I am getting excited!!!!

Destiny Siguenza here is one caught in practice the day before the tournament.

Destiny Siguenza foggy start and intense thunderstorms with metal sign blowing off pole -> CLOSE CALL: Sign at Boat Launch Blown Off During Storm

https://youtu.be/uvWMb41homw

Had my first club tournament last weekend. I did not make the right adjustments in time and only had 3 fish for 7th place out of 10 boats. I will get my groove back. I learned some things from this tournament. The lake changed massively in two weeks and I was fishing 2-3 days ago and the lake was different on tournament day.

Good day

First tournament of the year for me on Saturday with the club.

Ray Brunetti For me, IMHO, for jerkbait fishing, rod selection is indeed manufacturer-dependent as mentioned, but for me, my general guidelines. I prefer a shorter rod (6'6" for my 5'11" height) with medium power and fast action.

The shorter length is ideal for the tip-down approach typical with jerk baits, giving better control over those sharp, precise movements. Medium power provides the right balance—enough backbone to handle fish without being too stiff. Combined with fast action, creating that natural shock absorption.

I think fast action is crucial because it allows for the quick, sharp twitches that make jerk baits so effective—the tip recovers quickly between jerks. A moderate-action rod would flex too deep into the blank during the twitching motion, making your retrieves less crisp and defined.

Every blank has its own 'feel' as mentioned, the M/F combination tends to work consistently across brands for this technique. What feels right to you is critical.

I look forward to good times with my buddy Ken this year.

On a good day, it is 20-foot clarity.

Hint: It dumps into Champlain