Jerk bait fishing 101 featuring Paul Ritchie on Lake Mahopac, New York. Key to success is water temperature: optimal conditions arise when it's between 40-60°F, signaling bass movement towards shallow water. Start by selecting a jerk bait with bright colors to simulate spring prey. Slow, steady retrieves are most effective in cooler waters, so begin with a jerk-pause-jerk cadence, each pause lasting 5-10 seconds. As temperatures rise, increase the speed and frequency of your jerks. Key areas to