Pike OnlineQuestions you have asked

Q:I would like to try lure fishing using jerk baits and crank baits, I own a good spinning rod, will this be ok for what I want to do?

A:Lure fishing: Spinning rods will allow the use of plugs, spoons and spinners up to perhaps 2 ounces in weight, however the current trend in 'jerk' baits and 'crank' baits require a different type of action and this is a mix of the abilities to cast the lures which may weigh upwards anything from 5 or 6 ounces upwards and the stiffness to affect the type of retrieve required with these lures, your normal spinning rod would struggle to cast such lures.

Secondly the action of the jerk baits requires just what it says for the bait to be made to act like a fish through the jerking motion created by the angler, it looks in many cases like the angler is slapping his rod up and down on the surface, the downward 'slap' is the retrieve jerk and the upward is recovering line before the next 'jerk'. Your spinning rod has what is probably a 'compound' action and is not suited to the jerk method.

If you wish to really try lure fishing with the spinning rods you own, do so with conventional spoons , plugs and spinners, if you catch or really get the bug then purchase an outfit from one of the more budget orientated manufacturers like Ryobi, they have a rod or two carrying John Wilsons recommendation and will give you a rod that is easier on the pocket than some of the specialist rods on the market

Email address:pike@hooklinks.co.uk