fishing jerkbaits???

[MJB]

When you've got a new jerkbait in hand, never used before, what is the steps (process) that you go through to figure out how the bait should be fished? Or to just get it running decently.

Thanks,
MJB

[davep]

First off, i would know what the bait is "supposed" to do. Is it a walk the dog/glide bait or is it a driver type etc. Then it is simply a matter of using the bait and getting used to how it works and what rod twitches or pulls work best for you.
IE: Mantas. when i first got one, i knew it was a side to side swing bait. At first, i kept hanging the leader on the lure when is glided to the side. After short bit, it got used to its motion and havent had the problem since.
If you have one specific bait in question you would get alot of responses from guys here as to how to work it well.

[fishpoop]

Unfortunently the only answer is trial and error. Keep changing how you work the baits and see how they react. When you get an action you like that's the way to work that bait. Just remember some wood baits don't work like other baits of the same type,i.e. 2 reef hawgs may have different actions. Some baits don't seem to work at all. The ones that don't work become trade baits at the next musky club meeting. LOL!!

Bottom line it's trial and error and time spent doing it. Just keep at them,time will show you how to work the bait.