Anglers always ask about the correct rod, reel, line, and lure that is best for jerkbait fishing for bass. Instead of looking at these pieces of tackle individually, Shimano Elite Series Pro Alex Wetherell breaks down the tackle system he prefers for bass fishing with jerkbaits with 10-pound test Mastiff FC fluorocarbon line.
When it comes to the rod, it's important to have a rod with the right length so that you can get optimal casting distance but is also short enough that it won't hit the water every time you twitch that bait.
The 6'10" Shiamno Expride Medium does exactly that, and is long enough to give anglers increased casting distance in the wind, while also short enough that you're not going to be constantly slapping the water when working that jerkbait. This rod's medium action, power, and taper allow anglers to twitch the jerkbait at different cadences to impart movement so the bait behaves more naturally and attracts fish. When hooked up, the rod's fast action allows the fish to fight without being able to throw the hooks.
The reel that perfectly pairs up with this Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium rod is the Aldebaran low-profile reel. This is a 50-size baitcaster that is very small and compact so an angler won't get fatigued when they're out on the water all day. This reel offers Shimano's MGL Spool — a shallower lightweight spool — to make it easier to cast lighter baits. The Aldebaran reel also offers Cross Carbon Drag, which is critical when fishing baits with treble hooks because of its smooth performance while also minimizing any opportunity for that fish to become unhooked.
To complete this system, Wetherell likes to use 10-pound test Mastiff FC fluorocarbon line because it is thin enough to let the bait get down to the designed depth while still being extremely strong. This fluorocarbon fishing line from Mastiff also offers NANOARMOR technology that is critical in providing the needed knot strength.
When it comes to jerkbait fishing for bass, the fishing lure Wetherell prefers is the Shimano World Minnow 115. This dynamic lure provides FLASH BOOST technology, so even when the bait is paused, the little foil mirror inside the lure is still moving to give the bait a secondary fish-attracting action.
