The 9 Best Jerkbaits for Trout Fishing (Update Nov 2022).
Looking to catch more or bigger trout, then our guide on the best jerkbaits for trout fishing might help you do exactly that.
Jerkbaits are an excellent trout lure. They replicate small fish in distress which is exactly the sort of prey hungry large trout like to gulp down. Trout rarely reach double digits feeding solely on mayflies and nymphs.
Fishermen call Jerkbaits by many different names, such as stick baits, minnow baits, or hard body lures. No matter what you call them they have one main purpose, which is to trick a large hungry trout into grabbing it for an easy meal. Jerkbaits are very effective at doing exactly that.
It is said that every trout fisherman has their favorite lure. My favorite trout lure is the jerkbait. While spin fishing, I have caught more big trout using jerkbaits than any other style of lure. That includes in-line spinners, which I also rate among the best trout lures.
Large trout, especially one’s living in large rivers and lakes eat a fish heavy diet. It would take hundreds of nymphs or mayflies to match the energy potential of a single baitfish and the trout know it.
Jerking for Trout – (The best lure for large trout)
Which jerkbait casts the best?
| Model | High I rate the castability |
| Jointed Rapala | Bad |
| Rapala Orginal Floater | Poor |
| Rapala Countdown | Decent |
| Storm Original Jr ThunderStick | Decent |
| Rapala Ripstop | Decent(1) |
| Rapala Longcast | Decent(2) |
| Lucky Craft Pointer 65 | Good |
| Dynamic Lures HD trout | Good |
| Rapala X-Rap | Good |
| Yo-Zuri Pins Minnow | Very good |
How to Fish Jerkbaits to Catch Big Trout
The thing I love most about fishing Jerkbaits is the versatility they offer. Over the decade fishermen have invented and perfected many techniques to fish jerkbaits. Despite the name, Jerkbaits do not have to be fished by jerking the rod. When targeting trout I actually prefer a smoother, more ‘crankbait’ like presentation rather than aggressively jerking it through the water.
I always default to a steady and smooth retrieve when fishing new water. I start fishing at the bottom of a long pool or run. Cast slightly upstream and across the current. I pause for a moment. Then start a slow and steady retrieve which is slightly faster than the current. I then take a couple of steps forward upstream and cast again. Repeat. This style of fishing makes it possible to cover many miles of river in a single day.
Also, remember to fish your feet first. Trout often hold right next to the bank out of the current. Every so often I cast directly upstream and retrieve the lure so it swims back parallel to the shore. I have lost count of the times I have almost stood on a trout before spotting it because it was holding right on the river’s edge.
If trout follow my lure in, but without striking. I usually mix things up a bit, I will introduce the occasional short jerk or sharp direction change. The pause is often enough to cause a curious trout to strike. When I say pause, I mean pause. I get the lure to come to a complete stop.
If a trout strikes my lure, but I fail to set the hook. I will pause again and start twitching. A hungry trout often comes back to finish its apparently wounded prey.
When fishing pay extra attention to drop-offs, eddies, current lines, submerged trees, and large boulders out in the flow. All locations are likely holding places for trout. Whenever possible, I make short accurate casts to make sure my lure passes just upstream of such locations. Always worth casting a second or third time into promising-looking holds. In hot spots, where trout are certainly feeding I will even change the lure.
This applies to all styles of trout fishing, but learn the river. Every time I see a trout, I remember where it was holding. Next time I fish that section, I know exactly where to pay the most attention. The more I fish a river, the better I get at recognizing where the trout are feeding.
Advanced Techniques to Catch Trophy Trout on Jerkbaits
Here are a few more advanced techniques I have learned and developed over the years. I am not claiming to have invented them, and they might be known by other names but I am mostly self taught and rarely up to date with fishing jargon.
How to Fish Jerkbaits downstream?
I use the current to carry a floating jerkbait much further downstream than I can cast.
I cast a floating lure across the current, leaving the bail open I allow the little minnow imitation to float downstream slowly taking line. The current motion causes the jerkbait to wobble slightly but strikes are unlikely to occur while floating.
Sometimes when fishing braid or a very sensitive rod, it is possible to pick up the occasional strike while the lure is floating. I occasionally close the bail to maintain better contact with the lure but keep it to a minimum because too much tension will cause the lure to pivot toward the shore.
