The choice between spinning and baitcasting gear often sparks debate among anglers, especially when it comes to fishing jerkbaits. With countless rod, reel, and line combinations available, the decision can feel overwhelming—especially for newcomers. Yet, this diversity reflects the personal preferences of seasoned anglers, many of whom swear by specific setups for their favorite techniques.
In the case of jerkbait fishing, baitcasting gear often comes out ahead—but not always. Several professional bass guides and tournament pros weighed in with their preferences, offering a glimpse into what makes a great jerkbait setup and when spinning gear might still have a role.
Why Baitcasting Reels Often Win for Jerkbaits
According to Capt. Andrew Full of the Lurelab Podcast and a full-time guide on Lake Erie, baitcasting reels excel in one critical area: slack line management. During a jerkbait retrieve, slack in the line is common. Fish often strike when the bait pauses, requiring a reel that can rapidly pick up slack line to secure a proper hookset.
Full favors a Shimano Curado MGL 70 baitcasting reel with an 8.1:1 gear ratio for this reason. The high inches-per-turn (IPT) rating allows anglers to take up line faster, which is essential when bass make sudden, aggressive moves. The MGL spool also contributes to longer, more controlled casts, a feature that Full values for covering water efficiently.
Destin DeMarion, another Lake Erie guide and former Bassmaster Elite Series pro, echoes that sentiment. For DeMarion, baitcasting gear offers superior control and line pickup speed. His reel of choice is the Daiwa Tatula Elite 100XS, also in an 8:1 gear ratio. DeMarion believes that maintaining tension during a fight is easier with baitcasting gear, especially when using high-speed reels.
Rod Selection: Why Size and Action Matter
Choosing the right rod is just as important as selecting the reel. Jerkbaits require rods that are soft enough to avoid pulling treble hooks out of a fish’s mouth, yet responsive enough to transmit action and set the hook.
DeMarion prefers a parabolic-action rod made of graphite or a composite graphite/fiberglass blend. This type of rod absorbs the force of a fighting fish while allowing more freedom for the bait to move naturally. His go-to is the Douglas Rods XMatrix DXC 703MF—a longer-than-average option for jerkbaits, but one that excels in handling big Lake Erie smallmouth.
On the other hand, Capt. Full uses a 6’10” Alpha Angler Slasher Series rod. The slightly shorter length allows for more precise twitches of the jerkbait without overworking the lure, especially when fishing with side or downward jerks.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Alex Wetherell also leans toward a baitcasting setup, preferring a 6’10” Shimano Expride casting rod with a medium action and fast tip. For Wetherell, a shorter rod helps keep the bait’s action subtle and controlled—key for eliciting strikes in clear or pressured waters.
When to Reach for Spinning Gear
While baitcasting gear dominates jerkbait conversations, spinning gear still has its place. All the professionals interviewed agree that spinning setups are best reserved for lightweight jerkbaits that don’t cast well on traditional baitcasters.
Baits such as the Megabass Vision Oneten Jr. or the size 6 or 8 Rapala X-Rap lack the mass to be cast effectively with heavier gear. Spinning reels, with their lighter line and spool configuration, allow anglers to throw these finesse-style jerkbaits farther and with more accuracy.
Renowned fishing personality Mark Zona shared that spinning gear plays a crucial role in cold-water jerkbaiting. In early spring, when bass are sluggish and the water is just warming from winter, a spinning setup slows down the retrieve and keeps the bait in the strike zone longer. Lower gear ratios common in spinning reels—typically around 5.1:1 or 6.2:1—help avoid overworking the bait in frigid water conditions.
Covering All Depths: Dual Jerkbait Setups
Many experienced anglers carry more than one jerkbait setup to handle different depths. For shallow water presentations, a 6’8” Dobyns Sierra Series 683c rod paired with a slower Shimano Curado 50E reel offers great control. This setup excels in depths up to 12 feet.
For deeper waters, a Dobyns Kaden Series 610-4 rod matched with a Daiwa Tatula CT reel in a 7.1:1 gear ratio gives anglers the control needed to work deeper-diving baits and manage fish during the fight.
The Verdict: Baitcasting Reels Lead the Way
Overall, baitcasting setups remain the preferred choice for most jerkbait applications. They offer faster line pickup, greater casting distance, and better control during retrieves and hooksets. That said, spinning gear shouldn’t be dismissed entirely. For lightweight baits or subtle presentations in cold water, spinning gear still shines.
Ultimately, selecting the right jerkbait setup depends on the lure’s weight, water temperature, and desired control level. Anglers who understand the strengths of both baitcasting and spinning gear will be better equipped to catch more fish across a variety of conditions.
Image/Source: Wired2Fish
