Soft Jerkbait Tricks You Need To Try! (Beginner To Advanced)

Soft Jerkbaits are one of the best bass fishing lures of all time! You can fish a fluke quickly as a topwater, twitch it as a jerkbait, slow fish it like a weightless worm, and even Carolina rig it. The soft jerkbait's ability to adapt puts it in a category all its own. With our rigging tricks, you can take it even further!

Many anglers own soft jerkbaits, but few realize their true potential. With a simple hook adjustment this bait can become a topwater or a subsurface bait. It can be Texas rigged in heavy cover, nose hooked in clear water, or donkey rigged and fished around schooling fish. You might use the Fluke from time to time, but you probably don't know these tricks.

Below you'll find links to the all the baits discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes, colors, and rigging components for each. We've also included some of our favorite soft jerkbait combos for the different rigging methods. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN MERCH...

•TacticalBassin Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

RELATED VIDEOS...

Double Fluke Rig: https://youtu.be/_fnSwwJoDsM

FULL SIZE SOFT JERKBAITS...

•Zoom Salty Super Fluke: https://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Colors: Albino, Smokin Shad

•X–Zone 5" Whiplash Shad: https://bit.ly/3IpMKQo

Colors: Electric Shad, Baby Bass, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•Megabass Sling Shad: https://bit.ly/41tgaaT

Colors: Hasu, Wakasagi, G Biwahaigai

•Yamamoto D Shad: https://bit.ly/3lG1b7T

Colors: Green Gizzard, Pro Blue, Tilapia

FINESSE SOFT JERKBAITS...

•Xzone 3.5" Whiplash Shad: https://bit.ly/4buE4qx

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl, Smelt

•Zman 3.5" Jerk Shadz: https://bit.ly/3yRocN0

Colors: The Deal, Bad Shad, Electric Shad

LARGE SOFT JERKBAIT...

•X–Zone 6" Whiplash Shad: https://bit.ly/3IpMKQo

Colors: Electric Shad, Baby Bass, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•Zoom Magnum Super Fluke: https://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Colors: Albino, Smokin Shad

•Damiki 7" Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/2VQ7g6o

Colors: American Shad, RP Blue Pearl

STANDARD WEEDLESS HOOKS...

Standard Hook – Gamakatsu Superline: https://bit.ly/2ac92XG

Size: 3/0 – 4/0

Unique Gap – Owner Multi Offset: https://bit.ly/4mwCrgE

Size: 2/0 – 4/0

FINESSE HOOK...

•BKK Armor Point Offset Worm: https://bit.ly/48hOoBq

Size: 1 – 1/0

NOSE HOOKS COMPONENTS...

Hook– Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap: https://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

Size: 1/0

Weedless– Gamakatsu Weedless Finesse Wide Gap: https://bit.ly/2i57dOP

Size: 1/0

Spring– Owner CPS Spring: https://bit.ly/2b2YgDf

Size: Medium

Keeper– Gamakatsu Silicone Stopper: https://bit.ly/3Nrrtqs

Size: XXL

DONKEY RIG COMPONENTS...

Hook– Gamakatsu Superline: https://bit.ly/2ac92XG

Size: 3/0 – 4/0

Swivel– SPRO Power Swivel: https://bit.ly/2ay0p7d

Size: 10

Bobber Stop– VMC Sinker Stop: https://bit.ly/38XLQd4

MATT'S ALL AROUND COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend X2 7'1" Med Hvy XFast: https://bit.ly/3IOSXcJ

Reel– Seviin GX Reel: https://bit.ly/4octPMZ

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (17 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

MATT'S FINESSE FLUKE COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'3" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon MG LTX: https://bit.ly/40ltb6s

Line– Seaguar InvizX (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

NOSE HOOK SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer 7'6" Light+: https://bit.ly/3RmuKdN

Model: Flyssa

Reel– Daiwa Luvias ST 2500: https://bit.ly/459jXLv

Line– Sunline Super FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET BFS SOFT JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2 Casting: https://bit.ly/43hnh7S

Model: 6'10" Medium Light

Reel– Abu Garcia Revo X BFS: https://bit.ly/4flqwi3

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Winter Swimbait Tricks And Jerkbait Fishing! (Tin Boat Fishing On The TVA)

Jump in Matt's new jet boat and come along for a day of fishing! We're exploring new water and catching a pile of fish along the way! Matt kicks it off with some BIG swimbait fish and rounds out the day with jerkbaits and Alabama Rigs. Pay attention to the details as he explains what he's targeting and how he uses each bait to get fish to react.

Winter bass fishing is an amazing experience. The lake is peaceful, the fish are big, and you just never know when you might find a cave! 😂 It's not always about fast boats and expensive baits... today we used an Aluminum boat, some affordable baits, and caught some great fish!

