How to Fish a Jerkbait for Walleyes

Join Nick Dumke as he explores the effective use of jerkbaits for targeting walleye in crystal-clear waters. This detailed tutorial showcases the perfect strategy for anglers looking to elevate their walleye fishing game using hard baits. Jerkbaits, specifically, remain overlooked yet are one of the best lures for triggering walleyes.

TACKLE USED (retail links)

JERKBAIT – Duo Realis 130SP: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
ROD – Trika 3X Casting, 7′ Medium: Buy at Trika
REEL – Shimano Curado 150 MGL Casting Reel: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at FishUSA | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
LINE – Shimano Mastiff FC Fluorocarbon Line, 12-pound: Buy at FishUSA | Buy at Tackle Warehouse

THE SETUP: GEARING UP FOR SUCCESS

Dumke introduces his setup. He stresses the importance of selecting the right jerkbait to match the conditions—clear water and active fish. His gear choice, including rods and reels, is tailored to improve the jerkbait’s performance.

ELECTRONICS & BOAT (retail links)

TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST, 112lb, 36V, 52″: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
FISH FINDERS (bow stack) – Humminbird APEX 13 MEGA SI+ Fishfinder/Chartplotter: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
FISH FINDER (console) – Humminbird APEX 16 CHIRP MEGA SI+: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
360 SONAR – Humminbird MEGA 360 Imaging: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
LIVE SONAR – Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging Transducer: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
MAPPING – Humminbird LakeMaster Premium VX Digital Map Chart Card (Great Lakes): Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Humminbird
BASS BOAT – Lund 2075 Pro-V Bass XS: Check out at Lund Boats
MOTOR – Mercury 250hp Pro XS: Check out at Mercury
BOW MOUNT – Beatdown Outdoors Ultimate Shorty Double Stack Sonar Mount: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
BOW PLATE – Beatdown Outdoors Leveling Plate – Ranger R Boat: Check out at BD Outdoors

HOW TO FISH JERKBAITS FOR WALLEYES

Dumke provides a step-by-step guide on how to fish jerkbaits effectively as the tutorial unfolds. He focuses on the nuances of movement—how to twitch and pause the bait to mimic vulnerable prey. This section is rich with tips on adjusting the jerkbait’s action based on the observed behavior of walleye, which he tracks using forward-facing sonar (Humminbird MEGA Live).

LOCATING AND TARGETING WALLEYE

The video’s core explores how to locate and target walleye on expansive flats using mapping as a guide. Dumke discusses how walleye position relative to structure, starting with the post-spawn and progressing into the summer months. Mapping gets him to good-looking zones, 360 sonar shows him what’s on the bottom, and forward-facing sonar finds the fish!

REAL-TIME FISHING ACTION

Viewers get a front-row seat to real-time fishing action, where Dumke applies his techniques to attract and catch walleye. Each catch provides insights into the effectiveness of Dumke’s methods and the behavioral patterns of walleyes. Throughout the tutorial, Dumke emphasizes adaptability—adjusting his approach based on the walleye’s response to the jerkbait.