What in the world is a "soft jerkbait"? The term "soft jerkbait" describes the bait, "soft" and the way that it is fished "jerk". Several years ago the jerk bait trend was started by a New England tackle manufacturer, Lunker City. The Slug Go was the first, the original, soft jerkbait. This was also the FIRST lure designed by a Northerner that was successful on the Bassmaster Tournament Trail. The Slug Go WAS and IS a BIG DEAL. Not only did this lure become famous for its design, but the presentation was a totally new way of fishing. A totally new way of catching bass. Herb Reed had done something no Northerner had ever done and some thing few people ever do. Herb Reed created a lure so special that is took on a totally new name for how it was made and how it was fished. Herb Reed had created the first soft jerkbait.

I fished the Bassmaster Tournaments when the Slug Go first came out. We, as professional anglers, knew how good the lure was. Many Slug Gos were given to us at the Tournaments. But, if you do not know how to fish one it is no good. I did not know how to fish one. I gave all mine away to my fishing buddies. Well, the lure got so popular when it first came out that store did not have any. The Slug Gos were impossible to get. I tried to get the ones back I gave away- not a chance. I might as well have been trying to get gold from Fort Knox.

Still, I did not know how to fish a Slug Go. So, I did what I always do when I want to know how to fish some thing. I go find out who is good with a presentation or lure and go fishing/learning with them. I found a Slug Go guy. While what he did is not what I do, what he did allowed me to see the true usage of the lure and see that it worked. And from there I went into what would work for me.

Here is the deal: the soft plastic jerkbait is designed to go through the water like a Zara Spook. Yes, like one of the oldest and most continuous made lures of all time. The soft plastic jerkbait can be fished on top, on the middle, on the drop, on the rise or any combination of those techniques. IMPORTANT: The side-to-side swinging action of the lure is the key to its success.

Rig a soft plastic jerkbait like a Texas Rigged Worm. Forget the weight. I use different size and density of hooks to provide any weight I may need. Some anglers use small Florida rig sinkers. Some anglers use "nails". Nails are a weight system designed by Lunker City. Some anglers use weighted hooks. Whatever.

Cast the lure out. The lure is basically weedless. The only way to get it hung up is if the angler gets it on an obstruction and pulls real hard. Otherwise the lure will work its way over, under, around and through every thing. Gently twitch the rod tip, repeat, repeat, repeat. You will notice that each time you jerk/twitch the rod tip that the lure will change directions. A soft plastic jerkbait can be casted over, under, around or through any kind of structure.

Variations of the technique include letting the lure sink on first landing; let the lure sink after a couple of jerks/twitches, varying the speed. Experiment with the techniques- you will find one that works for you.

One day while fishing Stick Marsh I discovered a technique that worked for me. Every time I got stuck on a tree and pulled up the trolling motor I got a bass trying to take my soft plastic jerkbait away from me. DAAAAAAA! I finally figured out that the trolling motor had little to do with the bite. What I was doing was letting the lure sink while I was pulling up the trolling motor. The bass wanted a long slow side-to-side drop as a strike maker. I kept up letting the lure sink (it was easier than to keep pulling up the trolling motor) and continued to catch more bass.

Equipment: I use a baitcasting reel with 14 pound test most of the time. I expect to catch pretty good size bass using this technique. My largest bass was a 16 1/2 pounder that fell prey to a soft plastic jerkbait. When I want to skip a jerkbait under a dock or under a pontoon boat or under a tree I use a spinning reel with 10-pound test.

I always watch the bait through a good pair of polarized glasses (Costa Del Mar) and wait until I no longer see it after the bite before I set the hook.

Hook set is critical. Look for swirls, watch your lure. When you can't see it- tighten up the line by WINDING the reel (not lifting the rod tip) and set the hook when you feel the fish.

Good Catching to You and God Bless You, Hugh Crumpler III.

"Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after." - Henry David Thoreau