Twitch Bait

Twitch Baits are typically surface contact lures, and just under the surface, plus a sinking versions that are still fished at a visual depth. Twitch Baits are known for their subtle zig zag, darting, erratic motion lure action similar to a hard jerkbait but near surface and they are typically fished with a jerk retrieve or a more subtle twitch retrieve. It is also known as a salt water top water lure.

Anatomy: Twitch Bait lures are treble hook lures that have a realistic, sometimes flashy, minnow-looking with two treble hooks (rare cases three treble hooks).  Similar looking to a hard jerkbait but without a lip. Some suggest more subtle, slower and on or near the surface compared to a hard jerkbait.

  • Rattle: Typically, a rattle, some located on the sides instead of the back. 

Variants & Other Names: 

  • Sinking Version: Some suggest the sinking version to pause the lure in the strike zone to let it sink to emulate a dying bait fish. 
  • Suspending (SP) Version: Water surface to 2 feet deep.
  • Wacky Style: [Figure 3] Jackall makes a twitch bait that you tie on the back and twitch it very slow. BassFishingHQ video outlines details. 

Lure Action. [NL] Subtle zig zag, darting, erratic motion.

Search Bait: Not common, as it is for slow fishing.

Pros’ Choice: Not common.

Figure 1: Yo-Zuri 3Db Twitchbait 3-1/2 inch 9/16oz Slow Sinking
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When to Fish a Twitch Bait
Twitch Baits are surface contact lures typically selected when:   
  • Targeted Depth is:
    • Shallow: Common 
    • Deep(Offshore): Not common.
      • Suspended: Less common as sinking twitch bait can be descended to above the bass. 
  • Fishing Speed:
    • Slow: Commonly considered slow fishing as compared to a hard jerkbait, especially the sinking version as it sinks on the pause.  
    • Fast: Less commonly considered for fishing fast albeit it can be fished fast on the surface.
  • Lure Visibility: 
    • High Lure Visibility: Common, as it is more subtle action then a jerkbait
    • Low Lure Visibility :Less common albeit many have a rattle.
  • Targeting Cover: Some suggest all lures are good near cover where twitch bait lures are used when contacting:
Figure 2: Rapala Twitchi' Rap Twitch Bait Slow Sinking 5-1/2 inch 3/O Hook
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Figure 3: Jackall Pikupiku Topwater Twitch B 3 inch 1/10 oz Topwaterait
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Specific Twitch Bait Lure Selection

Selecting the Twitch Bait Lure Type, as a treble hook lure type, there are the following key decisions:

  • Shapes: Baitfish, where one mimics a dead baitfish [Figure 3]
  • Sink Classification: Four categories are common:
    • Top Water:
    • Floating:
    • Suspended:
    • Sinking or Slow Sink:
  • Size:
    • Small: 2″ to 2.5″
    • Common: 2.5″ to 3.5″
    • Large: 4″ to 5″ 
  • Lure Weight:
    • Light: 1/8 oz to 1/4 oz
    • Common: 1/4 oz to 3/8 oz
    • Heavy: 3/8 oz to 1/2 oz
Figure 4: Shimano Current Sniper Twitchbait 80 Hi-Pitch Floating 3.15 inch, .46 oz
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  • Lure Color: As lure color selection is mostly tied to the lure visibility download the Acute Lure Color Breakdown™ Infographic.
Download the Acute Lure Color Breakdown™ Infographic
Rigging Decisions

As a treble hook lure type, the common rigging considerations includes:

  • Hook Size: Besides replacing any bent or rusted hooks some, albeit not common, look to upsize or downsize or upgrade the manufactured provided hooks.
    • Small: #6, #4 
    • Common: 
    • Large:  Salt water twitch baits come in larger sizes.
  • Main Line: Common for fluorocarbon. Some suggest braid, for longer casts especially the lighter versions.
    • Light: 10 lb test
    • Common: 12 lb test
    • Heavy: 15 lb test
  • Rod: 
Download Rod Infographic
Twitch Bait Presentations
Presentations for twitch baits are commonly considered a horizontal presentation and a slack line presentation with the following considerations:
Additional Considerations
Figure 5: Mirrolure 17MR Suspending Twitchbait 2-5/8 inch, 3/8 oz
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MLF Videos and Articles by Experts
Major League Fishing (MLF) produces videos and articles including:
Videos by Experts
Articles by Eperts
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