Suspended Bass Tactics | Top Jerkbait and Minnow Methods

jerkbait-bass

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Wired2fish joins Fisher Anaya on Lake Guntersville to target suspended bass using jerkbaits and a jig and minnow presentation. Strong currents have forced fish from the main river to the calmer creek arms and bays following heavy storms throughout the southeast region. The reduced current in these protected areas has created an excellent opportunity to target shad-eating suspended bass. Anaya demonstrates his 2-pronged jerkbait and “pinging a minnow” technique, highlighting accuracy, depth control, and bait presentation tricks for catching suspended bass with forward-facing sonar.

TACKLE USED (retail links)
JERKBAIT SETUP
SPINNING SETUP

HOW TO TARGET SUSPENDED BASS WITH A JERKBAIT

Anaya’s approach focuses on pinpointing suspended bass using his Garmin LiveScope. He reaches for the jerkbait when he spots high-riding fish within casing range and the jig and minnow for deeper fish — both excellent wounded shad imitators. The trick is to make precise casts just above the fish and trigger them with the right cadence. A shallow diver proves to be the best jerkbait when targeting the high riders.

READING CURRENT AND BAIT SCHOOLS

Strong current on Lake Guntersville created ideal conditions for throwing jerkbaits. With bait schools clustered in the bays, Anaya intercepts bass moving in to feed. Using LiveScope, he identifies potential bass among other fish types and selectively targets active feeders, especially those high in the water column.

GEAR CHOICE FOR JERKBAITING SUCCESS

Being a shorter guy, Anaya prefers shorter rods for both techniques to enhance his bait control. He also opts for rods with a softer tip as they translate a more natural action to both baits. His transparent shad color choice mimics the baitfish in Guntersville’s clearer waters.

BOAT SETUP