Jerkbaits a popular choice for fall anglers

While fall fishing can be the source of great action and success, it also can be maddening with its constant feeding and weather pattern changes. It is all these changes that make versatility a high priority when choosing a bait. It's also why the jerkbait is often talked about as the bait of fall.

Jerkbaits have a long history in our collective fishing memory. Popularized by manufacturers like Rapala and Cotton Cordell in the early to mid-20th century, jerkbaits imitate minnows, shad, perch and other baitfish. Depending on the size of the bait, jerkbaits have proved successful against most game fish species in both fresh water and saltwater.

Over the years, jerkbaits have been designed to float, sink, suspend and wreak havoc with a few jerks of the rod tip. Their ability to be fished all over the water column and at a variety of speeds is what makes them a fall favorite. No matter what the fish are doing, there is generally a jerkbait that fits the bill.

When selecting a jerkbait, it pays to be detail oriented. You want to make sure the color and the size of the jerkbait that you are using is similar to that of the baitfish in a particular body of water. Finding that match is key to success with jerkbaits, and can help you to increase the amount of fish you catch throughout the fall.

While visuals are a big part of the jerkbait equation, the action and technique an angler uses when fishing a jerkbait is also paramount. Fishing a jerkbait at an inappropriate speed or depth is not going to lead to many bites, which makes it important to be mindful of what is going on and making adjustments on the fly.

The gear you use to throw a jerkbait is also an important factor in the bait's success. Rod action and jerkbait action are very much a causal relationship. A medium/medium-heavy rod with a fast action will allow for good distance on the cast and will also allow the angler to fish the bait with consistent action and performance.

When fishing jerkbaits, focus on areas where baitfish normally congregate to present the bait. Slack water areas, bridge pilings, main lake points and drop-offs are all great options. In the morning and evening hours, look for baitfish breaking the surface, and if you find them, do not hesitate to cast a jerkbait near and hold on.