Jerkbaits are key lure options throughout the entire fishing 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. 
Walleye fishing can be an exciting and rewarding experience, especially when using the right lures. In this article, we will explore the effectiveness of jerkbaits, specifically the Rapala RipStop Deep, for catching walleye. Jerkbaits are versatile lures that can be used in various conditions, making them a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box.
The Power of Jerkbaits
Jerkbaits are a type of hard bait that come in different shapes and sizes. They are designed to mimic injured baitfish, making them irresistible to predatory fish like walleye. One of the key advantages of jerkbaits is their ability to be fished effectively in adverse conditions, such as windy days.
Dealing with Changing Conditions
When fishing for walleye, it is crucial to adapt to changing conditions. This includes adjusting your lure selection and retrieve technique. Jerkbaits, like the Rapala RipStop Deep, excel in these situations because they can be casted long distances and can be retrieved at various depths. The RipStop Deep, in particular, can be driven down to depths of 8 to 9 feet on a long cast, making it ideal for targeting walleye in deeper waters.
Finding the Right Retrieve
In addition to adjusting the depth at which you fish, it is important to experiment with different retrieve techniques to entice walleye to bite. Sometimes, a pause in the retrieve can trigger a strike, while other times, a more erratic retrieve, like popping the bait, can be effective. The key is to figure out what the fish are responding to on a given day and adjust your retrieve accordingly.
The Versatility of Jerkbaits
Jerkbaits, like the Rapala RipStop Deep, come in different shapes and styles, each with its own unique action. There are round and oval-shaped baits, flat-sided shad baits, and minnow-style baits. Each style has its own time and place, and all are effective for catching walleye.
The Minnow-Style Bait
One of the most effective jerkbaits for walleye is the minnow-style bait. Rapala, a well-known lure manufacturer, introduced the original floating Rapala to North America, which quickly became one of the hottest baits in the world. This was followed by the Countdown, Husky Jerk, X-Rap, Shadow Rap, and RipStop series. Each of these baits has its own unique action and can be effective for catching walleye.
The Importance of the Tail Hook
When using the RipStop Deep, it is interesting to note that many walleye have been hooked on the tail hook, which features a little bit of flash. This flash, along with the mirrored finish on the back end of the lure, can be enticing to walleye and trigger them to bite. It is important to pay attention to these small details and make sure your bait is properly equipped to attract walleye.
The Hunt for Walleye
Walleye are known to be hunters, especially when the wind starts blowing. They will move around flats and hunt for schools of shiner minnows and baitfish. This is where jerkbaits like the RipStop Deep come into play. Their realistic action and appearance make them irresistible to walleye, and the flash on the tail hook can be the key to triggering a strike.
The Efficiency of Jerkbaits
One of the major advantages of using jerkbaits like the RipStop Deep is their efficiency. They allow anglers to cover a large amount of water quickly, especially when fishing on big structures. This can be particularly useful when targeting walleye, as well as other species like smallmouth bass, northern pike, and lake trout. Jerkbaits are a versatile tool that can help you maximize your time on the water and increase your chances of success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, jerkbaits are a valuable tool for walleye fishing. The Rapala RipStop Deep, with its unique action and flash, is an excellent choice for targeting walleye in various conditions. By adjusting the depth and retrieve technique, anglers can entice walleye to bite and increase their chances of success. Whether you’re fishing in cold or warm water, jerkbaits can be a game-changer. So make sure to have a few in your tackle box and get ready for an exciting walleye fishing adventure!
