Name Your Set Up - Soft Plastic Jerk Baits 2024
Dockhead reply :
Interested to see what people are using for this.
Please list rod w/ specifics, reel, line, bait of choice, hook, and you can even throw in your preferred situation to throw them if you'd like!
I have been using:
Cumara 7'2" mh xf
Citica 200 E
Zoom Super Flukes are my main bait of choice (watermelon red or watermelon candy)
50 lb. power pro
3/0 Gamakatsu superline extra wide gap hook
I throw mine in some pretty thick stuff at times, working it quickly and letting it drop through holes, but lately I have been getting bit in some open areas near the cover, fishing them more like a senko (some people might even say I was deadsticking it). In these areas I have been throwing on a leader of 15 cxx.
.ghoti. reply :
If you've ever needed an example of "there is no right answer", this is it.
Compare my rig to dockhead's.
I use a Kistler Helium LTA 7' med-light rod, R-Edition Alphas, 10lb test mono and a 4/0 light wire EWG hook.
The Salty Super Fluke is on of my go-to baits, but sometimes a Yum Houdini Shad is better.
For working through weeds and dropping in holes, the Fluke wins the contest most times.
For outside weed edges, dead-sticking and fishing on the drop, the Houdini Shad gets the nod.
On a 4/0 light wire EWG, on #10 mono, the fluke has a mostly horizontal drop with just a little bit of side to side wobble. On the same rig the Houdini Shad has a tail wiggle just like a Senko. It is deadly at times.
Any other additions, shot, weight, swivel, etc, kills the tail wagging action.
dockhead, if you try the Houdini Shad, you'll have to experiment with hook choice. Your braid is more buoyant than my mono, so you will likely need a heavier hook to get the same action.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
I usually throw flukes on spinning tackle. 7' but in Med/XF. I use a "popping" blank which has a fast action but soft tip.
J Francho reply :
I use whatever spinning rod is laying around. If you need a special rod for this, you are doing it wrong. 
The Rooster reply :
I don't need a special rod for it. I use 2 different ones.
The first choice is my Shimano Compre, 6'6" M/F (previous model with full cork handle) and a Shimano Citica 200E with 12# Berkley Vanish fluoro line. I use a Zoom Super Fluke rigged on a 3/0 EWG Gamakatsu hook, not the superline hook either.
The second rod is the one I use when the other one has a lure tied on that I don't want to remove. It's simply a Ugly Stik Lite Pro 6'6" medium rod with a BPS Extreme 6.4:1 ratio baitcaster, and 12# Berkley Trilene XL mono on it. Same lure and hook rig.
Basically either of these rods work. I like the lighter weight and feeling of the Shimano combo better so I use it whenever I can.
Fluke colors are Pearl, Albino, Green Pumpkin, Smokin' Shad, Baby Bass, Rainbow Trout, and whatever else just looks good. This is an awesome bait!
LuckyHandsINC. reply :
On 9/27/2011 at 1:54 AM, J Francho said:I use whatever spinning rod is laying around. If you need a special rod for this, you are doing it wrong.
I think your wrong with this statement. I have a designated rod that started as a kistler argon 6'9 top water spinning rod. The tip was way too soft and with the parabolic bend it was a terrible combination for the soft jerkbait. The rod would bend under the weight of the fluke and then give it a second jerk when the rod tip recovered. Witch made it very hard to get timing down.
I then switched to a 6'6 m/xf veritas spinning rod and can not explain how much better this rod is than the argon. At least now I know not to buy a rod just because its on sale and it looks cool with the reel.
Now to answer the op I use the aforementioned veritas with a 9535 pflueger patriarch 8# suffix and a 3/0 gammy ewg and fish this more than anything else by far. I've never even had anything else tied on to this setup.
BassThumb reply :
Spinning tackle and light line will provide the best action from a fluke. I use a 7' M/F spinning rod.
Hooligan reply :
On 9/27/2011 at 8:00 AM, BassThumb said:Spinning tackle and light line will provide the best action from a fluke. I use a 7' M/F spinning rod.
I disagree!
