Another Newbie Question

windycitybass · 03-25-09, 11:58 AM

Ok, what's the difference between a jerkbait and crankbait? I know the mechanics behind them, but is there any identifying factors to tell the difference on a lure that isn't in a box saying "crankbait" or "jerkbait"?

doc · 03-25-09, 12:03 PM

jerkbait is also referred to a a stick bait. Usually long and slender while most crank baits are short and fat.

Bassboss · 03-25-09, 01:47 PM

A jerk bait is a longer, more slender bait than a crank bait, and will generally have a smaller bill. Cranks are shorter, fatter baits, and generally will have a more wider range of bill sizes.

Just go to the tackle warehouse, web sight and look at rip baits (an other name for jerkbaits), than look at crank baits, you'll see a difference!

Hope this helps!

windycitybass · 03-25-09, 01:55 PM

Thanks guys. I will check out the tackle warehouse.

Rebbasser · 03-25-09, 07:26 PM

It is also descriptive of the way the bait is fished. In a major oversimplification, you crank a crankbait and jerk a jerkbait

.

A jerkbait is usually fished with a jerk and pause technique, hence the name and the distinction. A crankbait, on the other hand, is fished with a steady retrieve for the most part, i.e. cranking it in.

However, nothing says you can't crank a jerkbait or jerk a crankbait. I've done both and caught fish doing both.

islandbass · 03-26-09, 04:50 AM

That is such a great question and one that practically defies well defined categorization. Reb's second paragraph is how many of us would distinguish between the two in a helpful way. When I think crankbaits I envision them as stockier and stubbier lil' fishies like a Rapala DT and jerkbaits as skinnier and slender as a Rapala Husky Jerk or X-rap. I consider the X-raps and similar baits and "hard" jerkbaits. Why? Because some folks that fish flukes sometimes also refer to them as jerkbaits, but these baits are soft plastics. I have personally dubbed them "soft" jerkbaits.

Reb's last line also rings very true. I jerk my crankbaits all the time. I also think of jerkbaits (hard ones). Matter of fact, I actually classify "hard" jerkbaits as a subset of crankbaits because they:

1) usually have lips like a crankbait
2) use treble hooks like a crankbait
3) can be worked just like a crankbait

and in essence it seems the most notable difference between the two are their body shape.

Then, to complicate things by thinking too much, why I have been known to do, the thought has crossed my mine that in a way, practically every lure is a "crank" bait. How so? Because eventually we "crank" (retrieve) them back to us. Think about it... Name one lure that isn't "cranked" back to the angler.

Yes, the cabin fever is still in effect. Analysis paralysis has definitely settled in. I think I think too much. Acutally, I know I do.

-ib

Jim80 · 03-26-09, 05:41 PM

At least you only think to much Ib , there are worse things that could happen .

jim

MississippiBoy · 03-26-09, 05:58 PM

IB, put down the bottle and step away slowly...

MallenManson · 03-26-09, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MississippiBoy

IB, put down the bottle and step away slowly...

I'll drink to that!

BigBassin144 · 03-26-09, 08:57 PM

This is the classic jerkbait right here:

http://img.tacklewarehouse.com/Produ.../SMWKLR-HR.JPG

Here's a crank:

http://img.tacklewarehouse.com/Produ...es/BCB-RS1.JPG

BB

03-25-09, 11:58 AM	#1
windycitybass BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 22	Another Newbie Question Ok, what's the difference between a jerkbait and crankbait? I know the mechanics behind them, but is there any identifying factors to tell the difference on a lure that isn't in a box saying "crankbait" or "jerkbait"?

03-25-09, 01:47 PM	#3
Bassboss BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Shawano, WI Posts: 7,761	A jerk bait is a longer, more slender bait than a crank bait, and will generally have a smaller bill. Cranks are shorter, fatter baits, and generally will have a more wider range of bill sizes. Just go to the tackle warehouse, web sight and look at rip baits (an other name for jerkbaits), than look at crank baits, you'll see a difference! Hope this helps! __________________ If you can't fix it with heavy squats or fish oil, you're probably going to die.

03-25-09, 07:26 PM	#5
Rebbasser BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 10,141	It is also descriptive of the way the bait is fished. In a major oversimplification, you crank a crankbait and jerk a jerkbait. A jerkbait is usually fished with a jerk and pause technique, hence the name and the distinction. A crankbait, on the other hand, is fished with a steady retrieve for the most part, i.e. cranking it in. However, nothing says you can't crank a jerkbait or jerk a crankbait. I've done both and caught fish doing both. __________________ It's happened to the best of them: John 21:3

03-26-09, 04:50 AM	#6
islandbass BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: WA State Posts: 1,783	That is such a great question and one that practically defies well defined categorization. Reb's second paragraph is how many of us would distinguish between the two in a helpful way. When I think crankbaits I envision them as stockier and stubbier lil' fishies like a Rapala DT and jerkbaits as skinnier and slender as a Rapala Husky Jerk or X-rap. I consider the X-raps and similar baits and "hard" jerkbaits. Why? Because some folks that fish flukes sometimes also refer to them as jerkbaits, but these baits are soft plastics. I have personally dubbed them "soft" jerkbaits. Reb's last line also rings very true. I jerk my crankbaits all the time. I also think of jerkbaits (hard ones). Matter of fact, I actually classify "hard" jerkbaits as a subset of crankbaits because they: 1) usually have lips like a crankbait 2) use treble hooks like a crankbait 3) can be worked just like a crankbait and in essence it seems the most notable difference between the two are their body shape. Then, to complicate things by thinking too much, why I have been known to do, the thought has crossed my mine that in a way, practically every lure is a "crank" bait. How so? Because eventually we "crank" (retrieve) them back to us. Think about it... Name one lure that isn't "cranked" back to the angler. Yes, the cabin fever is still in effect. Analysis paralysis has definitely settled in. I think I think too much. Acutally, I know I do. -ib __________________ ARX "If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles." Doug Larson (Shimano 2005 Reel Catalog)

03-26-09, 05:41 PM	#7
Jim80 BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Thomaston CT Posts: 3,862	At least you only think to much Ib , there are worse things that could happen . jim __________________ In memory of Zooker 1/11/73-7/2/2010. You will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

03-25-09, 12:03 PM	#2
doc BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,134	jerkbait is also referred to a a stick bait. Usually long and slender while most crank baits are short and fat.

03-25-09, 01:55 PM	#4
windycitybass BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 22	Thanks guys. I will check out the tackle warehouse.

03-26-09, 05:58 PM	#8
MississippiBoy BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: Ridgeland MS Posts: 3,923	IB, put down the bottle and step away slowly... __________________ I smell smoke, and I hear sirens. Do you think that's a problem?

03-26-09, 08:57 PM	#10
BigBassin144 BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 9,463	This is the classic jerkbait right here: http://img.tacklewarehouse.com/Produ.../SMWKLR-HR.JPG Here's a crank: http://img.tacklewarehouse.com/Produ...es/BCB-RS1.JPG BB __________________ As of June 14, 2014 the members of the BF.com forum have moved to basschat.yuku.com!

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