From shoreline steps, to bluff walls, former Bassmaster Classic champion Chris Lane keeps several jerkbaits handy for his fall fishing. Productivity depends on presentation, along with the aesthetics.
“A jerkbait is successful this time of year because the bass are feeding on balls of shad and they’re suspended, trying to find the warmest part of the water column,” Lane said. “To be successful with a jerkbait, you have to get the cadence right – how many times you jerk, how long you pause it.
“The best way to figure that out is to let the fish tell you which way they like it. You have to keep changing it up and when you catch one, remember that cadence.”
Also important, Lane said, is color selection. Options are many, but he’s trimmed it down to a quartet that usually gets the job done.
Silver shad – Basic silver sides, black back and black gill dot is a good choice when cold spells leave dying shad fluttering in the water column.
Tennessee Shad – Silver sides with brown back resembles baitfish common to Tennessee River lakes.
Shad Pattern with Chartreuse Belly – The vivid color triggers aggressive strikes in clear conditions, while standing out in stained water.
Chartreuse Belly and Purple Back – Bold and flashy, this one often produces during a tough bite.
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