Floating Jerkbaits

[bocraw]

I really enjoyed your recent episode where you commented on various lures and the history behind them. I have no experience with Musky, but the techniques seem to crossover from the bass world pretty well--just jumbo sized. I was paying particular attention to the whacky looking jerkbaits. A few years ago I rediscovered my favorite boyhood lure--the Rapala Original Floating Minnow #9. Not to be immodest, but since rediscovering that lure I have slayed the bass on these things in late spring. I assume the bass are pissed off at the F9 while they are protecting their fry--but that is only my theory. I also think that I am the only one throwing these things anymore and that always helps. Why there is a window where floating jerkbaits become more effective than suspending jerkbaits remains a mystery to me. Anyway, I have not been successful catching big fish on this technique. In an attempt to upgrade my catch I have experimented with the F11, F13 & F18 but I cannot get the same erratic action out of these baits as I can with the F9. Something about them being longer hurts the darting action (but helps when waking if that is your thing).

Do you have any recommendation on what I should try next? I do not have the skill to create a lure from scratch...but I might be able to modify an existing Rouge or F13 to achieve the desired action. There is also a lure called an AC Shiner that I have never tried. Maybe there is a mini musky lure that I should try? I dunno--I seek guidance from the jerkbait master.

Tight Lines--

[dahlberg]

Hi BC
To really nail the answer to your question I would have to see exactly what you're trying to accomplish in terms of action at a given speed. I know what you mean though about the larger rapalas being more "dead" than the shorter ones.
Lures on the surface are more visible from a distance plus are harder for a fish to identify clearly, so they've got lots of fooling power.
The AC shiner is a great lure. You might also try the bagley bango B or cordel redfin.
sndNgoo.u

[bocraw]

The F9 darts erratically when retrieved with constant jerks on a properly balanced rod/reel/line combo. Sort of walking the dog under the surface except the additional wobble makes it even more erratic. For some reason the lure floating on a short pause creates strikes. The longer lures do not dart side to side as much. After watching your show the other day I think maybe I can try weighting the front hook of an F13 with lead wire. Maybe this will help the longer lure dart better.

I wish I could video in my testing tank in my basement! A picture is worth a thousand words.