Below you'll find links to all the baits and gear Matt used throughout the day. We've included the exact colors for each bait, as well as the rod and reel combos Matt used to fish them effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

SWIMBAITS…

•Berkley 8” Chop Block Glide: https://bit.ly/44MelaG

Color: Chrome Gizzard

•Megabass 8" Magdraft: https://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Color: White Back Shad

JERKBAIT…

•Megabass Vision 110: https://bit.ly/3tw8Cpz

Color: GG Illusion Tennessee Shad

Vision 110 Hook Upgrade– Redline Finesse Treble: https://bit.ly/3lZsDkT

Size: 5

•Megabass Vision 110+1 Jr: https://bit.ly/2LnK389

Color: Kasumi Ito

ALABAMA RIG...

Rig– Hog Farmer Tactical Mini Flex Rig: https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

Heads– Dirty Jigs Tactical Screwed Up Heads (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3U5RsIx

Baits– Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Electric Shad

Dummy Baits– Keitech 3.5" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Electric Shad

CHOP BLOCK COMBO…

Rod– Fenwick Elite 7'8" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3MyC6tb

Reel– Abu Garcia Beast 200 (7.5:1): https://bit.ly/3VJM3Zp

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader – Seaguar Gold Label (30 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

VISION 110 JR COMBO…

Rod– Megabass Destroyer Evoluzion: https://bit.ly/4oXDY0A

Model: Oneten Stick Evolution

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

VISION 110 JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line– Sunline Super FC 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

ALABAMA RIG COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Champion XP 764C: https://bit.ly/2abq8nl

Reel– Daiwa Tatula SV TW 150: https://bit.ly/3yiO3zJ

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (17 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

These 2 Baits Catch Big Bass In January! (Day On The Water With Matt)

Jump in the boat with Matt for an awesome day on the water! Matt is exploring new water today and it doesn’t take long to start getting bit! He starts out strolling and throwing a jerkbait, then pivots and finds an amazing swimbait bite!

A lot of anglers mistakenly think that Winter bass fishing is tough. Today was cold, but the fishing was incredible! Watch how Matt uses different baits to fire fish up and keep them biting. Make sure you stick around to the end because Matt breaks down the retrieve differences between traditional glide baits and the emerging category of soft glide baits.

Below you’ll find links to all the baits and gear Matt used throughout the day. We’ve included his exact colors, hook upgrades, as well as the rod and reel combos he used to fish the baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

STROLLING BAITS…

•Hog Farmer Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Colors: Ghost Minnow and Green Shad

Sizes: 4” and 5”

•Dirty Jigs Guppy HD Head: https://bit.ly/3WCfvSn

Size: 3/16 oz

JERKBAIT…

•Megabass Vision 110: https://bit.ly/3tw8Cpz

Color: GG Illusion Tennessee Shad

Hook Upgrade– Redline Finesse Treble: https://bit.ly/3lZsDkT

Size: 5

GLIDE BAITS…

•Berkley 8” Chop Block Glide: https://bit.ly/44MelaG

Color: Shad

•Bucca Brand 6” Trick Shad: https://bit.ly/4hFD5Go

Color: Matte Shad

STROLLING COMBO…

Rod– Shimano Poison Adrena 6'10" Med+ Extra Fast: https://bit.ly/4c0fQmq

Reel– Shimano Sustain 2500: https://bit.ly/47SJ3R6

Line– Sunline Almight Braid (16 lb): https://bit.ly/4flJrsg

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (10 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G

JERKBAIT COMBO…

Rod– Megabass Destroyer Evoluzion: https://bit.ly/4oXDY0A

Model: Oneten Stick Evolution

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

CHOP BLOCK COMBO…

Rod– Fenwick Elite 7'8" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3MyC6tb

Reel– Abu Garcia Beast 200 (7.5:1): https://bit.ly/3VJM3Zp

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader – Seaguar Gold Label (30 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

TRICK SHAD COMBO…

Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'5" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Reel– Daiwa Tatula SV TW 150: https://bit.ly/3yiO3zJ

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader – Seaguar Gold Label (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

If you plan to do any shopping, using these affiliate links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!

2025 BUYER'S GUIDE: The Best Hardbaits For Bass Fishing (Crankbait, Topwater, Jerkbait, and More!)

Today's Buyer's Guide is all about hard baits! We're covering the best topwater, jerkbaits, crankbaits, and more! We're covering all the major categories and showing you our favorite baits! No matter what you face on the water, you can fish confidently, knowing exactly what we'd throw in your situation this year!

