Crankbait Vs Jerkbait – Which One Should You Choose?

Crankbaits and jerkbaits are two of the most popular and effective lures out there, but do you know what sets them apart? Today we’re going deeper into the differences and similarities between crankbait and jerkbait, when to use each, and some personal tips to help you catch more fish.

Basic Characteristics and Working Principle

Crankbait

Crankbaits are versatile lures designed to mimic small fish, shad, crawfish, and other prey. They typically have shorter, fatter bodies and come with different types of bills or lips that determine their diving depth and swimming action. The shape and size of the bill make all the difference in how deep the crankbait will go and how it moves through the water.

You can find crankbaits for various depths, from shallow waters to deep waters, diving as deep as 25 feet or more. This makes them great for targeting fish at different levels in the water column.

Crankbaits are generally fished with a steady retrieve using the reel. This steady motion helps them mimic the natural swimming action of prey, making them particularly effective when fish are active and feeding aggressively.

Crankbaits are excellent for covering a lot of water quickly, making them ideal for locating fish quickly. It can be used in a wide range of fishing conditions, with options for different depths and actions.

Do read our guide on How To Fish Crankbaits

Jerkbait

Now, let’s talk about jerkbaits. Jerkbaits mimic distressed or dying baitfish and have long, slender, minnow-like bodies. They are typically equipped with either two or three treble hooks and can be made of hard plastic, polymer, or soft plastic.

The primary technique for fishing a jerkbait is the jerk-jerk-pause method. This involves snapping the rod to create an erratic darting action, which is irresistible to fish, especially in colder water when they are more lethargic.

The erratic movement created by jerking the rod mimics a struggling baitfish, which can trigger strikes from predatory fish. Jerkbaits can be used in various conditions, offering options to float, suspend, or sink to match the fishing scenario.

Types:

• Floating Jerkbaits: These stay on the surface or just below and are great for targeting fish near the top of the water column.
• Suspending Jerkbaits: These stay in the water column during pauses, making them ideal for targeting fish at a specific depth. The suspending model jerkbait is perfect for cold water when the fish are sluggish.
• Sinking Jerkbaits: These have a slow sinking fall and can reach deeper waters, making them useful for catching fish hiding in deeper areas.

Differences in Design and Structure

Understanding these differences can help you decide when and how to use each type of lure for the best fishing results.

Bills/Lips

One of the main differences between crankbaits and jerkbaits is their bills or lips.

Crankbaits usually have larger lips that help them dive deeper and create a wobbling action. These lips come in various shapes, such as square, diamond, and round. This variety helps crankbaits dive to different depths and create unique swimming motions.

Crankbaits’ large lips make them perfect for diving deep and bouncing off structures on the bottom, making them ideal for quickly covering a lot of water.

Jerkbaits have smaller lips designed to create a more erratic motion. This design makes jerkbaits less effective in heavy cover but perfect for open water where you can fully utilize their darting action.

Body Types

Crankbait has short and fat bodies, mimicking a wide range of prey, including shad and crawfish. Their design helps them dive and bounce off structures, adding to their appeal in various fishing environments.

Jerkbait is designed to look like distressed baitfish with long and slender bodies. This shape allows jerkbaits to be cast farther and worked more precisely, making them excellent for targeting specific areas.

Hooks

Crankbaits typically come with two treble hooks. This setup effectively ensures solid hookups during a steady retrieve.

Jerkbaits usually have three treble hooks. The additional hook can increase your hookup ratio and is particularly useful during the erratic motions created by the jerk-jerk-pause technique.

Swimming Action and Retrieval Techniques

Crankbaits

Crankbaits have a consistent, busy side-to-side swimming action, which is highly effective in warmer waters.

The steady retrieve mimics the natural swimming motion of baitfish, triggering reaction strikes from predatory fish. A key technique is the stop-and-go retrieve, where you pause occasionally to let the bait rise or fall slightly, adding to its appeal.

Crankbaits are great for covering a lot of water quickly and are particularly useful when you need to provoke a reaction strike.

Jerkbaits

Jerkbaits shine in colder waters with their erratic darting action. This technique involves snapping the rod to make the bait dart erratically, then pausing to let it suspend in the water. The pause is crucial as it gives fish time to strike, especially when not feeding actively.

Depending on the fish’s activity level, Jerkbaits can be worked with various cadences, from slow and methodical to fast and aggressive.

Optimal Conditions and Situational Uses

Crankbaits

Crankbaits excel in warmer waters when fish are more active. Their design makes them perfect for deeper water and bottom structures, where their wobbling action can provoke strikes.

They are also highly effective in murky water because their noise and commotion help attract fish. The rattling sound and vibrations make it easier for fish to locate them, even in low visibility conditions.

When fish are in a chasing mood, crankbaits are your go-to option. The steady retrieve and busy side-to-side action mimic a fleeing baitfish, making them irresistible to predatory fish.

Best Situations

• Deep water and bottom structures
• Murky water with low visibility
• Warmer water temperatures when fish are active

There are some crankbaits that can work in almost all seasons: Best Crankbaits For All Seasons

Jerkbaits

When fish are lethargic, jerkbaits are most effective in colder waters. Their erratic motion followed by a long pause can entice strikes from fish that are less likely to chase down a lure.