I fish them on a Pixy/MBR 783CGLX, and I luuuurve it for that.
BassThumb reply :
To me, it appears that using smaller diameter line creates a more effortless, natural looking, side-to-side sway. I use MH baitcasting tackle sometimes when I fish them over heavy weeds, and the action of the baits seems slightly deadened due to the larger diameter line, IMO.
LuckyHandsINC. reply :
On 9/27/2011 at 8:00 AM, BassThumb said:Spinning tackle and light line will provide the best action from a fluke. I use a 7' M/F spinning rod.
I agree 100%. I've thrown a fluke on casting gear only once because my dad was using my only spinning combo at the time.I hated it and will never do it again.
Hi Salenity reply :
Yesterday I threw a Fluke with a 6' ML spinning rod with 10# 832 & a 3/0 hook. I fished this on a shallow weedy flat from my Kayak.
FishinDaddy reply :
Yall listen up, heres how we doit down hear in the slop. 
Fenwick 7-9 MH swimbait rod
Revo SX 7.1/1
65 lb braid
3/0 Gama EWG superline
3/16 bullet pegged with a bobber stop
skinny dipper or imitation
It's not subtle, but it works great in the hydrilla, coontail, eel grass, pads and the rest of the snot choking the lakes this time of year.
This is a close as it gets to finesse in Cental Fl. If yall ever come down here you can leave your little sissy spinin rods at home. 
PS just ax ghoti how many big fish he lost out of the back of my boat cause he dont like braid. 
LuckyHandsINC. reply :
On 9/27/2011 at 9:28 AM, FishinDaddy said:Yall listen up, heres how we doit down hear in the slop.
Fenwick 7-9 MH swimbait rod
Revo SX 7.1/1
65 lb braid
3/0 Gama EWG superline
3/16 bullet pegged with a bobber stop
skinny dipper or imitation
It's not subtle, but it works great in the hydrilla, coontail, eel grass, pads and the rest of the snot choking the lakes this time of year.
This is a close as it gets to finesse in Cental Fl. If yall ever come down here you can leave your little sissy spinin rods at home.
PS just ax ghoti how many big fish he lost out of the back of my boat cause he dont like braid.
Yall listen up cuz this guy is really really cool; way to cool for spinning tackle.
Red reply :
I normally use a 7'3" Lamiglas Excel, 734C. Revo S-L spooled with 12lb Seaguar fluoro. Hook would be an Owner 4/0.
Hooligan reply :
On 9/27/2011 at 8:41 AM, BassThumb said:To me, it appears that using smaller diameter line creates a more effortless, natural looking, side-to-side sway. I use MH baitcasting tackle sometimes when I fish them over heavy weeds, and the action of the baits seems slightly deadened due to the larger diameter line, IMO.
Let me clarify, I fish 6# Fluoro on the Pixy and the 783 is powerful but a light enough tip that it's more along the lines of today's "M" rods.
Bass_Fanatic reply :
I just bought a Crucial 7' M/EF rod with A Citica reel just for soft jerbaits and senkos and I love it!
SirSnookalot reply :
On 9/27/2011 at 1:54 AM, J Francho said:I use whatever spinning rod is laying around. If you need a special rod for this, you are doing it wrong.
I'm a spinning guy. The rod and reel I choose for the day, I only carry one with me, is based not on the size of fish I'm targeting but where I'm fishing, I use a lot of topwater lures and flukes. True I don't get too many big bass but I do catch a lot of bigger snook and tarpon, the equipment isn't much different from my bass stuff. I use a med 8/17, 2000 reel for my bass fishing, 10# braid. I use pretty much the same setup off a saltwater beach, off a jettie or sea wall I step it up to a 10/20 rod and a 4000 reel, 15# braid, a little extra backbone is needed to keep the fish out of the pilings, although I have handled 20 and 30# on the light saltwater set up a number of times.
promax200 reply :
Carrot Stix Gold MH/F 6'2" (Yeah, I'm a short guy. Big whoop, wanna fight about it?) with a Quantum Tour PT (silver) 7:1. 30lb. braid. I also run a double fluke rig fairly often, for which a make the leaders out of 14lb. mono or flouro. Favorite bait is Berkley Gulp in white.
