jerkbaits

[1javelin]

After fishing Ouachita and realizing that I have alot to learn, I started paying a little more attention to what I was doing.  Noticing things I guess.  The big thing I noticed was bass, nice bass, following my x-rap all the way to the boat, and not striking.  Locals said throw a soft jerkbait, recommended the Zoom Fluke.  Line was in knots almost from so much twisting, so that won't happen again.  Caught none, had no followers.  Threw a pointer and what a difference.  Not even a single follower, not a single bite.  Tied to 2 rods and threw one, then the other.  Cast after cast nothing with the pointer, followers with the x-rap.  Did catch some fish each day with the x-rap though.  Found this to be interesting.
   Also found myself missing fish on jigs.  How do you possibly miss a hookset on fish with a jig?  Does Evolution stretch that much??   If so, I want my Floroclear back.

[BryanP]

Actually, Evolution has quite a bit less stretch.  It could be the fish just weren't taking the bait well.  From the rest of your post, it sounds as if the fish weren't too aggressive.

Unfortunately line twist is something you have to deal with while fishing a fluke.  Some people use a swivel 12-15" in front of the bait, but I prefer delating with the twist than use a swivel.  Sometimes, jerkbait fish can be difficult to figure out the trigger, and more often than not cadence of the retrieve has a lot to do with it.

[OUTLAW]

You will have to ask lgmouth about the jerk bait fish. But as far as the jig fish I have found when they won't eat it good You need to go to a heavyer jig, it makes them react to it better they will hit it with more aggresion.

[1javelin]

Maybe I'll try Evolution again since I still have a lot left, and see how it turns out.  As for the fluke, I won't use it again.  I would rather use Senkos.  The jig though, I was throwing 3/4 oz. jigs in 15-20 feet of water.  Maybe it was just bad fishing for me.  It's happened before.

[bshaner]

If they are following but not committing then you are really close... you just need to make an adjustment.  Color change?  Different cadence?  Switch to a trap in a similar color?  Just a couple of possibilities there.  As for the difference between the pointer and the X Rap... were they different colors?  The X Rap has a feathered rear hook, I dont think the pointer does.   Alot of subtle differences like that can mean them inhaling or walking away.

I've never used evolution but I like heavier fluoro or braid for my heavy jigs.  Power pro is my line of choice with big jigs.

B

[1javelin]

I can buy 20 lb spools of Power Pro at Meijer right now for 5$.  Should I go ahead and do it for my flipping stick?  I only use 15 lb flouro right now.

[bshaner]

I see no reason to use braid in that light of lb test.  If you are flipping the really heavy stuff I wouldnt use less than 65 lb.  If you are flipping light cover and laydowns I'd use a good fluoro.  That being said, I'd buy up all that 5$ Power Pro and re-sell it at 10.00 bucks or something.

B

[Cheetam]

I can buy 20 lb spools of Power Pro at Meijer right now for 5$.  Should I go ahead and do it for my flipping stick?  I only use 15 lb flouro right now.

Which Meijer has $5 Power Pro?  Hook a brutha up!

[Langer]

They all did, it was on Clearance. The ones I saw it at had 20,30 and 50Lb Test 100 yard spools.

[Cheetam]

They all did, it was on Clearance. The ones I saw it at had 20,30 and 50Lb Test 100 yard spools.

Looks like I have to make a run to meijer....thanks!

[225XS4Garza200PXL]

Flukes catch a ton of fish...

I'm assuming you were fishing it with spinning tackle... use baitcasting gear for Flukes... they're heavy enough to launch with casting tackle...

I throw Flukes ALOT on St. Clair and the rivers.... I like a 7 foot medium power baitcasting rod and a TDX reel... I throw them on 15 lb Big Game mono...

I've never had issues with line twist... don't give up on them yet, Senkos work well too but the Flukes have their place...

[Hooksetter]

I agree, you have alot less problems throwing Flukes on baitcasting gear. I would avoid using spinning gear for throwing Flukes unless you can use a swivel and leader.

[1javelin]

Since I still have 2 bags of them I will try out the baitcasting thing.  Thanks.

[smbassman]

Along with the flukes, try some of the Z too's from strike king.  You need to glue the head on the hook because the 3x material doesn't grip well, but they have great action along with garlic and salt!  They are heavier and cast better with baitcast gear also.

[LGMOUTH]

Im betting the main difference between your two jerkbaits is the tail, you will get alot more action with a tail on it. Next time try putting a tail on the luckycraft and see if that makes a difference. As far as the followers, bshaner is right about the color and the cadence but you should also try a different size, that also can be a big key. I would suggest bigger.

[1javelin]

Thanks for the help guys.  You really know your stuff.  I did think about size and color, so I threw my whole arsenal at them, all 6 or so selections.  I really need to upgrade my tackle some, but I like putting in time on the water too much, and I spend alot in gas there and back for tourneys.  Ma don't like me much for that.  But, she married me, and she knew what she got.  Seriously, I tried everything I had, even switched to crankbaits.  Only followed the x-rap.