When do you start throwing a jerkbait?

[Bassboss]

On a smallmouth forum. It seems that most people start the year out with hair jigs, and the float n fly, and start using a jerkbait when the water reaches 40*. What about in bass fishing (not specifically smallies). Is it (a jerkbait) the first thing of year bait for you guys, or do you pick something other than a jerkbait when the water is less than 40? And around what temp do you start throwing jerkbait?

Thanks!

[MIbasser]

The colder the water, the longer the pause. I will use one usually until June when the water warms up a little. But yes, a jerkbait and a trap are tied on when the season opens up.

On a side note, I think that you are over thinking things A LOT!!! Just go fish. Don't worry about water temp and when to use this or that, or what colors work best in other areas or how much line stretches. Fish your strengths, and just have fun. Are you planning on doing a lot of tournaments this year? Or are you just trying to have fun and catch a couple of fish?

[keithdog]

Well boss, take a look at my post in the braggin section. I don't want to sound like I'm tootin my horn by any means. But the lake I was fishing finally became ice free on wendsday, and I was throwing a jerk bait on Sunday and hooked up with 5 bass in 90 minutes, and I lost what I am going to guess to be a 9 pounder. The water temps were probably only in the high 30's. So I guess I would say as soon as the ice clears. I would stay in the northern portions of the lake where it thaws first.