.ghoti. reply :
On 9/27/2011 at 9:28 AM, FishinDaddy said:Yall listen up, heres how we doit down hear in the slop.
Fenwick 7-9 MH swimbait rod
Revo SX 7.1/1
65 lb braid
3/0 Gama EWG superline
3/16 bullet pegged with a bobber stop
skinny dipper or imitation
It's not subtle, but it works great in the hydrilla, coontail, eel grass, pads and the rest of the snot choking the lakes this time of year.
This is a close as it gets to finesse in Cental Fl. If yall ever come down here you can leave your little sissy spinin rods at home.
PS just ax ghoti how many big fish he lost out of the back of my boat cause he dont like braid.
I did indeed loose some fish out of the back of Lee's boat. I was using #12 mono in places I shouldn't have. I did leave my fairy wands at home though. :D
Fontana Finesse Man reply :
Rod: Duckett Med Action 7 ft spinning rod.
Reel: Quantum Energy E20PTiB spinning
Line: 8 lb test BPS Excel
Hook: 1/0 Gammy or 3/0 wide gap. (99% of the time I fish them nose hooked and use 1/0 hook, when I fish docks use a 3/0 regular hooked)
Most of my fluke fishing is in relatively open water. No grass, some laydowns so I really don't worry about breaking line and with gin clear water I like to make long casts. I have tried flouro and small braid but my personal opinion is that in order to make a fluke work best for me, light, mono line. I use bps excel because fishing it with no swivel, I replace the line alot and it is more cost effective than almost any other lines.
J Francho reply :
QuoteI think your wrong with this statement. I have a designated rod that started as a kistler argon 6'9 top water spinning rod. The tip was way too soft and with the parabolic bend it was a terrible combination for the soft jerkbait. The rod would bend under the weight of the fluke and then give it a second jerk when the rod tip recovered. Witch made it very hard to get timing down.
That is a very strange rod. To be honest, that rod doesn't sound like it would work for anything bass related, including it's stated purpose. It's not what I'd use, anyway.
QuoteFenwick 7-9 MH swimbait rodRevo SX 7.1/1
65 lb braid
3/0 Gama EWG superline
3/16 bullet pegged with a bobber stop
skinny dipper or imitation
It's not subtle, but it works great in the hydrilla, coontail, eel grass, pads and the rest of the snot choking the lakes this time of year.
That is a classic Texas Rig, not soft plastic jerk baiting.
QuoteYeah, I'm a short guy. Big whoop, wanna fight about it?
Not at all. I use a 6-2 casting rod, and two 6-3 spinners simply because I don't like the tip splashing in the water, LOL. Just think, 6'6" rods were considered "long" 15 years ago.
Lastly, hot tip for hookups on plastic jerkbaits? Nose hook them with a finesse hook.
LuckyHandsINC. reply :
On 9/28/2011 at 12:27 AM, J Francho said:That is a very strange rod. To be honest, that rod doesn't sound like it would work for anything bass related, including it's stated purpose. It's not what I'd use, anyway.
That is a classic Texas Rig, not soft plastic jerk baiting.
Not at all. I use a 6-2 casting rod, and two 6-3 spinners simply because I don't like the tip splashing in the water, LOL. Just think, 6'6" rods were considered "long" 15 years ago.
Lastly, hot tip for hookups on plastic jerkbaits? Nose hook them with a finesse hook.
yea it is a weird rod. I don't use it for anything now. Just don't like it.
LuckyHandsINC. reply :
On 9/27/2011 at 3:52 PM, promax200 said:Carrot Stix Gold MH/F 6'2" (Yeah, I'm a short guy. Big whoop, wanna fight about it?) with a Quantum Tour PT (silver) 7:1. 30lb. braid. I also run a double fluke rig fairly often, for which a make the leaders out of 14lb. mono or flouro. Favorite bait is Berkley Gulp in white.
Is this Paddy Tanniger the caddy manager?
hookingem reply :
Cumara 7'2MXF 50e 8lb flouro.
