Up in Canada and the Great Lakes region, early winter is prime time for targeting shallow flats where smallmouth feed on baitfish before they settle into their wintering holes. While jerkbaits can produce fish from spring through fall, this is truly the best window to connect with a giant smallmouth in these northern waters.
The Power of the Vision Oneten for Northern Smallmouth
For over a decade, the Vision Oneten jerkbait has been a favorite for smallmouth in cold, shallow water. “They cast a mile, have an incredible ability to react to the most minute movement of the rod tip, and can be highly effective fished at any speed.” Fished slow, they perfectly mimic a wounded or dying baitfish, and when worked aggressively, they act like a panicked or spooked baitfish that triggers savage strikes.
When fishing these shallower flats—areas shallower than the 110’s running depth—keeping the bait from digging bottom is key. “To keep your jerkbait higher, crank down only once or twice before starting your jerk-jerk cadence, and avoid downward jerks of your rod (picture the hands of a clock, where 12 is straight up–you want to keep the direction of your jerks between 9 and 3).”
Spinning Gear and Line Choices for Early-Winter Jerkbaits
For early-winter smallmouth, spinning gear is ideal for better casting distance and control. “I like spinning gear because I can cast it further and use lighter line, which will allow the bait to move more freely.” A lighter line means less resistance, allowing the bait to dart and dance with more action.
The go-to rods for this style of fishing are the 6’8” Ronin Orochi XX or the 7’0” Levante Shaky Head, spooled with 20lb braid and a 10lb fluorocarbon leader. But there are times to go even lighter. “There are situations where I’ll go even lighter, to 10lb braid and 8lb (or even 6lb) leader material when I’m less concerned with break-offs.”
The Oneten Jr: A Secret Weapon for Spooky Smallmouth
The Vision Oneten Jr is another killer bait in the early winter jerkbait lineup. “It casts incredibly far for a small bait, and its smaller profile can be a gem when spooked or negative fish are present.” While it’s deadly when fished with a traditional jerk-jerk retrieve, a slower, steady retrieve can be surprisingly effective.
“One seldom-used presentation that has worked well for me is a simple, straight retrieve. Cast it out, and with the rod tip high, employ a slow retrieve to keep it just under the surface, mimicking small baitfish like Emerald shiners or ‘pinheads,’ as we like to call them. The retrieve is slow and steady, and can be a deadly option.”
For the Oneten Jr, either the Orochi XX Ronin or Drop Shot spinning rods are excellent choices, spooled with 10lb braid and an 8lb fluorocarbon leader—or straight 8lb fluorocarbon. “The set up just depends on how aggressively I want to fish it.”
Don’t Change Those Hooks!
One question that always comes up is whether to change the hooks on these finely-tuned jerkbaits. The answer is a firm no. “I never change my hooks! I have played with every type from round bend to EWGs, and trust me when I say you don’t want to mess with the factory settings.” Megabass hardbaits are perfectly balanced, and changing the hooks can compromise their action and how they suspend.
“The light-diameter Katsuage hooks that come with Megabass jerkbaits are super sticky and penetrate easily. Set your drag lighter, and when necessary, replace old hooks.” Lost fish are simply part of the jerkbait game—especially when you’re chasing those giant smallmouth that call these cold, shallow flats home.
