Best Jerkbait Rod & Reel for Every Budget
Jerkbaits are one of the most difficult baits to find a rod for. There’s a lot of rods that kind of work but not many that work perfectly.
With jerkbaits is you need a crisp rod to get the desired movement out of the bait. You want to be able to generate sharp movement and sharp pauses with nothing in between. Once you hook a fish your relying on small treble hooks so you need a rod that will load up and absorb any sudden force.
Finding that balance is really difficult. Below are rods that I’ve tested that have that balance, choose one that matches your price point and get out there and catch more fish!
Hooked In Fishing is supported by its audience. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase through links on our site. Learn more
Best Baitcaster Jerkbait Rod
The St. Croix Legend X 6’8″ Medium XFast is the best jerkbait rod on the market. The shorter length allows you to work your baits really well with crisp movements and stops. The sensitivity is one of the best I’ve ever felt. It loads up phenomenally well and will very rarely lose a fish.
The rod is made with top quality components like Fuji PTS reel seats, Fuji Torzite guides, and Kigan Titanium hook keepers.
Overall, the St. Croix Legend X provides the best performance when fishing a jerkbait.
| Rod | Taper / Action | Line Wt | Lure Wt | Guides | Handle Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Croix Legend X 6’8″ Med/X Fast | Extra Fast | 8-12lb | 1/4-5/8oz | 10+Tip | 15-1/2″ |
Pair it with a Aldebaran 50HG reel for the perfect jerkbait combo. The Aldebaran is the lightest in casting reel in Shimano’s lineup. It is compact and fits in your hand very comfortably.
It’s packed with high end components such as the Magnumlite (MGL) spool, X-Ship technology, Shielded Anti-Rust Bearings, and a Cross Carbon Drag.
These features provide smooth rotation, increased casting distance, durability, and overall strength making it a technologically advanced reel.
| Model | Gear Ratio | Weight | Bearing | Line Cap. (Test/Yd.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALDMG50HG | 7.4:1 | 4.8 | 9BB + 1RB | 10/75, 12/65 |
Best Spinning Jerkbait Rod
The Megabass Orochi XX Ronin 6’8″ is the best spinning rod option for jerkbaits. It loads exceptionally well and does a great job at keeping small treble hooks pinned. It’s crisp, balanced, and has incredible backbone without sacrificing sensitivity. The grip is super comfortable which fishing with it all day a pleasure.
For those that prefer a spinning rod when fishing jerkbaits, the Megabass Orochi XX Ronin is simply the best.
| Rod | Taper / Action | Line Wt | Lure Wt | Guides | Handle Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Croix Legend X 6’8″ Med/X Fast | Fast | 8-20lb | 1/4-3/4oz | 8+Tip | 14″ |
Pair your rod with the Shimano Vanford for the perfect spinning jerkbait setup. The Vanford is packed with advanced technologies for unmatched performance, including the MGL Rotor for easy reeling and Micro Module II gearing and Silent Drive System for smoothness and reduced noise.
They are also built to last with HAGANE cold-forged aluminum gearing that is 30% stronger than the Stradic FK and X-Protect technology to eliminate corrosion. They also feature a Long Stroke Spool for optimized casting distance and smoother line lay on the spool.
| Model | Gear Ratio | Weight | Bearing | Line Cap. (Test/Yd.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VF2500HGF | 6.0:1 | 6.3 | 7BB + 1RB | 6/200, 8/140 |
Best Value Jerkbait Rod
The Shimano Expride B 6’10” Medium is best value for a jerkbait rod. It offers top-of-the-line performance at a very reasonable price. It has great sensitivity and produces crisp snaps, perfect for working jerkbaits.
Expride B take advantage of Shimano’s latest technologies including a backbone fortified by Hi-Power X technology, and a Carbon Monocoque handle, which increases vibration transfer through the rod, creating up to 30% more sensitivity for superior bite detection. It also has CI4+ reel seats and Fuji SiC guides which not only reduce weight but also improve balance for optimal comfort and performance.
The Shimano Expride B is an excellent choice for anglers looking for top-notch jerkbait performance at a reasonable price.
| Rod | Taper / Action | Line Wt | Lure Wt | Guides | Handle Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimano Expride B 6’10” Medium | Moderate Fast | 8-16lb | 1/4-3/4oz | 9+Tip | 15″ |
Pair your rod with the Shimano Curado 150 DC for the best value jekrbait reel. It sets the benchmark for performance at its price point.
One of the most impressive features of this reel it’s digitally controlled braking system that is dialed in at 1/1000 of a second. This ensures the optimal amount of braking pressure is applied and virtually eliminate backlashes while also maximize casting distance.
The Curado 150 DC is built to last, with it’s rock-solid Hagane Body that eliminates provides rugged performance while also being lightweight yet. Additionally, Shimano’s MicroModule gearing provides an incredible smooth rotation, which further enhancing the overall performance of the reel.
