Catch More Fish with Soft Plastic Jerkbaits
Fishing enthusiasts are always on the lookout for new ways to catch more fish, and one effective method is through the use of custom soft plastic jerkbaits. In particular, the Obee Jerk Minnow soft plastic jerkbait, a fluke-style bait, has gained popularity among anglers for its ability to mimic baitfish and attract a variety of fish species. These baits are hand-poured in the USA by Obee Fishing Co. and feature a unique design, including a deep belly and flat tails.
What is a Soft Plastic Jerkbait?
A soft plastic jerkbait is a fishing lure that is made of a soft material called plastisol. These baits are designed to mimic the appearance and movement of live bait, such as minnows, shad, or other small fish. Jerkbaits are typically used in freshwater fishing for largemouth bass, and it can be fished in a variety of ways, such as using a jerking or twitching motion to imitate a wounded or fleeing baitfish.
What Makes the Obee Jerk Minnow Unique
The Obee Jerk Minnow stands out among other soft plastic jerkbaits for several unique reasons and features. First and foremost, the bait is hand-poured in the USA by Obee Fishing Co., ensuring a high level of quality control and attention to detail. The Jerk Minnow is 5 inches in length, making it an ideal size for imitating baitfish in a variety of freshwater fishing conditions.
The bait also features a deep belly and flat tail, which gives it a realistic swimming action that is hard for fish to resist. The design of the bait includes high-quality color patterns, with options available to mimic different types of baitfish, making it an effective lure for a variety of target species. Additionally, the Obee Jerk Minnow is soft but incredibly durable and can withstand multiple fish strikes before needing to be replaced.
How to Rig the Obee Jerk Minnow
The Obee Jerk Minnow can be rigged in several ways, depending on the fishing conditions and target species. Here are some tips on how to rig the Jerk Minnow for optimal resultss
Weightless Texas Rig
This is a popular rigging method for fishing in weed beds and other areas with heavy cover. To rig the Jerk Minnow Texas style, insert a worm hook into the nose of the bait and slide it down until the point of the hook is just below the surface of the bait. Then, thread the hook through the body of the bait and burry the point back into the bait. This will give the bait a weedless presentation and allow it to slide through heavy cover without getting snagged.
Weighted Hook
Another popular rigging method for the Obee Jerk Minnow is the weighted hook rig. This rig allows the bait to sink faster and swim deeper, making it ideal for fishing in deeper waters or stronger currents. To rig the bait with a weighted hook, simply insert a weighted hook into the nose of the bait and slide it down until the point of the hook is just below the surface of the bait. Then, thread the hook through the body of the bait and bury the point back into the bait. This will give a weedless presentation similar to the Texas Rig. Experiment with different weights to find the optimal weight for the fishing conditions and target species.
Drop Shot Rig
This rigging method is effective for fishing in deeper water or when targeting bottom-dwelling fish. To rig the jerk Minnow for a drop shot, tie a drop shot rig to the end of your line with a drop shot hook at the bottom and a weight at the end. Thread the hook through the nose of the bait and adjust the placement of the weight and hook based on the depth you want to fish.
Overall, the key to rigging the Obee Jerk Minnow for optimal results is to experiment with different techniques and adjust your presentation based on the fishing conditions and target species.
Techniques for Fishing with the Obee Jerk Minnow
There are several techniques that anglers can use when fishing soft plastic jerkbaits to maximize their chances of catching fish. Here are a few techniques to try:
Jerking or Twitching:
One of the most common techniques for fishing with the Jerk Minnow is to jerk or twitch the bait as you retrieve it. This imitates the movement of a wounded or fleeing baitfish and can trigger a strike from predatory fish species. To use this technique, cast the bait out and retrieve it with a series of jerks or twitches of the rod tip. Pause briefly between each jerk to allow the bait to sink.
Slow Rolling:
Another effective technique for fishing with the soft plastic jerkbait is slow rolling. This technique involves retrieving the bait slowly and steadily, with occasional pauses to allow the bait to sink and flutter in the water. This technique can be especially effective for catching bass and other species that are not as aggressive and prefer a more natural presentation.
Dead Sticking:
Dead Sticking is a technique that involves casting the bait out and allowing it to sink to the bottom without any movement. This can be an effective way to catch bottom-dwelling fish. Once the bait has settled on the bottom, reel in any slack in the line and wait for a strike. If no strike occurs after a few minutes, try slowly lifting the bait off the bottom and letting it fall back down to imitate the movement of a live baitfish.
Drop Shotting:
As mentioned earlier, drop shotting is another effective technique for fishing with the Jerk Minnow. This technique involves using a drop shot rig to suspend the bait off the bottom and give it a more realistic swimming motion. To use this technique, cast the bait out and allow it to sink to the desired depth, then gently twitch the rod tip to give the bait a natural swimming motion.
Target Species for the Obee Jerk Minnow
While the Obee Jerk Minnow can be effective for a variety of freshwater species, the primary target for many anglers is the largemouth bass. This baitfish imitator is designed to mimic the natural movements and appearance of a fleeing baitfish which is a common food source for bass.
In addition to largemouth bass, the Jerk Minnow (and any soft plastic jerkbait) can also be effective for catching other predatory species like smallmouth bass, pike. walleye, and even musky. The versatility of this bait makes it a great addition to any angler's tackle box and can be used in a variety of fishing conditions and scenarios.
General Soft Plastic Jerkbait Tips
Soft plastic jerkbaits can be effective lures for catching a variety of fish species. Here are some tips to keep in mind when fishing with soft plastic jerkbaits.
Vary Your Retrieve
Experiment with different retrive speeds and styles to see what works best for the fish you are targeting. Sometimes a fast, erratic retrieve will trigger a strike, while other times a slow, subtle twitch will be more effective.
Use the Right Gear
Soft plastic jerkbaits can be fished with a variety of rods, reels, and line types, but it's important to use gear that is appropriate for the size and weight of the bait. A medium to medium-heavy spinning rod with a fast action tip and a high-speed reel with a smooth drag is a good choice for most soft plastic jerkbaits.
Match the Hatch
Pay attention to the natural baitfish in the area and try to match the color and size of your soft plastic jerkbait to the local forage. This can increase your chances of getting strikes from fish that are actively feeding.
Fish the Right Areas
Soft plastic jerkbaits can be fished in a variety of areas, but they are particularly effective in areas with structure or cover, like weed beds, submerged logs, or drop-offs. These areas provide ambush points for predatory fish to hide and strike from.
Use a Jerk Pause Retrieve
The jerk pause retrieve involves jerking the bait and then pausing for a few seconds before jerking it again. This imitates the action of a fleeing baitfish and can be particularly effective for triggering strikes from predatory fish.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can increase your chances of success when fishing with soft plastic jerkbaits.
Where to Purchase the Obee Jerk Minnow
If you are interested in purchasing the Obee Jerk Minnow or other soft plastic jerkbaits, the best place to start is on Obee Fishing Co. website or our social media pages. The Jerk Minnows are hand poured in the USA by Obee Fishing Co. and are only available for purchase through our website or social media shops on Facebook and Instagram.
In addition to the Obee Jerk Minnow, there are many other soft plastic jerkbaits available on the market to test and try. Popular brands include Zoom, Strike King, and Yamamoto, among others. These can be found at most sporting goods stores or online retailers like Bass Pro Shops.