The thrill of a pike striking a spinning jerkbait is the pinnacle for any pike angler; the attack is powerful and often happens visibly, with an explosion of water.
Jerkbaits are minnows without a bill that work primarily through the angler's skillful, precise rod movements. There are also some types that swim with straight retrieves, but the main characteristic of jerkbaits remains their irregular, "side to side" darting and stop-and-go action determined by the angler's hand. It's in shallow water (less than 2 meters deep) and in the presence of obstacles or vegetation that we usually get the best results from our jerkbaits.
For pike fishing, we'll use medium to large jerkbaits (my favorites are the Svartzonker Big McMio and McMy, Abu Garcia's Rocket Jerk, and Sebile's Lipless Glider).
These lures cast well due to their weight-to-volume ratio. Like all minnows, they come in various versions with different sinking rates: floating, suspending, sinking shallow, and fast sinking.
Immediately after casting, it's crucial to work them well; the initial zig-zags after the cast are usually decisive. However, the technique isn't always easy, and depending on the type of jerkbait, it requires a different, specific retrieve each time.
Additionally, to fully exploit the advantages of this lure, specific equipment (jerk rods) is necessary.
A common occurrence when fishing with jerkbaits is for pike to chase our lure for meters, only to strike near the boat or in the shallows just as we're finishing the retrieve and getting ready for the next cast. In these situations, it's common for less experienced anglers to literally snatch the lure out of the pike's mouth and watch it turn around in surprise.
Never lose focus in the last few meters of the retrieve; it's not over yet!
Adriano MariniLearn more: