I am fired up because today we’re talking about a bait that’s going to completely change the way you fish for suspended bass, the ones hanging off the bank or the ones you spot on forward-facing sonar.
This bait isn’t just a new lure; it introduces a whole new technique. That’s right, I’m talking about the Krej from Berkley! The name alone is clever—Krej is “jerk” spelled backward. It’s like a reverse jerkbait in every sense. It’s got the profile of a jerkbait, but that crazy, upward-facing lip is what makes it so special. Let me tell you, this bait can do things no traditional jerkbait could ever dream of.
Let’s start with the build of the Krej, because it’s all about the details. The body has a unique weighting system with two weights, one toward the head and one toward the tail, split by the belly hook hanger. This setup gives it incredible balance and creates its signature action. And that reverse-facing lip? It’s not just for looks. The line tie isn’t on the nose like a normal jerkbait; it’s on the tip of the bill. That design is the secret sauce for how this bait moves. Combine that with a killer selection of colors, from solid to translucent, and you’ve got a lure that’s as versatile as it is effective.
Here’s the game-changer: the Krej is a sinking jerkbait. Traditional jerkbaits suspend or float slightly, and you have to work hard to get them down to the depth you want. The Krej, though, sinks at a rate of about one foot per second, making it easy to count it down to the exact depth where the fish are hanging.
Picture this: you’re using your forward-facing sonar and spot fish suspended at 12 feet over 20 feet of water. Instead of hoping they’ll come up to a suspending jerkbait, you cast the Krej, count it down, and put it right in their faces. Plus, it doesn’t just sink like a rock. It shimmies and glides backward as it falls, like a soft stick bait. That subtle action on the fall is absolutely deadly.
The Krej’s versatility doesn’t stop there. You can fish it like a traditional jerkbait, but with an added twist. When you jerk it, the Krej moves erratically, wandering left and right unpredictably. That irregular action triggers reaction strikes from bass that might ignore a standard jerkbait’s consistent rhythm. It’s also amazing as a crankbait-style lure. Just reel it in steadily, and it’ll rise slightly while giving off a tight, subtle body roll. That upward movement is something fish can’t resist. And for topwater fans? You can even walk it on the surface or just under it. If a fish misses the bait, kill the retrieve and let it sink back into their strike zone. That’s something no other topwater bait can do.
When it comes to gear, keep it simple. Use the same rod and reel setup as you would for your suspending jerkbaits or topwaters. A 6.5- to 7-foot medium-action casting rod with a parabolic bend works perfectly. Pair it with a medium-fast reel and spool up with fluorocarbon for most situations. If you’re fishing it on the surface, switch to monofilament to keep it floating high. Trust me, once you try the Krej, you’ll be blown away by its versatility and effectiveness. This bait is going to change the way you fish for suspended bass, especially in open water. So, give it a shot and get ready to have your arm ripped off by some big bites!
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