For Kevin VanDam, a jerkbait is the ultimate blend of power fishing and realism. Plus, you can customize the bait's action to the fish's mood. KVD faces prime jerkbait fishing conditions in this video — overcast and windy! He discusses the types of spots he targets bass in these conditions, some jerkbait selection guidance (emphasis on color), and how to fish the bait to trigger bass that often pass on swimbaits and crankbaits.
Overcast plus wind usually puts bass feeding into overdrive. On clear-water highland reservoirs such as Missouri's Table Rock Lake, feeding bass have a big strike window, so baits with drawing power get the nod. KVD focuses on main lake windblown points and spots where the old river channel pushes close to the shore. Just like crankbait fishing, strive to get the jerkbait to its maximum diving depth to call bass in from as far as possible. To augment this, KVD prefers bright but natural-hued baits, such as variations of bone and white on overcast days. You'll be surprised with how much of the water column you'll cover with a deep-diving jerkbait.
Fish finders can factor in big with this program. Pay attention to where you see fish and observe the depth, structure, and cover. While 360 and forward-facing sonar yield a ton of insight, reference your mapping for additional clues about fish location, such as channel swings and contour steepness.
The right rod, reel, and line setup are imperative if you're looking to maximize your efficiency and success with jerkbaits. KVD details his setup, particularly on choosing a rod with the ideal blend of power and action. A reel is just a tool for picking up the slack, while the rod is what makes the jerkbait come alive. Just make sure to start and finish your jerking with slack in the line.
