Choosing the Right Jerkbaits

When it comes to surf fishing the California coast, jerkbaits are a game-changer — especially for halibut, stripers, and big perch cruising the trough. The key is choosing the right size, action, and color based on water clarity, surf conditions, and the baitfish in your area. Go with 110mm or 115mm jerkbaits for maximum casting distance and lifelike movement. Look for models with suspending action, allowing you to use a “jerk-pause” retrieve that mimics an injured baitfish. Clear water? Try natural colors like anchovy or sardine. Murky or low light? Switch to bright or metallic patterns for visibility. The right jerkbait doesn’t just cast far — it calls fish in. At Red Sky Surf Hunters, we’ve tested what works. Let us help you outsmart the fish, one twitch and one pause at a time.

 Lucky Craft Flash Minnow 110 Colors for California Surf

The Lucky Craft Flash Minnow 110 is a premier jerkbait for California surf fishing, renowned for its realistic action and effectiveness in shallow waters. Its 4.5-inch, 5/8 oz profile mimics local baitfish, making it irresistible to species like halibut, surf perch, and striped bass. With a slow-suspending design and a diving depth of 1–2 feet, it's ideal for targeting fish in the surf zone.

Based on angler feedback and performance, here are the Top 5 Lucky Craft Flash Minnow 110 Colors for California surf fishing:

Why These Colors Work

  • Natural look (Anchovy, Sardine, Ghost) for clear conditions and baitfish matches.

  • Flash and contrast (Metallic Sardine, Chika BP) catch attention across choppy surf and slack tide.

  • Glow variants like MS Superglow or Cherry Berry shine during low-light, overcast, or deep surf conditions.

Pro Tips for Choosing Colors

  • Clear water = Natural hues (Anchovy, Ghost White).

  • Murky or windy conditions = Flashy or high-contrast options (Metallic Sardine, Chika BP).

  • Low light or dawn/dusk = Glow-in-the-dark / super-glow colors (Cherry Berry, Super Glow Sardine).

How to Choose the Best Lucky Craft Flash Minnow for SoCal Surf Fishing

By Longfin Fishing Tackle

In this helpful video, the team at Longfin Fishing Tackle breaks down how to choose the best Lucky Craft Flash Minnow 110 colors for surf fishing along the Southern California coast. Whether you're targeting halibut, perch, or stripers, they cover when and why to use top-performing colors like MS Anchovy, Metallic Sardine, Chika Chika BP, and Cherry Berry. You'll learn how light, water clarity, and baitfish patterns affect lure choice — and how small changes in presentation can make a big difference in the surf.

Perfect for beginner and experienced surf anglers looking to step up their jerkbait game.

📺 Watch now and fish smarter with Lucky Craft in California’s surf!

Top 5 Lucky Craft Flash Minnow 110  

MS Anchovy

 

  • Why It Works: Designed to imitate anchovy, a prevalent baitfish along the California coast. Its natural coloration is effective in clear water conditions.

  • Best For: Halibut, surf perch, and striped bass.

 

 

Metallic Sardine

 

  • Why It Works: Features a shiny, reflective finish that mimics sardines, attracting fish in various light conditions.

  • Best For: Striped bass and halibut.


 

Aurora Barred Surf Perch

 

  • Why It Works: Specifically designed to resemble barred surf perch, a common prey item, making it highly effective in the surf.

  • Best For: Surf perch and halibut.


 

Ghost White Seabass

 

  • Why It Works: Its translucent body and subtle coloration are ideal for clear water and pressured fishing areas.

  • Best For: White seabass and halibut.


 

Zebra Mackerel

 

  • Why It Works: Enhanced with glow-in-the-dark properties, making it effective during low-light conditions such as dawn, dusk, or overcast days.

  • Best For: Halibut and striped bass.


 

These selections are based on their proven effectiveness in California surf fishing scenarios. When choosing a color, consider the local baitfish, water clarity, and light conditions to maximize your success.

Top 5 Super Glow Colors

Why Choose Super Glow?

  • Enhanced visibility during dawn, dusk, overcast skies, or murky surf.

  • Fish-attracting flash underwater triggers reactive strikes.

  • Perfect for halibut, stripers, and surf perch on California beaches.

