Eddie and the Cruisers
By Al Denninger © 2006

No, this is not a movie or album review of a movie and soundtrack by the same name. It is a review of summertime Musky tactics. Now, don’t quote me on this, but I think that summer has finally arrived to the pristine north country. Musky fishermen are out in force throwing bucktails and surface baits…the two most popular lures for tempting "Old Green Lightning" into striking. Long forgotten are the wooden jerk baits we had such faith in last fall. Most Musky nuts only pitch wood in the fall. From past and present experience, I believe that that is a big mistake. While guiding clients during the summer of the season, I have had consistent 20 pound class success using jerk baits. I always have one of my clients throwing a jerk bait unless the fish have completely turned off to them…which happens now and then for some unknown reason…a ‘turn-off’ that is usually short lived. One number one lure is the Eddie or Eddie-style bait. This is a glider style jerk bait…no tail to adjust…just sharpen the hooks and just add water.

Note: The Manta glide bait, although made of plastic, is an excellent substitute to wooden Eddie-style baits.

Equipment

True, you can toss jerk baits on most any Musky rod, but let’s go over what makes the job easier, safer, and more productive.

I realize that many Musky anglers shy away for tossing wooden jerk baits due to the simple fact that it is hard work…darn hard work…the correct equipment can make the whole process much easier.

Jerk baits are usually heavier than most other Musky baits and they, therefore, require some specialized tackle.

The rod is the most important piece of tackle. A few short years ago, 5½ and 6 foot rods were the rods of choice for jerk baits…times have, however, changed.

Gone are those 5½ foot pool cues, being replaced by 6½ to 7½ foot rods that are getting the nod from most of today’s Musky anglers. My preference is the 6½ foot Lamiglas Musky special or the 6½ foot Lamiglas Tony Rizzo model TRC-666. Both have good backbone, a must for picking a good jerk bait rod. They also employ a slightly flexible tip…this does the job for me. This type of tip actually gives the lure more action. It also makes it easier on the angler as he works to get good retrieve action.

I prefer my Eddie-style bait to glide left, right, left and right. This is a hard action to maintain especially when fishing in a stiff wind.

A reel like the Abu Garcia 6500C is an excellent high speed retrieve reel for the jerk bait application.

Line is the next consideration. The Cortland 40 pound braided Micron is line has been a staple for jerk bait applications because of its toughness and minimal stretch. The Spectra lines like TUF Line are, however, gaining favor with many Musky anglers. I would recommend 50 pound test as a minimum. The very low stretch associated with Spectra line is desirable for jerk baits but it can also be a real pain if you get a backlash…don’t over-power your cast when using the Spectra line.

Remember, when a big Musky sinks its teeth into your lure, setting the hook with a straight-up motion seems to be more productive than a side ways rod set.

I like to start throwing jerks baits in early June. Down sized jerk baits are my preference throughout the season.

So break out the jerk baits and the Ben Gay and start cashing in on the Musky’s weakness for an easy meal.

Good Fishing

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