Jerkbaits work best in shallow to medium depths and clear water, where the fish can see their lifelike movements. The visual appeal of jerkbaits is crucial in clear water conditions.

Also, they are perfect for fishing around structures like docks, rocks, and weed lines where precision is needed. The jerking action allows you to target specific areas and hold the bait in the strike zone longer.

Best Situations

• Shallow to medium depths
• Clear water conditions
• Cold seasons when fish are less active

Check our guide on Do Jerkbaits Work in Muddy Water? Tips and Techniques for Success

Rod and Reel Considerations

Choosing the right rod and reel setup is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of both crankbaits and jerkbaits. Here’s what you need to know.

Crankbaits

Rod – For crankbaits, a longer rod with a more moderate action is recommended. This type of rod allows for better casting distance and sensitivity, helping you detect bites and control the lure effectively.

Check our recommendations on Best Crankbait Rod – Top 8 Rods Tested + Reviewed

Reel – A baitcasting reel with a lower gear ratio (5.0:1 to 5.4:1) is ideal for deep-diving crankbaits. This gear ratio helps achieve the necessary depth while maintaining control and providing the right amount of torque for reeling in big fish.

Best Setup

• Longer rod (7’ to 8’) with moderate action
• Baitcasting reel with a lower gear ratio (5.0:1 to 5.4:1)

Jerkbaits

Rod – For jerkbaits, a shorter, stiffer rod is preferred. This setup provides better control over the bait’s action, allowing you to create the erratic jerks and pauses that make jerkbaits so effective.

Check our recommendations on Best Jerkbait Rods for Fishing (Top 7)

Reel – A baitcasting reel with a higher gear ratio (7.0:1) allows for quicker retrieves and more responsive action. This helps you work the bait effectively and set the hook quickly when a fish strikes.

Best Setup

• Shorter rod (6’6” to 7’) with a stiff action
• Baitcasting reel with a higher gear ratio (7.0:1)

What’s Our Suggestion?

Jerkbaits are the clear winner in shallow waters. Their ability to stay close to the surface and mimic distressed baitfish makes them ideal for fishing in creeks, ponds, and along the edges of banks. When you’re in these shallow spots, a jerkbait’s erratic action can trigger strikes from bass hiding in the shallows.

Also, check our recommendations on Best Jerkbaits for Smallmouth Bass

Recently, we’ve written an article on Do Jerkbaits Catch Big Bass? Our Proven Techniques Inside. Do give it a read!

Both jerkbaits and smaller or lipless crankbaits perform well in shallow to medium depths. Lipless crankbaits, particularly, offer a good balance of depth and action. These lures can quickly cover a lot of water and are great for finding active fish.

Jerkbaits and lipless crankbaits can be used in various situations, making them versatile choices for these depths. Lipless crankbaits combine depth and busy action, while jerkbaits offer erratic movements that can entice strikes.

Crankbait dominates in medium to deep waters. Its ability to dive deep and create a consistent, busy action makes them perfect for targeting fish at various depths. Crankbait is your go-to lure when you need to reach bass hanging out in deeper structures. Crankbait’s steady wobbling motion is excellent for provoking strikes from fish holding at different depths.

Ultimately, there is no single best option. Every angler will find themselves fishing shallow and deep waters at some point. Having crankbaits and jerkbaits in your tackle box ensures you’re prepared for any situation.

Why Have Both?

Adaptability: Different conditions call for different lures. You can adapt to various fishing environments with both types in your arsenal.

Increased Success: Being prepared with the right lure for the right situation can significantly increase your chances of catching fish.

So, whether you’re fishing in shallow creeks, medium-depth ponds, or deep lakes, having a mix of jerkbaits and crankbaits will set you up for success.

Check our recommendations on Best Flat-Sided Crankbaits for Bass

FAQs

How should I retrieve a crankbait compared to a jerkbait?

Crankbait retrieval typically involves a steady, continuous retrieve to mimic the natural swimming motion of baitfish. You can also incorporate a stop-and-go technique to make the crank bait appear more lifelike. Jerkbait retrieval, however, uses a jerk-jerk-pause method. Snap the rod tip to create erratic, darting movements, then pause to let the jerkbait suspend in the water. The length of the pause can vary depending on the water temperature and fish activity.

Are soft jerkbaits different from hard jerkbaits, and when should I use them?

Yes, soft-jerk baits are different from hard-jerk baits. Soft jerk baits are typically made from flexible plastic and can be rigged weedless, making them ideal for fishing in thick vegetation or heavy cover without getting snagged. Hard jerk baits, made from hard plastic or polymer, are better suited for open water where you can fully utilize their erratic swimming action. Use soft jerk baits in shallow water with lots of covers and hard jerk baits in clear, open water to catch bass effectively.

Why are jerkbaits more effective in cold water for lethargic fish?

Jerkbaits are more effective in cold water for lethargic fish because their erratic darting motion, followed by long pauses, mimics the behavior of distressed baitfish. Lethargic fish, such as bass during the colder months, are less likely to chase fast-moving lures. The pause in the jerkbait swimming action gives these slower-moving fish time to strike, making jerkbaits particularly effective in cold conditions when fish are less active.