J Francho reply :
Fat-G reply :
On 9/28/2011 at 12:56 AM, hookingem said:Cumara 7'2MXF 50e 8lb flouro.
Cumara 7'2 MH/F / 50e / 14lb flouro
Dockhead reply :
On 9/27/2011 at 1:54 AM, J Francho said:I use whatever spinning rod is laying around. If you need a special rod for this, you are doing it wrong.
That response is very interesting. Hits at the heart of why I started this thread. I used to pretty much just grab whatever rod and put a fluke on it, rather than having a dedicated "Fluke Rod." I wanted to try a Cumara, found a good deal on one, and grabbed it.
Didn't really need another texas rig rod, the Cumara was usually just hanging out, so it ended up as my fluke set-up the last couple of months. But it has honestly not gone well. I have now lost 3 pretty decent fish on it. Anything 2 lbs. and under I stick the heck out of them. But all three of these fish came unbuttoned in open water, well on their way back to the boat.
So, just trying to analyze what's going on, and that post by JFranco makes me think maybe I'm over-analyzing, which I've been known to do.
But at this point I do want something just for flukes, because I've been throwing them a lot and getting bit. Just need to figure out how to get them all (or at least more of the good ones) in the boat.
J Francho reply :
A shorter, 6 to 7' medium/fast spinner should work fine. I like a shorter rod simply because I keep the tip down for this presentation. That way, I'm ALWAYS ready for a hook set.
SirSnookalot reply :
^^^ The vast majority of my bass fishing is done with 1 spinning rod, employing just about any lure or technique of my choice. I don't get hung up on that dedicated philosophy. More experience with larger fish ( other species) will make those bass a lot easier to land, keep a tight line and you own them............no one lands them all.
Bass_Fanatic reply :
On 9/28/2011 at 3:17 AM, dockhead said:That response is very interesting. Hits at the heart of why I started this thread. I used to pretty much just grab whatever rod and put a fluke on it, rather than having a dedicated "Fluke Rod." I wanted to try a Cumara, found a good deal on one, and grabbed it.
Didn't really need another texas rig rod, the Cumara was usually just hanging out, so it ended up as my fluke set-up the last couple of months. But it has honestly not gone well. I have now lost 3 pretty decent fish on it. Anything 2 lbs. and under I stick the heck out of them. But all three of these fish came unbuttoned in open water, well on their way back to the boat.
So, just trying to analyze what's going on, and that post by JFranco makes me think maybe I'm over-analyzing, which I've been known to do.
But at this point I do want something just for flukes, because I've been throwing them a lot and getting bit. Just need to figure out how to get them all (or at least more of the good ones) in the boat.
A 6'6" to 7' M/F or M/EF is the perfect soft jerkbait rod IMO. I have thrown flukes on just about everything and I decided to buy the Crucial 7' M/EF and it is perfect for this application!
FishinDaddy reply :
On 9/28/2011 at 12:27 AM, J Francho said:That is a classic Texas Rig, not soft plastic jerk bait
This I know. It was an illustration of the lack of opportunity to actually finesse fish with some stereo-typical redneck sarcasm mixed in just for fun.
Evidently the sarcasm did not play well. 
J Francho reply :
Maybe I was the only thickhead, LOL,.
GeekFisher reply :
I am in the process of trying soft plastic jerkbait fishing as it seems like bass are on shads during this time of year. I fish from a kayak most of the time, usually not standing so wiping it down like I saw on the videos will not happen so I could maybe get away with a longer rod ? I read in this topic and some prefers casting, other prefer spinning. I have a few setup that might fit the bill:
7' M/F Spinning
7' MH/F Spinning
6'6" MH/F casting
6'6" MH/XF Spinning
7'11" H/MF casting
6'10" H/F casting
I plan on throwing 5" flukes (Houdini 5 and/or Strike King KVD Perfect Plastic Caffeine Shad 5") on 4/0 or 5/0 offset shank or swimbait EWG 4/0 and 5/0, likely weightless. If I need to buy something new, I would like to double it as a weightless swimbait setup, if that makes sense. Budget is under 100 CAD and I'm located in Canada, so I keep it to widely known big brands from bricks and mortar stores. I especially like Fenwick stuff but the store has also St.Croix, Abu, Okuma, Daiwa, Shimano, Quantum. I'm not that much in technique specific stuff but I like to have my rigs done in advance so I don't mind going new. I figure I'd need M/F on the stouter side or MH/F on the softer side but I might assumed wrong ?
