For Kevin VanDam, a jerkbait is the ultimate blend of power fishing and realism. Moreover, you can customize the bait action according to the mood of the fish. KVD faces some top notch jerkbait fishing conditions in this video – overcast and windy! He discusses the types of spots he targets bass in these conditions, some jerkbait selection tips (emphasis on color), and how to fish the bait to trigger bass that often go over swimbaits and crankbaits.
USED TACKLE (retail links)
Overcast skies and wind usually put the bass into overdrive. On clear water upland reservoirs such as Missouri’s Table Rock Lake, feeding bass have a large strike window, so baits with pulling power get the go-ahead. KVD focuses on the main points and places blown by the lake where the old channel of the river grows near the shore. Just like crank fishing, strive to bring the jerkbait to its maximum dive depth to call the bass from as far away as possible. To increase this, KVD prefers baits that are bright but have natural hues, such as variations of bone and white on overcast days. You will be surprised how much water column you will cover with a deep diving jerkbait.
Fish finders can count big with this program. Pay attention to where you see fish and watch for depth, structure, and cover. While 360 and forward looking sonar get a ton of information, reference your map for additional clues about where fish are, such as channel oscillations and contour slope.
Choosing the best jerkbait fishing rod setup is imperative if you are looking to maximize your efficiency and success with jerkbaits. KVD details their setup, particularly on choosing a rod with the ideal mix of power and action. A reel is just a tool to take up slack, while the rod is what brings the jerkbait to life. Just be sure to start and end your jerks with some slack in the line.
FISH DETECTORS AND BOAT CONTROL
