Jerkbaits, in my opinion, are one of the easiest and coolest baits to use. Virtually, you can not fish them wrong. The only time you fish them wrong is when the hook is fouled, and that will be quite apparent. You can swim them along, use a pause-jerk retrieve, or do a fast retrieve with them. The biggest thing is that you must pay attention to what the bass are wanting. If they are slapping at the bait when it's fished fast, slow it down. If they aren't paying much attention to it when you are fishing it slow, fish it a little faster.
I consider it a reaction bait all the way. You are putting it in their face, and provoking a strike from them, either from it dancing away from them, and they seeing a free meal getting a way, or either putting it in their face, and they aren't expecting it.
My best colors have been "clown" colors...........those that have multiple bright colors. T4B can attest to the two colors that I use, mainly. I have fished "bait" colored lures before, but I didn't get a lot of strikes with them, and I didn't gain a lot of confidence in them. With that being said, though, there are going to be times where they will produce, so always work with the color to see what's going to produce best.
I am glad that you are learning how to fish the jerkbait. I hope that you come across a slew of bass that will tear it up for you. The first jerkbait that I had is retired. It eventually got to the point where it was taking on water from all the assaults that it was enduring.
That's another tidbit...............I have yet to encounter a strike where they didn't hit it like a freight train. You will KNOW when you get nailed, which is a reason why I like them so much.
Let us know when and how you fish it, and let's see the success that you have.
Best of luck to ya.
