Al Lindner and Jeremy Smith spend the day chasing wind blown smallmouth bass on a windy day North Dakota and South Dakota. Crankbaits are a classic bait for efficiently casting windswept shorelines where baitfish have moved shallow and predator fish are right behind them.
Understanding Smallmouth Behavior
Smallmouth bass are notorious for their changing moods, especially as seasons shift. Their feeding behavior can range from attacking topwater baits with abandon to requiring finesse presentations like micro-jigs. But among the arsenal of techniques, one lure consistently stands out—particularly in the spring: the jerkbait.
From spinnerbaits and crankbaits to finesse swimbaits, many presentations work. But Jeremy demonstrate, few baits match the effectiveness of the Rapala X-Rap when smallmouth are on the prowl. Its erratic darting motion and the ability to suspend and sit still in the strike zone make it irresistibly lifelike. 
Jerkbaits 101: Selecting the Right X-Rap
Jeremy emphasizes the importance of carrying multiple X-Rap sizes. While many anglers default to the size 10, there’s a time and place for all sizes depending on the smallmouth’s mood and the water temperature. Here’s how he breaks it down:
- Size 10: The go-to all-around performer, diving to 3–5 feet. Ideal for most spring and summer conditions.
- Size 8 and 6: Crucial when fish are pressured or simply not committing. Downsizing often turns finicky followers into committed biters.
- X-Rap Deep 8 and 10: Essential in cold water (40s to low 50s). With larger bills, they dive deeper and excel when trolled or “jerk-trolled” over submerged rock piles in 8–12 feet of water.
“You can take a size 10, run it through a prime spot and get nothing,” Jeremy explains. “Then go back with a size 6, and boom—fish on.”
Boat Control and Bait Action
The magic of the X-Rap lies in its ability to suspend after an aggressive snap. You rip it with slack line, let it pause, and let its lifelike motion do the work. Many fish hit on that pause. Jake illustrates this perfectly when a smallmouth inhales the bait after just a couple jerks and a long pause.
One of their most productive patterns? Bright colors—especially the “hothead” model—seemed to be getting the most attention. Smallies can’t resist that splash of vibrant color in cool, clear water.
Tech-Driven Success: Side Imaging and Structure Scouting
A major key to success in this springtime hunt is side imaging sonar. Jeremy stresses how side imaging reveals subtle rock transitions and isolated boulders on shallow flats—prime real estate for staging smallmouth. While traditional 2D sonar might miss these features, side imaging paints a complete picture of the lake bottom, allowing anglers to pinpoint sweet spots with surgical precision.
“One of the most important tools for spring smallmouth bass is side imaging,” Jeremy notes. “That’s where you find them—on flats near the best rock.”
A Boat Built for Versatility
From trout to walleye to bass, the boat is rigged for multi-species action. The integration of high-end electronics, well-organized gear storage, and a smooth ride allows the team to fish efficiently and comfortably—even in rougher conditions.
Whether trolling to locate fish or casting to a structure-laden point, having the right technology, jerkbait selection, and seasonal insight allows Jeremy and Jake to dial into spring smallmouth like few others can.
The Gear That Makes the System Work
Success with jerkbaits isn’t just about the lure itself—it’s about pairing the right rod, reel, and line setup to make that bait come alive. As Jeremy emphasizes, making the X-Rap dance and dart in an erratic way is what often triggers strikes from curious smallmouth. His preferred setup includes a 6’8” medium power, extra-fast action St. Croix Legend Tournament spinning rod. This length and action combination keeps the tip low to the water for optimal bait control, allowing crisp snaps and precise pauses.
Matched with a Daiwa Ballistic MQ 3000 spinning reel, the rig delivers smooth, quick retrieves. The MQ design features a rigid one-piece frame and oversized drive gear, offering exceptional torque and stability. It’s light, strong, and—paired with 10-pound Sufix high-vis braid—it becomes a jerkbait machine. The high-vis line also aids in strike detection, especially in spring when subtle bites are common.
Leader Considerations and Line Management
One often-overlooked aspect of jerkbait fishing is leader choice. Jeremy favors a 12- to 14-pound fluorocarbon leader. It’s stiff enough to reduce fouling, keeping the line out of the lure’s split rings and maintaining a clean presentation. He connects the leader to the mainline using a modified Albright knot, which glides smoothly through rod guides.
This attention to detail—from lure size to leader composition—adds up to a more efficient and productive day on the water.
Staying Confident When the Bite is Tough
Cold-water smallmouth fishing, especially in early spring, can test an angler’s patience. You may fish several promising areas with no bites, leading to second-guessing your technique. But as Jeremy points out, suspending jerkbaits like the X-Rap are a proven cold-water staple.
“If you’re fishing smallmouth, you can kind of rule presentation out when the water’s cold. They love a suspending jerkbait,” he explains. These fish are naturally curious—even when lethargic, they often follow or lightly strike before fully committing. Confidence and persistence are key.
The Bite Turns On
Eventually, the water warms just enough to flip the switch. Suddenly, those same smallmouth that were following start slamming baits. Jake hooks into a solid fish after spotting his line jump—a subtle indicator of a strike in calm water. The beauty of high-vis braid is that it amplifies these moments.
It’s nearly a double hookup as Jeremy hooks into another football-shaped smallie. With the help of “bubble pliers,” the fish is unhooked and released, making room for the next.
“Springtime is a great time to be targeting smallies,” Jeremy says. “Grab a couple X-Raps in different sizes, and you’ll have a blast.”