Colors like the Super Glow MS Anchovy, Metallic Sardine, Super Glow Cherry Berry, Ghost Green Smelt, and the Electric Grunion are excellent choices when fishing the surf or along jetties for halibut.

Pairing & Retrieve Tips

  • When to Use Glow?
    During dawn, dusk, overcast days, or in deep/dirty surf—glow lure contrast helps trigger reactive strikes.

  • Retrieve Style:
    Use a jerk-pause-jerk retrieve. Cast beyond breakers, twitch 3–4 times, pause for 2–3 seconds. Watch for taps or drops during pauses—often a bite happens on the stop.

  • Line & Setup:
    Pair with 3000–4000-size reel, 15–20 lb braided line, and wire trace for stripers/halibut. Lighter monofilament works well for perch.

Jerkbait Size Guide: 110 vs 140

Size                 Inches                         Best Use                               Fish Targeted                                            Notes

110mm

~4.3 in

All-around size for California surf

Barred surf perch, halibut, stripers

Easy to cast, matches most baitfish

115mm

~4.5 in

Slightly larger profile

Halibut, stripers, calico bass

Still casts well, more flash

140mm

~5.5 in

Larger baitfish imitation

Big stripers, halibut, occasional leopard shark hits

Best used with heavier gear, stronger surf

Why Size Matters in Surf Fishing:

Bigger lures (like 140mm):

  • Imitate larger prey (sardines, mackerel)

  • Are more visible in rough or murky surf

  • Attract larger predators (striped bass, halibut)

  • Require a rod that can handle heavier weight (usually 1–1.5 oz range)

Smaller lures (like 110mm):

  • Match hatch better (anchovy, smelt)

  • More subtle action—great for calm surf or pressured beaches

  • Easier to cast with light/medium tackle

  • Trigger more perch and finesse bites

Pro Tip for California Surf:

Use 110mm–115mm jerkbaits for daily surf trips chasing perch and halibut. Break out the 140mm when you see bait balls, birds diving, or know stripers are in town.

Use Speed Clips for Surf Fishing

Here's Why They Work

  1. Quick Swaps

    • Perfect for fast-changing between jerkbaits, spoons, or different rigs (e.g., perch rig → halibut rig).

    • Saves time when the bite shifts or you want to experiment.

  2. Strong & Simple Design

    • Most speed clips are rated to 30–50+ lbs, so they’re strong enough for surf perch, halibut, and even striped bass if used properly.

  3. Keeps Line Intact

    • No need to retie your leader every time—preserves fluoro/mono leader material and reduces time spent rigging on windy beaches.

But Keep These in Mind

Concern

Explanation

Added hardware = less stealth

In clear or pressured water, fish might shy away from the shiny clip. You can hide it with a snap or tie a short leader section.

Weak point in the chain

If the clip isn’t seated properly or is a cheaper model, it may bend or open under stress.

Doesn’t fit all lures

Some jerkbaits (like narrow split ring eyes) might not seat easily in the clip’s loop. Always test action before casting.

Top 5 Super Glow  

Super Glow Pearl White Sardine

 

  • A pearlescent white with glow edges—mimics baitfish in murky water or low light.

  • Ranked among the top sellers

 

           Super Glow OB           Cherry Berry

 

  • Bright cherry-red glow that stands out in cloudy surf.

  • Known to attract bites during tougher conditions and featured in glow listings .

 

Super Glow Sexy Smelt

 

  • Smelt-like profile with high-contrast glow—excellent when fish lock onto the bite zone.

  • Frequently highlighted in glow-focused color ranges


 

Super Glow Spanish Mackerel

 

  • Realistic Spanish mackerel pattern with glow accents for visibility in deeper troughs.

  • Listed as part of Lucky Craft’s glow surf lineup

 

 

Super Glow Blue‑Pink Sardine

 

  • High-contrast blue-pink pattern with glow—works great in mixed lighting.