Overall, the Shimano Curado 150 DC reel is a dependable and hi-tech reel that comes in at a great value. It’s a great choice for anglers who demand the best from their gear.
| Model | Gear Ratio | Weight | Bearing | Line Cap. (Test/Yd.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUDC150HG | 7.4:1 | 7.8 | 6BB + 1RB | 12/110 |
Best Mid-Priced Jerkbait Rod
The Shimano Curado 6’10” Medium is the best mid-priced jerkbait rod. Its targeted towards tournament and serious anglers. It has an X-shaped carbon tape wrapping around the outer layer of the blank, to increase the strength and casting performance.
In addition, the Shimano Curado has premium components including Shimano CI4+ reel seats and Fuji Tangle-Free K Guides with Fazlite inserts to improve sensitivity and reduce weight.
Overall, the Curado 6’10” Medium is an excellent choice as a mid-priced jerkbait rod. It offers premium components and advanced technology, at a cheaper price.
| Rod | Taper / Action | Line Wt | Lure Wt | Guides | Handle Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimano Curado 6’10” Medium | Fast | 8-16lb | 1/4-3/4oz | 8+Tip | 14-1/2″ |
Pair your rod with the Shimano Curado 70 MGL for the best value. Its a remarkable reel that has great durability, dependability, and performance. I had the opportunity to test out the reel and was impressed with its outstanding features.
One of the most striking aspects of the Shimano Curado 70 MGL K Casting Reels is its lightweight MGL Spool. This spool requires less energy to start up, which translates to longer casts with less effort. The advanced spool system is also perfect for light lines which are needed when fishing a jerkbair.
Despite its small size, it has a powerful Cross Carbon Drag system that can handle even the biggest bass. Like other Curado reels, it features MicroModule Gears for exceptional smoothness and a HAGANE Body for increased durability and rigidity.
I highly recommend the Shimano Curado 70 MGL K for those looking for a great value reel. Its lightweight design, powerful drag system, and smooth operation make it a reliable and efficient tool for jerkbait fishing.
| Model | Gear Ratio | Weight | Bearing | Line Cap. (Test/Yd.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUMGL70HGK | 7.4:1 | 6.9 | 8BB + 1RB | 10/105, 12/85 |
Best Budget Jerkbait Rod
The St. Croix Bass X 6’8″ Medium XFast is a fantastic choice for anglers looking for a quality rod at an excellent price point. This rod is designed to provide anglers with the best budget option on the market. This rod is incredibly strong, light, and sensitive, making them ideal for a budget jerkbait rod.
One of the standout features of the Bass X is the hybrid guide system which helps reduce weight and improve balance. The SeaGuide reel seats, along with the premium-grade cork and EVA foam combination handles, provides comfortable handling that allows you to fish for hours without experiencing any fatigue.
Overall, the St. Croix Bass X is a great choice for anyone looking for a quality rod that won’t break the bank. With their updated components, as well as their comfortable handles and hybrid guide system, these rods offer excellent value for money.
| Rod | Taper / Action | Line Wt | Lure Wt | Guides | Handle Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Croix Bass X 6’8″ Med/X Fast | Extra Fast | 8-14lb | 1/4-5/8oz | 7+Tip | 13-3/4″ |
Pair your rod with a Shimano SLX 150 HGA for an excellent budget jerkbait option. The new A versions comes with SilentTune technology which improves rotation and performance.
The new model also comes with a HAGANE Body, which increased it’s durability and strength. Another feature that sets the SLX A 150 apart from others at it’s price point is its SVS braking system.
Overall, the Shimano SLX A 150 is hard to beat at $100 for its versatility and performance. It’s built to last, delivers exceptional reeling performance, and offers a range of features that make it ideal for both novice and experienced anglers.
| Model | Gear Ratio | Weight | Bearing | Line Cap. (Test/Yd.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLX150HGA | 7.2:1 | 6.9 | 3BB + 1RB | 10/120, 12/110 |
What Makes a Good Jerkbait Rod?
With jerkbaits is you need a crisp rod to get the desired movement out of the bait. You want to be able to generate sharp movement and sharp pauses with nothing in between. Once you hook a fish your relying on small treble hooks so you need a rod that will load up and absorb any sudden force.
What is the best jerkbait rod length?
When fishing a jerkbait you want rod ranging from 6’8” to 7’ in length, with the sweet spot being 6’10”. This is ideal length that allows you to effectively twitch and jerk the rod tip down without hitting the water.
What is the best jerkbait rod power?
A medium-powered, fast to extra fast action is best for a jerkbait rod. This power/action is critical for creating the right action while also providing enough flex to keep the treble hooks pinned and not bending out.
What is the best gear ratio for jerkbait fishing?
A 7.4:1 gear ratio reel is ideal for jerkbait fishing. Working a jerkbait naturally creates slack line. Having a high speed reel will help remove slack in your line and get a good hookset.