Once the jerk bait is far enough downstream, I start my retrieve. Using a slight jerking motion, I work the lure back towards me. I find this technique can be deadly effective when trout are massing at a river mouth or inflow into a deep pool. This technique allows the lure to reach locations well outside of casting range and works best with braid because it also floats.
How to Fish Jerkbait Beneath Overhanging Branches?
Large trout often live and hunt under overhanging vegetation, that being willow trees where I live. This wall of green is nearly impossible to cast beneath. Even from a float tube or kayak casting underneath is difficult.
For this technique, I prefer to use a braided or superline because they float on the surface. I prefer using Berkley Fireline.
To get my lure under the branches, I use this trick. While standing on the shore, I cast a floating jerkbait directly in front of me and close the bail. The wind and current then slowly pivot the lure around where I am standing. As the line tightens, it pulls in vertically next to the shore and beneath any overhanging vegetation. I have caught many unsuspecting brown trout using this technique.
I also use a variation when I want to fish the edge of a canal downstream of where I am standing. This technique does not work where there are branches beneath the water surface.
How to Fish Jerkbaits Around Submerged Trees?
This technique I use to fish both sides of a submerged tree, using a floating jerkbait with quite an aggressive bib I cast well over the submerged branches. I then wind rapidly, causing the bait to dive sharply. It pays to watch the line and lure closely. I estimate the exact point the lure is approaching the branches, before pausing and letting the lure float to the surface. With care, I float the lure across the obstacle, once over I wind quickly causing it to dive back down maximizing the time it spends in the strike zone.
This technique also works well when fishing around large mats of weed that are just below the surface. Large trout often feed in the channels between the mats before escaping to safety under them.
Jerkbaits are Excellent Trolling Lures
Most fishermen already know that jerkbaits are excellent trolling lures, and trolling for trout is no exception. Floating Jerkbaits, like the original Rapala or the jointed Rapala, are my favorite trolling lures for rivers and the shallow margins around lakes.
When trolling for trout, the secret is to go slow. This is not a race, and trout are not high-energy pelagic. I like to run my lures about 50yards behind my boat. This seems to be far enough back to minimize any disturbance caused by the boat. You know the jerkbait is swimming correctly by looking for the slight vibrations in the rod trip.
When trolling for trout, I believe stealth is everything. So try to cause as little disturbance as possible to the water. I much prefer trolling behind a kayak or canoe than a noisy 2-stroke. If you are in a noisy boat, consider trolling the lures even further back.
Now, avoid just trolling in a straight line. I much prefer to go in a wide lazy S, this way the lures far behind are constantly cutting the corners meaning it does not travel over water disturbed by the boat.
It is still possible to troll Rapalas in deeper water. One popular way is to place a piece of split shot about four feet in-front of the lure. Behind that clip on a small sinker. The split shot acts a stopper, and the sinker will send the lure toward the bottom of the lake. A floating jerkbait is a good idea, even if the sinker drags along the bottom the floating lure should continue to swim a few feet above it.
Jerkbaits vs Crankbaits
It took me longer than it probably should have to learn the difference between these two types of lures, I just thought some were skinny and others were fat and more commonly used for Bass. They both catch trout, although I personally have caught more trout on the slim jerk baits over the years.
Below I will quickly explain the difference between the two main types of hard body minnow-imitating lures.
Jerkbaits: Long and slender body and typically shorter bills. In general, jerkbaits run shallower, making them better for skinny rivers and streams. Sinking jerkbaits can be used to fish deeper water.
Crankbaits: Short and fat. Normally much deeper diving down to 25ft. If you want to surface fish a crankbait lure then lipless variations exist.
Overview of 9 best Jerkbaits
In this section, I have summarized the key defining points of my favorite trout catching jerkbaits. If you rather a more in-depth and comprehensive read then you can jump directly to my jerkbait reviews here.
Best all round: Rapala Original Floater
The original floating Rapala is one of the most fished Jerkbaits in the world, and there is a reason. It is a highly successful lure. No matter where you fish, whether it is a rocky river, lake, or estuary, the floating Rapala can bring success. It is an amazing lure to troll behind a dinghy or kayak.
