature does the jerkbait bite die off in the spring and when does the topwater bite start?

I know Topwater is good post spawn but I'm not sure if people fish spawning areas with them during the spawn.

In smallie lakes I find that the jerkbait bite never dies. As for largies, whenever you get sick of catching fish on them.

And topwater, especially poppers and small spooks, do the trick as soon as the water hits the low 60's or post spawn for me, whatever comes first up here.

Under normal conditions, I'm done with a jerkbait at around 60 degrees surface temp. Most of the quality fish have moved on to shallower water at 60.

With topwater, again situation dictates, but normally around 65-70 degrees surface temp.

Really there are no rules that are "set in stone". this is just my opinion.

Around here topwater time is whenever the surface temp is above the low to mid 60's. I've caught fish on the top water in cooler temps, but it's a low percentage bet.

If it's 60 or under, I've got a jerkbait tied on. The jerkbait bite, for me, is spring and fall thing. Jerkbaits just don't seem to work in warm water. I don't know why. It seems to me that they should. I keep trying them through the summer, but with little success. I don't understand this. A fast moving X-Rap, on an erratic stop and go retrieve, with that erratic "who knows which way it's going to go"  action, should be just the ticket for active fish. But it hasn't worked out that way for me. Maybe somebody can give me a clue.

Cheers,

GK

I use jerkbaits in just about any water situation, but they will outfish many other baits when the water is cold, in the 47 - 55 degree range, especially suspending jerkbaits. I do well on topwaters anytime the water is over 55 degrees actually. Topwaters work best in the heat of the summer though.

yea the jerkbait will work all season long   thats why it is such a great bait.   Topwater becomes pretty good just a few weeks after the spawn   but not right after!!  

my home lake usually turns on on TW around 64-70 degr.

Best transition lure I've found b/w the JB and TW is a fluke or floating worm. they'll eat it once the water gest around the high 50's.

Caught a 2 pounder on a rocky point with a Sammy last night at dusk ..... man, I love a topwater bite.  Water temps around 63-65.  The main reason I threw it was the dusk factor, otherwise probably wouldn't have thrown it.

Best transition lure I've found b/w the JB and TW is a fluke or floating worm. they'll eat it once the water gest around the high 50's.

Couldn't agree more. I've been finding out how deadly the sub surface fluke can be after the jerkbait dies out!

Nice add Shadcranker!

CJ, I like the "not set in stone" idea you mentioned.

As far as the jerkbait bite dying off towards summer, think back to KVD in the Classic a couple years ago, when it was the last event of the season.

Rattlin Rogue put the cash in his pocket during the hottest month of the PA summer.  

Just goes to show, everything can work some of the time.

I like to use the jerkbait early in the season.  When the water reaches 50 I am usually done with the jerkbait and switch to a jig, spinnerbait, lipless crank.  However, i will conitue to use a fluke throughout the season.

As far as the jerkbait bite dying off towards summer, think back to KVD in the Classic a couple years ago, when it was the last event of the season.

Rattlin Rogue put the cash in his pocket during the hottest month of the PA summer.

Just goes to show, everything can work some of the time.

I keep trying the jerk in the summer, and it just doesn't do it for me. I remain convinced that it will work. It just hasn't yet.

As far as the jerkbait bite dying off towards summer, think back to KVD in the Classic a couple years ago, when it was the last event of the season.

Rattlin Rogue put the cash in his pocket during the hottest month of the PA summer.

Just goes to show, everything can work some of the time.

I keep trying the jerk in the summer, and it just doesn't do it for me. I remain convinced that it will work. It just hasn't yet.

I hear ya Gary.

Typically, the jerkbait is considered a little slower technique because the time to use it is "generally" in colder water with sluggish fish.

I believe he was working the bait rather fast by jerkbait standards, little or no pause.  More along the lines of ripping the bait for a reaction strike as opposed to a feeding bite.

I wont say it is the best bait for warmer water, but I dont believe it shuts down at a set temperature either.

Wayne