You know those days where the fish are clearly there… you can see bait flicking, you can feel the “something’s about to happen” energy… and yet your lure is getting ignored like last week’s leftovers? That’s when a proper suspending minnow earns its keep. The Bearking M98 jerkbait is a 98mm, 10g SP minnow designed to get down to roughly 2.1m and then hang in the strike zone long enough for a predator to lose its manners.
This is not a “mindlessly wind it back” lure. It’s a “make it look injured and helpless” lure. If you’ve never done jerkbaits properly, don’t worry — most anglers don’t. They fish them like a crankbait and then blame the lure. Mate… that’s like using a toaster to cook a roast chicken.
If you want to compare this style with other options on your own site, have a browse through the Jerkbaits category. It’s basically a sweet shop for anyone who enjoys sudden violence on the pause.
Why This Lure Works
The Bearking M98 jerkbait works because it’s built for the two things that trigger the most reaction bites: direction change and stillness. A good SP minnow doesn’t just “wobble” — it darts, flashes, then stops like a baitfish that’s run out of luck. Wired2Fish have a cracking breakdown of the basics here: How to fish a jerkbait.
On your product page, Bearking lean heavily into build quality: detailed bonding, edge finishing and deburring, water testing (including a hot-water dunk), and hand-done paint with a protective clear coat. The point of all that (besides sounding fancy) is durability and consistent action — because a jerkbait that tracks weird is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine.
It’s also fitted with 3D fish eyes, Bearking flat rings, and three hooks. That hook count matters: jerkbait strikes are often slaps and swipes, especially when fish are half-committed. More points gives you a better chance of sticking the bite without having to absolutely whack the fish like you’re trying to start a lawnmower.
How To Fish It
There are loads of fancy cadences, but here are the ones that actually get bites on a Bearking M98 jerkbait without turning your wrist into mince:
1) Twitch-twitch-pause (the classic)
Cast, wind it down to depth, then give it two sharp twitches and pause. The pause is where the bite lives. Bassmaster talk about cadence changes across seasons in this piece: Jerkbait techniques for every season.
2) Rip and sit (when they’re aggressive)
Give it a harder snap to make it kick out further, then let it sit. If you’re around bait balls, points, or suspending fish, this can be absolutely savage.
3) Slow twitch with long pauses (cold water cheat code)
When the water’s cold, the fish might need a full-on tea break between twitches. Pause longer than feels reasonable. If you want a proper “year-round” perspective on jerkbaits, BassResource have a full guide here: Year-round jerkbait guide.
And if you’re the type who learns better by watching than reading (no judgement, mate), Kevin VanDam’s cadence talk is well worth a watch: KVD on jerkbait cadence.
When To Use It
The Bearking M98 jerkbait shines whenever fish are feeding on baitfish and holding just off structure — especially in that mid-depth range where a 2.1m diver is bang on.
- Spring (pre-spawn and spawn edges): Work it along points leading into spawning bays and the first break outside shallow flats.
- Autumn: Brilliant when baitfish are moving and predators are chasing but still want an easy target.
- Clear water days: Jerkbaits are deadly when fish can see a long way and commit from distance.
- Windy banks: Wind pushes bait — bait pulls predators. Put the jerkbait where the groceries are.
Wired2Fish also have a dedicated seasonal approach here: Spring jerkbait tactics and tackle guide.
Does It Actually Catch Fish?
Yes — if you fish it like a jerkbait. The Bearking M98 jerkbait is the kind of lure that turns “followers” into “committers” because it hangs and flashes. The pause gives fish time to line it up, and the dart gives them a reason to react.
One more thing: don’t be afraid to cycle it with other jerkbait styles. On your own site, the Bearking Bass Slicker 80 Jerkbait is a smaller option for pressured fish, and the Bearking Deep Diving Jerkbait gives you a deeper look when fish slide down. Sometimes the “right” jerkbait is simply the one that runs at the depth they’re sitting.
Gear Pairing
Here’s a sensible setup for the Bearking M98 jerkbait that won’t feel like you’re fighting the lure all day:
- Rod: 6’6”–7’ medium (or medium-light if you like lighter trebles), with a fast-ish tip but enough give to keep hooks pinned.
- Reel: 6.2:1-ish baitcaster or a 2500–3000 spinning reel. You want control, not warp speed.
- Line: 8–12lb fluorocarbon is the classic jerkbait line for depth and subtlety. Braid-to-leader works too if you’re careful with hook pulls.
Big tip: keep a bit of slack when you twitch. Jerkbaits need slack to dart properly — if you pull tight every time, you’ll make it swim like a sad little stick. Major League Fishing’s pros hammer cadence and hook tweaks a lot; here’s one example: Three jerkbait tips from Jimmy Washam.
Specs
- Brand: Bearking
- Model: M98
- Lure type: SPminnow
- Dive depth: 2.1m (as listed in product title)
- Length: 98mm (9.8cm)
- Weight: 10g
- Hooks: Equipped with 3 Bearking hooks
- Eyes: 3D fish eyes
- Rings: Bearking flat rings
- Colours: Options shown A–M; product details mention CoL.A–CoL.I
- Pack size: 1pc fishing lure
- Package weight: 15g
FAQ
Is the Bearking M98 jerkbait good for cold water?
Yep. Fish it with longer pauses. If the water’s chilly, let it sit until you start questioning your life choices — that’s usually when it gets smoked.
What retrieve cadence should I start with?
Start with twitch-twitch-pause. If they’re following, shorten the pause. If they’re lazy, lengthen it. Let the fish tell you what they want.
Will pike wreck it?
Pike will try to ruin your day regardless. If they’re around, a short bite leader saves lures — just keep it tidy so you don’t kill the action.
Do I need to change the hooks?
You can, but you don’t have to. If you’re missing fish, consider sharper trebles or feathered trebles. If you’re snagging too much, go slightly heavier wire and fish it cleaner.
Where should I throw it from the bank?
Points, riprap, weed edges, and any place baitfish get pushed by wind. Cast past the target, get it down, and work it back through the “ambush lane”.
Final Verdict
If you want one jerkbait that covers a ton of real-world situations, the Bearking M98 jerkbait is a solid shout: proper size, sensible weight, and a mid-depth 2.1m dive that’s useful on loads of venues. Fish it with confidence, pause it longer than feels normal, and enjoy the kind of bite that makes you say words you can’t repeat in front of polite company.
Give it two twitches and a pause… then be ready for an absolute mugging.
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