RipStop Video: James and Al Lindner show how to use jerk baits, like the Rapala RipStop Deep, to catch walleye. Jerkbait fishing like this for walleye is especially effective during windy days throughout the open water season. 
Jerkbaits are key lure options throughout the entire season cold and warm water periods. There are quite a few different jerk baits on the market that work well to trigger walleye strikes.
The RipStop Deep has the same action as the original RipStop — it simply dives deeper. The tail design creates a fast-ripping, flashing swimbait action. Hard-stopping, forward motion stops on a dime, with a subtle shimmy before coming to a rest, then ever so slightly lifts its head with a super slow rise.
“Jerkbaits are amazing tools and key baits to have in your arsenal. On a long cast with the RipStop Deep, the bait can easily dive to 8- or 9-feet of water, which makes it perfect for fan casting flats and other deeper structures,” says James Lindner. “Having jerkbaits on hand that are capable of diving a variety of depths can make all the difference.”
After casting and reeling the bait down, the retrieve speed and cadence are the next things to figure out. “Sometimes you want to pause it for a period, say 5 to 7 seconds, to trigger the fish biting. Other times, you want to impart a lot of erratic behavior like popping it. Maybe it’s a pop-pop-pop, followed by a pause,” Lindner explains.
The Power of Observation and Presentation
The day began with anticipation on the water—one fish, then another. Initial excitement bubbled over simple interactions: “There’s a good one. There’s a big one out.” Moments like these, though seemingly small, are part of the constant learning and adapting that defines successful fishing.
In the midst of various fish sizes and temperaments—some needing a net, others flipping free—the anglers shared light banter and keen attention to fish behavior. Handling each catch carefully, they evaluated how fish were responding under specific conditions, setting the tone for a lesson in presentation and adaptation.
Tuning into Conditions and Jerkbait Efficiency
One key takeaway became clear early on: success hinges on adapting to the conditions. Whether faced with calm or adverse weather, the right lure and technique make all the difference. In this outing, jerkbaits—particularly the Rapala Ripstop Deep—were the star of the show.
With a long cast using braided line and a fluorocarbon leader, this bait could reach depths of 8 to 9 feet, even in windy conditions. The retrieve, however, was just as important as the bait itself. Sometimes a long pause was needed to trigger a strike, while at other times, erratic movements and pops enticed aggressive bites.
These variations in retrieve proved effective as the anglers experimented live, adjusting rhythm and cadence to dial in what the fish were reacting to. In challenging wind, jerkbaits became indispensable tools, allowing the anglers to cover water efficiently and draw strikes in otherwise tough conditions.
The Evolution and Versatility of Hard Baits
Hard baits fall into three general shape categories: round/fat baits, flat-sided shad baits, and minnow-style baits. All have their place depending on the species and scenario. When it comes to minnow baits, few brands boast a lineage like Rapala. The original Floating Rapala, Countdown, Husky Jerk, X-Rap, Shadow Rap, and now the Ripstop series each offer slight variations that make a big impact in different conditions.
These minnow baits, especially the Ripstop with its flash-mark teaser tail, proved effective time and again during the outing. Fish after fish were hooked squarely on the tail treble—clear evidence that the flash was triggering bites. It was more than coincidence; it was a pattern that pointed to the nuanced ways predatory fish respond to visual cues.
Flash and Finesse: Why the Tail Matters
Several walleyes caught throughout the day were precisely hooked on the tail hook—right at the teaser tail’s flash mark. That flash, a subtle mirrored glint, acts like a wounded baitfish flicker and was visibly responsible for drawing strikes. This feature, often overlooked, turned out to be a critical factor in the bait’s success.
As they continued casting with the wind at their backs, maximizing distance and coverage, the anglers fine-tuned their technique. Reeling the bait to depth, they implemented a sweeping retrieve to mimic the movement of baitfish. The result? Consistent strikes from quality fish, including walleyes, smallmouths, and even the occasional northern pike.
Big Bites and Big Lessons
As the day progressed, it became clear: the combination of the Ripstop’s deep-diving action and its flashy teaser tail was irresistible to fish on the flats. With wind stirring up the ecosystem and baitfish on the move, predators like walleyes turned aggressive, actively hunting across shallow structures.
The action stayed hot. Double hook-ups, spot-locking the boat for control, and a steady stream of good-sized fish underscored the efficiency of jerkbaits in these conditions. The anglers observed that these baits not only triggered bites, but consistently enticed larger-than-average fish.
One of the anglers pointed out how crankbaits like the Ripstop don’t just catch numbers—they elevate the average size of the fish caught. As if to prove the point, the day wrapped with several standout catches, including a long, heavy walleye that epitomized the potential of the technique.
Year-Round Effectiveness of Jerkbaits
As the final fish was released and the clouds threatened with distant lightning, the consensus was undeniable. Jerkbaits are a year-round powerhouse, working equally well in cold or warm water. Their success lies not in their inherent flash or design alone, but in how anglers fine-tune them to the present conditions—water clarity, wind, depth, and fish behavior.
From flash tails to retrieval cadence, every detail mattered. This day on the water served as a real-time masterclass in adaptability, presentation, and the undeniable power of a well-chosen jerkbait.