Whether you're looking to dial in a technique, or you just want to fish with more confidence, these recommendations will save you a lot of time and money. These are our favorite baits from each major category we use, so you don't have to second guess your choices when you're out fishing.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and equipment discussed in the video. We've included our favorite colors for each, as well as any specific components you need to fish them properly. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

WALKING BAITS...

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Colors: Bone Python, Juvy Gill, Ito Tennessee Shad

•Evergreen Showerblows SB105: https://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Bone, Full Metal

•Heddon Super Spook: https://bit.ly/2diThgH

Color: Okie Shad

POPPERS...

•Megabass Pop Max: http://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

Colors: Mat Shad, Gill

•Lobina Rico: https://bit.ly/2RGNx4x

Colors: Absolute, Tennessee Shad

•Nomad Chug Norris: https://bit.ly/3wn1zRJ

Colors: Shadow Boxer, Holo Ghost Shad

SHALLOW CRANKBAITS...

•Bill Lewis ATV 1.5: https://bit.ly/41o3ctj

Color: Fire Truck Craw, Red Glitter Craw, Tennessee Shad

•Spro Little John: https://bit.ly/2dDfuqt

Colors: Blood Craw, Fire Craw, Matte Shad

•Rapala OG Rocco: https://bit.ly/3PHvNCI

Colors: Classic Craw, Red Crawdad, Bruised Citrus Shad

•Strike King 1.5: https://bit.ly/3xLv526

Colors: Green Gizzard Shad, Delta Red

DEEP DIVING CRANKBAITS...

•R2S Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Color: DD Minnow, Metallic Shad, True Shad

•Rapala DT 16: http://bit.ly/2BL0UYl

Color: Live River Shad, Green Gizzard Shad

•Strike King 6XD: https://bit.ly/2ery44M

Color: Sexy Shad, Gizzard Shad

LIPLESS CRANKBAIT...

•Nomad Swimtrex Max Series: https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Sizes: 1/2 oz, 3/4 oz

Colors: Red Craw, Threadfin Shad, Natural Threadfin

•Jackall TN Series: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Size: TN70 (3/4 oz), TN60 (1/2 oz)

Colors: SS Shad, SG Threadfin, Crawfish

•Bill Lewis Rat L Trap (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2gm8CjC

Colors: Rayburn Red Craw, Silver Shad, Diamond Dust

JERKBAITS...

•Megabass Vision 110: https://bit.ly/3tw8Cpz

Colors: Mat Shad, Elegy Bone, Ito Tennessee Shad

•Shimano Zumverno 95 SP: https://bit.ly/3Gbzrmw

Colors: S Hasu, Clown, Macchiato

•Duo Realis Raz 105 SP: https://bit.ly/4foltw8

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Prism Smelt

SPOONS...

•Nichols Blade Runner Duh Spoon: https://bit.ly/4cSEVki

Size: 3/4 – 1 3/4 oz

Colors: Morning Dawn UV, Sierra UV, Shattered Glass Silver

•Nichols Lake Fork Flutter Spoon: https://bit.ly/2ICAGKL

Colors: Shattered Glass Silver, Purple Threadfin

•War Eagle Jigging Spoon (7/8 oz): https://bit.ly/2H9dJV1

Colors: Nickel, Purple Shad

SPYBAITS...

•Duo Realis Spinbait Series: https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Sizes: 80

Natural Colors: Ghost Minnow, River Bait

•Spro Spin John 80: https://bit.ly/3ycTg9o

Colors: Herring Pink, Matte Shad

BLADE BAITS...

•Damiki Vault (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Colors: Black Holo, Real Shad, Holo Cyber Purple

•Megabass Dyna Response (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Colors: Jukucho Shad, Ito Hiau

•Silver Buddy (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2AcTelj

Colors: Silver Plated

TAIL SPINS...

•Jackall Deracoup (1/2 – 3/4 oz): https://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Colors: Silver, Clear Shad, Dera Shad

•Damiki Axe Blade (3/4 – 1 oz): https://bit.ly/2w2uB9t

Colors: Black Holo, Holo Real Shad

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

•Best Spinnerbaits/A Rigs– https://youtu.be/ipLAgQwf_t0

•Best Entry Level Combos– https://youtu.be/4O2ewrZzuJw

•Best Budget Baller Combos– https://youtu.be/sTtrvJ6xPYE

•Best "Affordable" Combos– https://youtu.be/HU5KG3rENDA

•High End Combos– https://youtu.be/7tj_awFmJLM

•Best "Enthusiast" Rods And Reels– https://youtu.be/J7ikDrkx6fU

•Spinning Reels– https://youtu.be/vie_pr69cdI

•Casting Reels– https://youtu.be/QLsdeEaVLJg

•Swimbaits– https://youtu.be/nVS6r2V1LvM

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz