When is the best time to use a jerk bait?
There are two basic types of jerk baits that you’ll find on the market. Hard jerk baits and soft jerk baits are those two, though there are many variations in between. When you are using soft jerk bats, you’ll cover the soft plastic baits like bass assassins, flappin shads, and squids, for example. With hard jerk baits, you’ll find options like floating minnows, husky jerk and rebel’s minnows. So, when would you use these? You definitely will find them being used by top tournament anglers for bass fishing. They are proven to be very successful in this situation. But, when should you use them otherwise? They are used so readily by tournament anglers for one reason: they are versatile, which should imply that they’ll work well for many situations. You can use them just about any place you would like to, at any time for any type of fish. You can use jerk baits in many situations including when you are doing some top water fishing (where thick floating vegetation is likely) as well as in open water that is about the same depth. In water that is six to ten feet deep, again, you can find success with jerk baits. You’ll want to select hard jerk baits for these areas, though. In terms of when the best time to use jerk baits is, well, there’s little doubt that you can use them in virtually every situation. Because they are so versatile, and so many options exist, you’ll find a use for them anytime.

Dan is right on the money again. I use jerkbaits very effectively in the early spring and when bass are still inactive. They work in clear to stained water the best as they are a sight bait. I have a full range of articles on this technique at my site as well as forums and will be happy to answer any questions in detail.
Tight lines, Steve
Delaware Bass Fishing For Trophy Bass