TIA 
J Francho reply :
Fourscore and seven years ago...
On 10/4/2018 at 11:00 PM, GeekFisher said:7' M/F Spinning
Out of what you listed, I'd use this rod for flukes. I'd prefer something shorter, though.
GeekFisher reply :
On 10/4/2018 at 11:58 PM, J Francho said:Fourscore and seven years ago...
Out of what you listed, I'd use this rod for flukes. I'd prefer something shorter, though.
I hate to open new topics for stuff that was already discussed elsewhere. Do you prefer shorter because of the wiping action ? I might just get an HMG 6'6", they're on sale now but I was wondering baitcast vs spinning ?
A-Jay reply :
On 10/5/2018 at 12:13 AM, GeekFisher said:I hate to open new topics for stuff that was already discussed elsewhere. Do you prefer shorter because of the wiping action ? I might just get an HMG 6'6", they're on sale now but I was wondering baitcast vs spinning ?
I use a Fenwick Elite Tech Bass Spinning Rod 7'4" Medium Extra Fast -
You may be able to cast further with spinning.
If you go that way for weightless flukes - I highly recommend you use a braid main line and incorporate a small but strong swivel . Really helps with line twist. I like 30lb Seaguar Smackdown Braid for this with a #4 ball bearing swivel and 15 lb Seaguar AbrazX Fluorocarbon leader.
btw - smallies here really like these
A-Jay
Russ E reply :
On 10/4/2018 at 11:00 PM, GeekFisher said:6'6" MH/F casting
this is what I use exclusively for soft jerkbaits. usually with 12 or 15 lb copoly line.
my rod is a Dobyns fury. it has a little softer action than some brands.
I also use a high speed reel. it helps pick up line between jerks and also aids in retrieving loose line for hooksets.
I use a fluke often in the fall.
the mh 6ft 6in will help get a good sweeping hookset and it will allow long casts.
I also use a smaller hook than you listed. with the hollow body of a fluke I use a 3/0 EWG most of the time. I will use a fine wire to keep it on top and go to a heavy wire if I want to go deeper.
J Francho reply :
On 10/5/2018 at 12:13 AM, GeekFisher said:I hate to open new topics for stuff that was already discussed elsewhere. Do you prefer shorter because of the wiping action ? I might just get an HMG 6'6", they're on sale now but I was wondering baitcast vs spinning ?
Wiping or whipping? If the latter, then no. I don't find the extra length is an advantage, and it can make controlling a fish near the boat in a seated position a little awkward. Also, I usually stand when kayak fishing, and use a tip down presentation.
As for old topics, the OP's question was asked and answered. Typical forum decorum would be to open a new thread if posing a new question. By asking a new thread, it's seen as thread jacking. It's not a big deal, and not really against any rules. It's more of an online etiquette thing.
Subaqua Adinterim reply :
Loved looking at this thread and seeing an old post from SirSnookalot;miss his practical, down to earth posts.
GeekFisher reply :
On 10/5/2018 at 12:46 AM, J Francho said:Wiping or whipping? If the latter, then no. I don't find the extra length is an advantage, and it can make controlling a fish near the boat in a seated position a little awkward. Also, I usually stand when kayak fishing, and use a tip down presentation.
As for old topics, the OP's question was asked and answered. Typical forum decorum would be to open a new thread if posing a new question. By asking a new thread, it's seen as thread jacking. It's not a big deal, and not really against any rules. It's more of an online etiquette thing.
