Astute anglers always look for new lures and techniques to trick fish into biting. Collegiate bass angler Nick Dumke hits the water with the Berkley Krej, which resembles a jerkbait in profile, but fishes much differently. While the Krej presents an appealing jerkbait appearance, its unique back-sliding action opens the door to several new applications, both with and without forward-facing sonar. Dumke discusses several ways he fishes the Krej. At the same time, he shares guidance on how not to fish this innovative bait.
TACKLE USED (retail links)
- BAIT – Berkley Krej: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD – Abu Garcia Pro Series Casting Rod, 7′ Medium: Buy as Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- REEL – Abu Garcia Revo X Low Profile Baitcast Reel, 7:3:1: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE – Berkley 100% Fluorocarbon, 10- pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
ADVANCED TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIC INSIGHTS
Fishing the Berkley Krej offers a unique advantage due to its versatility. Dumke demonstrates how to target bass around specific structure and cover elements with the Krej, then seamlessly target suspended fish on the next cast. Key tips include not overworking the bait, as too much rod work can deter bass. Instead, Dumke recommends gentle rod pops to mimic natural prey movements.
IMPORTANCE OF THE RIGHT GEAR
Like a jerkbait, the Krej can be fished in many ways, making it an excellent choice for forward-facing sonar practitioners. But it also excels without the use of forward-facing sonar, with Dumke highlighting the counting method to reach the target-specific depth. The Berkley Krej fishes well on a typical jerkbait rod. Dumke opts for a 12-pound fluorocarbon line paired with a medium-power, fast to moderate-fast rod.
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
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
- SUN SHIRT – AFTCO Tactical Hooded LS Performance Shirt: Buy at AFTCO
- SUNGLASSES – Island Optics Angler Sunglasses: Buy at Island Optics