Ask any fisherman what the best jerkbait for trout fishing is, and chances are the original floating Rapala will be on their list. It is a classic and proven design. I always have several with me every time I go spinning for trout.
Available in a range of sizes from the tiny F03 to the massive F18 which is 7 inches in length. For most trout fishing, the 2-inch F05 and the slightly longer F07 are the best compromise and are my most used sizes.
When the water is cloudy, or if the trout are feeding on larger baitfish, then the larger size of F09 can be worth considering. It might also be worth considering when targeting particularly large trout, but my biggest trout was caught on a FO5 size so probably does not make much of a difference.
The tiny F03 has a niche fishing in very small streams, but in personal experience the larger sizes normally outperform it.
Best Cold Water: Rapala Jointed
This Rapala is split into two sections with a jointed middle. It gives an amazing action of a wounded baitfish when retrieved slowly. This action remains even at the slowest of retrieves.
Works best in shallow to mid-depth water, although added weight can be used for deeper retrieves.
This is my favorite jerkbait for tempting sluggish trout in cold water when they are reluctant to chase after more lively prey.
Do not be tempted to fish the Rapala too actively. It requires a very slow and delicate presentation. It is prone to tangling if retrieved too jerkily. I also have struggled to get the desired action from the smaller sizes after replacing the trebles with singles.
Best Shallow Water: Dynamic Lure HD Trout
The Dynamic Lures HD trout has some of the best action on a straight retrieve. The tail portion wobbles side to side giving a very lifelike swimming action. This action combines with a vibrating wobble from several internal ball bearings. This combination of a realistic wobble and vibration can trigger even wary trout to strike.
The HD trout comes in at 2.25” long and weighs 1/10oz. So between a F5 and F7 Rapala in length. It is available in 20 different colors. Like all jerkbaits in this size range, it is not the easiest lure to cast but the ball bearings certainly help.
As a slow sinking lure, the HD trout works best in streams and shallow creeks. Particularly deadly when worked over shallow weed beds. This is quite a shallow diving lures, so do not expect to reach the bottom in very turbulent water.
The excellent straight retrieve wobble also makes it a top trolling lure. Especially when trout are holding close to the surface.
The HD trout is made from ABS plastic, which is used in many Jerkbaits. ABS Plastic is very durable and impact resistant. The coating will eventually scratch but is as durable as any on the market. Overall, I have no complaints regarding the durability of this lure.
The hooks are sharp from the box, but I have had a few start to straighten after multiple fish. It is really hard to judge, but I feel the Yo-Zuri hooks are tougher.
No jerkbait review is complete without comparing it against Rapala. On a straight retrieve, I prefer the action on the HD trout, but I feel the Rapala dances better on the jerk. Rapala lures also tend to dive deeper and quicker, making them more versatile in deeper water.
Summarising. The HD trout by Dynamic lures is an excellent shallow water jerkbait on a straight retrieve and might even be my new first choice when fishing for trout in shallow water.
Best Affordable: Storm Original Jr ThunderStick
The Storm Thunderstick is a very effective and affordable jerkbait, it shares many features found on premium lures such as an internal rattle.
I am also impressed with the finish. I feel the patterns are more detailed than many more premium lures. Storm rigs the Thunderstick with three VMC treble hooks. These are the same hooks that Rapala uses on their Jerkbaits and I have never had one straighten or break on a trout.
I have one main complaint. The trout I catch engulf Thundersticks whole. Causing them to be hooked in multiple places, sometimes deep. I had more fatalities on trout I would otherwise release when using the Thunderstick compared with any other jerkbait. I have no idea why. Even removing the third hook did not help. So use with caution if you are intending to catch and release.
Best Deep Retrieve: Rapala Countdown
The Rapala Countdown is a sinking and suspending lure, for every second the Countdown remains stationary in the water it sinks at a consistent one foot per second. If you want to target fish holding on the bottom of a 5 foot deep pool simply cast out and across, and wait five seconds for the Countdown to sink before starting your retrieve.
The technique requires finesse, but with practice, the Rapala Countdown can be fished where the trout are holding. The Countdown is one of my most successful Jerkbaits for trout fishing, and I highly recommend it. Like all Rapala lures the Countdown is available in a wide selection of sizes. The CD5 and CD7 are the best for most trout fishing situations.
