Jerk Retrieve

Jerk Retrieve is a rod retrieve where the rod is moved a short to medium distance quickly then a moderate slack line is introduced resulting in (enabling) an erratic lure action. Then, the moderate slack line is reeled in and the process is repeated with the option of adding a pause. 

Aliases and Comparisons:

  • Rip Retrieve: Sometimes referred to as ripping a lure through grass.
  • Jerk vs Walk Retrieve: Similar rod movements and rod tip location, albeit the jerk rod movement is often larger. One main difference is the lure designed for these retrieval techniques.  Also, the walk retrieve is a consistent rod motion and the jerk retrieve is often inconsistent. The other difference is the walk retrieve describes top water lure action and the jerk retrieve somewhat describes rod action that produces the underwater erratic lure action.
Why is Jerk Retrieve Important?

Jerk retrieve is important to:

Where to Find Bass
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Jerk Retrieve Options
  • Retrieve Speed: Generally considered fishing fast albeit it can slow down by introducing pauses. 
  • Jerk Style: 
    • No Pause: Continuous jerk rod action with no pause.
    • Jerk, Jerk Pause: Two jerks rod action prior to a pause.
    • Multiple and Varied Jerks: Any number of jerks prior to a pause which can be consistent or inconsistent. 
Additional Considerations
  • Initial Action: Generally, reeling the lure to the lure’s sink classification (lure’s designed depth).
  • Secondary Action: Not common and generally not possible to introduce a secondary action (pause is primary action)
  • Lure Visibility: Generally, considered a high lure visibility scenario as it is hard for the bass to locate with the erratic movements.  
Jerk Retrieve - It's About the ALLURE™
Suggested Surface Contact Lures for Jerk Retrieve
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Twitch Bait

Generally a jerk retrieve technique’s rod action is applied to a surface contact (top water ) lure it is called in a Walk Retrieve as it results in more of a side to side walk lure motion. 

Suggested Minimal Contact Lures for Jerk Retrieve
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Hard Jerkbait

Lipless Crankbait
When a jerk retrieve is applied to a lipless crankbait it is often referred to as the lure being “Ripped” as in “ripped through the grass”. 

Suggested Cover Contact Lures for Jerk Retrieve
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Soft Jerkbait

Lipped Crankbait
Less common, and often used to remove any grass that got snagged on the lure.

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