Hey guys was looking for some recommendations for a jerk bait rod.. I like to throw jerkbaits from 7/16-1/2 ounce on 8 pound test mono.. I want a blank that won't be too stiff to lose action on the jerkbait and has some play for the trebles.. Also looking for something no longer than 6'9 as I work tip down and don't want to hit trolling motor. Any suggestions on a blank.

Based on line, I presume you're looking for a spinning blank?

Jay,
The MHX MB812XF or MB813XF were specifically designed for Jerk Bait applications and should be perfect options. Check out the link below.

[www.mudhole.com]

Kind Regards,

Brook Oliva
Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Inc.
brook@mudhole.com
(866)-790-RODS

No I throw jerkbaits on casting gear, just with 8lbs test.

Rod blanks don't care what type reel guides, or grips you use. I think Michael was asking about power and action, spinning blanks such as Spin Bass, or Spin jig have different characteristics than say a Mag Bass blank.

I just made an mb812xf casting rod for jerk baits using Fuji kr micro guides. Use 15 lb braid with a floro leader and it throws and works both hard and soft jerk baits extremely well. Although this blank can be made into a spinning rod it is designed as a casting rod.

I just started building rods this past year, and my first build was a jerkbait rod. The description of the type of rod you want to build matches the type of rod I wanted as well.

Something with a fast tip so it would be able to impart that darting action, and be sensitive enough to detect a light bite during the pause with a suspending jerkbait, But a rod with some bend into the midsection of the blank that keeps fish hooked on treble hooked lures, buttoned up.

The route I went is something you may want to consider, as I think I came pretty close to what I was looking for. I purchased a longer blank with the specs I was looking for, and trimmed length from the butt to effectively slow the action. Because of my height, I like a shorter rod than you mentioned, so I built my rod on an MHX, SJ783 blank and trimmed 6" off the butt to make the rod the 6' length I was looking for. Taking that much off the butt has the rod bending into the midsection with a fish on like I was looking for, but the tip is lively enough to get that good darting action, and sensitive enough to detect those subtle on the pause bites that you get in the colder water periods.

I went with a blank from the SJ series because of the difference in blank characteristics that Spencer mentioned. I didn't want the stronger butt section that usually comes with a mag taper blank.

I wasn't worried about trimming the blank voiding the warranty, because I built the rod for my personal use.

Just something to consider ......

Good suggestions guys, yes I think a spinning blank would be best, not looking for the bulky mid section or butt that the Mag will provide. Let me know what you guys recommend, looking exactly what Dave spoke about, just not sure I want to trim the blank if I dont have to.

I do have a Rainshadow Revelation blank REVS68MXF up in the work room. Any opinions on this blank for jerkbaits? Was originally planning to use this for finesse jigs... Wasn't sure if the XF action of the blank would be best suited to match jerkbaits. You guys have more insight than myself.

I'm building this one right now, bought it based on the CCS numbers and the desire to try a Point Blank, and it looks perfect so far. Using the Fuji titanium guides (9 guides total + tiptop), feels light as a feather.

PB691MXF 6'9" 1 8-14 Mono • 10-15 Braid 1/8 - 5/8 14.06 1.81mm(5.0) 1.76oz

The text above doesn't say it, but it's a very fast action. (75 degrees CCS)

Point Blank, havent seen one yet in person. How do you like that blank?

I built a rod for just that method of fishing. I used a St. Croix AVS68MX5 blank. Very fast tip and lots of backbone.

Jay, I'm just finishing the build, so have not fished it. It feels great in the hand, has the specs that I think are right for fast twitching jerks like Pointers.

I was looking to make the handle a bit shorter to make it easier to work a jerkbait.... How far from butt end to the back of the reel seat, roughly 8 inches?//

Jay, my thoughts on handle length mirrors yours. For me a shorter rear grip on a jerkbait rod is definitely the way to go. On the rod I described earlier, my rear grip is (end of the butt cap to back of the reel seat) is 7 3/4".

This is just another one of those things you may want to consider .... if you're not using a reel seat that requires you ordering it to fit the blank at a specific location, you may want to experiment with reel seat placement a bit. A 6'9" rod with an 8" rear grip may feel a little sluggish. I only say that because of an experience I had with a 6' pistol grip spinnerbait rod I had years ago. I couldn't stand that rod, it just didn't have the flick of the wrist feeling that I was used to with a 5'6" pistol grip rod.

Anyhow ..... just something to think about. Personally, I'd see if you could push it out to at least 8 1/2" if that handle length will still allow you to work the rod the way you want. A 1/2" may not sound like much, but it may make a world of difference in how the rod feels in your hand.

Like I said ..... just something to think about.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/01/2015 08:27AM by David Baylor.

Great suggestion, once all the components are in I will play around with the reel seat placement. I agree a little change makes a big difference. Great advice, cant wait to see how yours turns out.

I used 9 inches based on my satisfaction with other rods I've done. My main priority has been ergonomics of two handed casts. I don't think there is any magic in 9, suggest you try what you think is right before gluing the reel seat on. I would not shy away from very fast actions for hard jerk fishing. There are times that smallies just won't touch a hard jerk unless it's really twitched fast/abruptly, and that aggressive action is easier to impart on a jerk with a fast action. Mainly you want the rod lure rating to match your expected lure size fairly well so that the rod will load properly on the cast.

Jay, I expect that Revelation will work just fine for what you plan. If it doesn't, just remember that you cannot have too many rods.