Thanks for your reply and I noted for forum decorum, I will open up new threads next time, linking the threads I read so to show I did my homework
I meant whipping, sorry English is not my first language. Like I said, even if my kayak would allow me to fish standing, I prefer to fish seated, especially this time of year since water is pretty cold here, so no tip down whipping and ironically, I'll have to do more like a side wiping movement if I want to jerk it. I'm driving tonight or tomorrow night to SAIL in QC City for my crank setup and will take a look at the other rods. Still wondering wether I go spinning or BC, will probably make my mind while driving there (1h30 ride)
J Francho reply :
On 10/5/2018 at 3:24 AM, GeekFisher said:I'll have to do more like a side wiping movement if I want to jerk it. I'm driving tonight or tomorrow night to SAIL in QC City for my crank setup and will take a look at the other rods. Still wondering wether I go spinning or BC, will probably make my mind while driving there (1h30 ride)
Try either out - you never know what you'll prefer. Great idea about linking back to older threads! I do that a lot, when answering questions, instead of retyping things already said.
Sam reply :
I named my setup Fred.
I call out Fred's name while looking for it in the rod locker or on the deck.
Fred is a BPS Bionic Blade spinnerbait rod.
Yes, I throw flukes with a 6'6" Bionic Blade spinnerbait rod using a 3/8 bullet weight on 8 pound fluorocarbon line.
GeekFisher reply :
On 10/5/2018 at 3:40 AM, Sam said:I named my setup Fred.
I call out Fred's name while looking for it in the rod locker or on the deck.
Fred is a BPS Bionic Blade spinnerbait rod.
Yes, I throw flukes with a 6'6" Bionic Blade spinnerbait rod using a 3/8 bullet weight on 8 pound fluorocarbon line.
Fred is my best buddy's name lol ! I note for the fluoro Line. Mine should be weightless most of the time ! On my way to the store !
fishwizzard reply :
I fish flukes on the same rod that I fish open-water topwaters and jerkbaits on;
Avid 6'2" M/XF
Aldebaran 50
11lb Amrilo Defier mono
Zoom Supers, Pearl, Black w/ chart flakes, and Hodini. Sometimes Bubblegum but I am not impressed with it over Pearl. I have never settled on a hook, there are like a half dozen in rotation. I sometimes want a heavier or lighter hook to mess with the fall rate. I have messed around with nose-hooking w/ a CPS pin a little bit but I don't like how often it snaggs on debris in the water, I fish flukes on the edges of cover or over grass most of the time and I like to be able to have a little leeway in how close to both of them I can get.
I have a custom spinning rod I had made up for flukes a few years ago but I rarely use it any more, I find a casting combo so much more comfortable for all jerking, popping, and twitching lures.
GeekFisher reply :
I end up having a bit more budget because the lunkerstik had 20% on it so I went with a St.Croix Bass X 6'6" medium/Fast casting. Will have to put a reel on it likely spooled with 10-12lbs mono but I dont know about the ratio just yet !
DogBone_384 reply :
I mix it up depending on what soft bait I’m tossing and what water it’s landing in.
I use Kistler, ***, and Abu Garcia rods almost exclusively. For weedy ponds I use a MH/F rod with the baitcaster I’m in the mood to use, which is either Diawa, Shimano, or ***.
As far as line, I prefer Power Pro Super Slick #30 with a fluoro leader.
The same applies when I use spinning gear, except I own only Pflueger reels.
J Francho reply :
On 10/5/2018 at 3:40 AM, Sam said:I named my setup Fred.
I call out Fred's name while looking for it in the rod locker or on the deck.
Should have named it James Taylor. That way, when you call it's name, it will come running to you.
GeekFisher reply :
On 10/5/2018 at 8:24 PM, DogBone_384 said:I mix it up depending on what soft bait I’m tossing and what water it’s landing in.
I use Kistler, ***, and Abu Garcia rods almost exclusively. For weedy ponds I use a MH/F rod with the baitcaster I’m in the mood to use, which is either Diawa, Shimano, or ***.
As far as line, I prefer Power Pro Super Slick #30 with a fluoro leader.
The same applies when I use spinning gear, except I own only Pflueger reels.
I had two reels spooled with 40 or 50lbs braid, I will likely use one to try it. I seldom put leaders on my setup except for the ML finesse setup.
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