3" Scented Jerk ShadZ - When, where, why

Written by Jeff "Gussy" Gustafson

Keewatin, Canada - The Scented Jerk ShadZ™ line-up of baits has been at the top of my arsenal for years for bass fishing and when targeting other species as well. It has also been responsible for the two biggest wins of my career, a Bassmaster Elite Series win in 2021 and the 2023 Bassmaster Classic. Whenever a new color or size is added to the Jerk ShadZ line-up, I get excited because I know it will have a place in my tackle box.

The new 3” model is the smallest size we offer, but even though it is a finesse bait, it still has the ability to put big fish in the boat. For bass anglers, this undersized minnow bait can be fished on either a jig head or a drop-shot rig. Anytime you want to match the hatch when small baitfish are present, this bait is the ticket.

When fishing it on a jighead, choose a model with a #1 or 1/0 hook so it does not overpower the bait. Think lighter jigs than those typically used with larger Jerk ShadZ. On a drop-shot, try nose-hooking this minnow imitation on a small #1 drop-shot hook with a 12- to 15-inch leader to the weight. Put this small minnow in front of a smallmouth, and it is going to eat it.

In addition to situations where undersized baitfish are present, the 3” Jerk ShadZ really shines under cold-front conditions and in ultra-clear water. Last winter, I fished a lake in Texas where big bass, five- to seven-pound fish, were chasing schools of bait. After catching a few, they kept spitting up small two- and three-inch shad, so we actually started cutting down 3.5” Jerk ShadZ to get bites. The smaller profile proved more effective than standard five- and six-inch models.

A slab crappie caught on the 3" Scented Jerk ShadZ with a Finesse EyeZ jighead.

It is also not just a bass bait. This past fall, I had great days catching crappie, perch, and walleye as well, rigging it on 1/8- and 1/4-ounce jigs. It closely matches the size of a standard minnow you would buy at a tackle shop and since it's available in 10 great color options, it can match the bait wherever you're fishing. Give this bait a try instead of live bait the next time you hit the water.