Jerkbait vs. Walk-the-dog vs. Glidebait

[Seabass77]

I just started musky fishing a bit last year. This year I would like to get into it more but I have a few questions.

What is the difference between a Jerkbait and Glidebait?

Do you fish a Jerkbait/glidebait like a walk-the-dog type bait?

Is a suick and bobbie bait the same type of lure?

How difficult is it to pick up the necessary skills?

Thanks for your help.

[Brian Jones]

A jerkbait is generally just ripped or pulled through the water and for the most part dives and rises and travels relatively strait. A glider can run just below the surface or very deep but it has a nice cadence that goes from right to left to right...like walking the dog. The Suick and Bobbie are both jerk baits that work wonders when tuned right...

If you want an easy glider that will show you lots of fish, pick up a Manta made by River Run tackle. This thing glides side to side with little effort but doesn't impress the big girls unless you mix it up good. To ease your frustrations I would recommend mastering bucktails and spinnerbaits first...something they don't miss to often and save yourself the turmoil gliders with surely bring. A lot of times a fish will crush a glider but since they move so erratically the fish will often get a little bit of the belly hooks in the mouth and then as they thrash out about three head shakes underwater the tail hook will get caught on the side or back of their head and pull the hooks from the mouth = lost fish...very frustrating!

At any rate muskies are too fun and I am sure you will be broke and loving the hunt shortly!

[JohnMickish]

Some very nice tips there, thank you.

[Muskydanno]

I would highly recommend the phantom as a great glide bait also. Not quite as wide of a side to side sweep but a very effective bait. Not many fish can resist crushing it! Be aware of your leader choice with these baits also as it will save alot of headaches.

[Giant_Jackpot]

Hey Seabass,

One of the best things I did after getting the muskie bug was to join Muskies Inc. I have learned a lot from the guys in my chapter and the speakers we have every month always have good info. The muskie you see in my picture to the left is a direct result of info I got through Muskies Inc. Click on the link below for more info on our meetings at the North Metro Chapter of MI.

[Cooter]

Ditto with joining Muskies Inc. No better place for gathering great info in a short amount of time. The best $35 you'll ever spend.

[I'llTakeWhatiCanGet]

Muskies Inc is definitely a top notch organization, they really spearheaded the movement toward catch and release (for muskies) and completely revolutionized the sport.