Best Premium: Lucky Craft Pointer 65
This is the most expensive jerkbait on this list. So is it worth the price premium? Will it catch more trout? Will, I can not answer that directly. But it is a highly effective lure that has brought me a lot of success.
The Luckycraft Pointer 65 when retrieved steadily wobbles tight and fast. During the rip action, it comes to life like a wounded fleeing baitfish.
When paused, the pointer simply hangs, every so slightly twitching. It is available in both suspending and floating version. Judging lure actions can be somewhat subjective, but to my eyes it resembles an escaping baitfish.
At 65mm (2 1/2″) long the Pointer 65 is the smallest pointer, it is marginally longer than a Rapala 7 but still a very good size for trout fishing. Some hopeful anglers even fish the larger sizes, hoping to land a trophy trout.
The Pointer 65 is made from high-quality components and with a very lifelike finish. The quality of construction seems to be a step up in quality over what you will find on a Rapala.
The Pointer series of lures includes an internal brass weight mechanism, which helps create a low center of gravity. This allows the lure to continue wobbling and vibrating even after the retrieving action has stopped.
The additional brass weight allows for longer casts and even helps with accuracy when punching into a strong headwind.
One negative for the Lucky Craft Pointer is the price, it is considerably more expensive than the already pricey Rapalas. But the price is not completely unjustified, considering the higher quality of the components used.
I do hesitant before using it around submerged trees or other snag prone areas. Especially in areas where I can not dive in to retrieve it.
When targeting shy fish in ultra-clear water conditions, lures with realistic finishes work best, and I find Lucky Craft designs to be very life like. The Lucky Craft Pointer in American Shad, Laser Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Brook trout, and MS Herring are great options.
In cloudy, discolored conditions standing out is important, so consider using Aurora Craw, Aurora Gold, Tiger Perch, or the Red Musky
Best Suspending: Rapala X-Rap
All of the above are also available in Xrap versions, Xrap lures have a more pronounced action, and they all have a higher quality and more detailed finish to compared with the regular series.
The biggest advantage of the Xrap series is that they are suspending lures. This allows presentations at various depths, simply cast out. Wind in a bit of line, and jerk the line a couple of times, and the Xrap remains stationary for the most part. This pause can easily trigger a strike out of an interested fish.
Another good use of suspending jerkbaits, is that fishing downstream you can allow the current to carry them beneath overhanging vegetation. Then basically hold them there. Many trout hunt from the cover of vegetation so this is one way to put a jerkbait right in the strike zone.
Being an ABS plastic lure, the body has excellent details and durability. I am not convinced such details trigger more strikes but it certainly does not hurt. In super clear conditions it might help.
Rapala Xraps also comes with a dressed terminal hook, which in theory attracts in predatory fish. Again, I have caught plenty of trout on naked hurts, so not entirely convinced that dressed hooks are of much help.
Best Long Cast: Yo-Zuri Pins Minnows
Another popular Jerkbait is the Yo-Zuri Pin Minnow. Like Rapala, Yo-zuri makes an extensive selection of minnow style lures. When I first started trout fishing, Yo-zuri lures were quite expensive, they certainly demanded a premium, fortunately, for us fishermen. They have dropped back in price and are now much more competitively priced.
Yo-Zuri has been producing fishing tackle for over 50 years, they have crafted some of the most realistic looking and action packed jerkbaits on the market today. The pin minnow is one of their original designs.
The feature which best sets Yo-zuri pin minnows apart is their magnetic weight transfer system. Inside the lure are small channels which allow ball bearings to roll. When cast the ball bearings roll to the end allowing for extra distance.
Yo-Zuri pin minnows are manufactured from a proprietary polycarbonate, the design is laser etched directly onto the plastic body. Which is then coated with a scale-patterned foil. These steps make for a durable and lifelike Jerkbait.
Just how durable are yo-zuri baits? I still own and fish with the first Yo-zuri pin minnow lure I purchased. It remains one of my favorite lures; I have fooled countless brown and rainbow trout with it. After fifteen years of use, its coat only shows a few scratches and some minor flaking. I have replaced the hooks several times; they do eventually become blunt. So in my experience, Yo-zuri lures will more likely be lost before they will break.