 

 

Other Jerkbait Brands

When it comes to jerkbaits for California surf fishing, Calissa, Battlestar, and LITTMA each bring something unique to your tackle box. The Calissa Fast Sink Jerkbait is built for distance and depth, making it a top pick when you're targeting halibut or stripers in deeper troughs or when the wind picks up. Its weight transfer system and realistic baitfish patterns mimic local forage like anchovies and smelt. On the other hand, the Battlestar 115 Jerkbait is a favorite among local surf anglers for its balanced action, UV-enhanced finishes, and reliable performance in both calm and turbulent surf. It's an all-around workhorse for perch, halibut, and even rock-hugging species like calico bass. Then there’s the LITTMA Fusion 110, a high-end jerkbait known for its refined tuning, premium hooks, and precision movement. Ideal for clear water and finicky fish, LITTMA excels when presentation and subtle action make all the difference. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a tide-chasing fanatic, these three jerkbaits cover a wide range of conditions along the California coast.

Calissa Fast Sink 110 Jerkbait

  • 110 mm, fast-sinking, heavy-duty for long casts and deep troughs.

  • Realistic baitfish finishes designed for CA surf.

  • Approx. $16–$60 (price varies by listing).

  • Confirmed availability via Amazon listings

Battlestar 115 Jerkbait

  • 115 mm, ¾ oz, slow-floating, rattling jerkbait with long cast and pause action.

  • Comparable performance to Lucky Craft, proven durable  

  • Available for ~$15 via multiple sellers.

LITTMA Fusion/Surf Minnow 110

  • 110 mm jerkbait with weight-transfer casting and built-in rattle.

  • Japanese laser holographic finish, ideal for finesse presentation .

Calissa Offshore Tackle 110mm and 140mm California Inshore Fishing - Special Jerkbait - 5 Pack

Calissa’s 5-pack delivers professional-level finishes and good swim action at a fraction of premium brand prices. With some minor rig upgrades and pre-fishing checks, they’re effective surf and inshore jerkbaits—especially great for anglers looking to maximize catch potential without the premium cost.

 

 Calissa Offshore Tackle 110mm and 140mm California Inshore Fishing - Special Jerkbait Crankbait Surf Flash Fishing Salt Pro Lure - Midnight Purple 

The Midnight Purple Calissa jerkbait is a standout in camouflage and flash—offering big-bait presence in low light or pressured surf. With swimming action akin to pricier brands, it’s a reliable performer. Add in some minor hardware upgrades, and this pair becomes a well-equipped duo for inshore surf anglers.

 

Battlestar 115 Jerkbait–Slow Floating, Long Casting, Realistic Action   Saltwater  - Green Sardine

Battlestar 115 (Green Sardine) is a workhorse jerkbait perfect for diverse fishing conditions—from inshore reefs to surf breaks. It combines a smooth, fish-triggering action with rugged toughness and affordability. The slow-floating design lets you finesse it anywhere, while its premium build ensures reliability even in rough terrain..

 

Battlestar 115 Jerkbait–Slow Floating, Long Casting, Realistic Action Fishing Lure for Saltwater - Glow Sexy Smelt

The Glow Sexy Smelt colorway is a standout for surf and inshore environments. With fish-provoking glow, durable hardware, and slow-floating finesse action, it’s a top pick for pro-level performance at everyday prices.

 

LITTMA California Surf Fishing Lures Saltwater Jerkbait Crankbait Surf Minnow 110  - Halibut killer

The “Halibut Killer” colorway of the LITTMA Surf Minnow 110 stands tall as a powerfully effective surf jerkbait. It blends long-casting finesse, realistic motion, durable hardware, and proven catch results into a cost-effective package. It’s a strong pick for anglers targeting halibut and other surf species—no upgrades needed unless you want lighter terminal tackle or single hooks for fish care.

LITTMA California Surf Fishing Lures Saltwater Jerkbait Crankbait Surf Minnow 110  - Anchovy

The Anchovy color of the LITTMA Surf Minnow 110 is a standout combination of lifelike finish, long-casting design, and rugged build—ideal for California surf situations. It covers all tactical bases out of the box, but eco-conscious anglers may choose to swap to a single inline hook for fish safety. Overall, it’s an affordable and high-performing lure that excels on halibut, stripers, perch, and more.

Why You Should Upgrade Your Jerkbaits

Upgrading your jerkbaits isn’t just for pros—it’s a smart move that improves performance, durability, and fish care. Most off-the-shelf jerkbaits come with stock hardware that may look good but can fail under real surf conditions. If you're targeting halibut, stripers, or calico in California’s surf, you want gear that can handle the fight..

5 Key Reasons to Upgrade

 

  • Stronger Hooks Prevent Lost Fish
    Factory treble hooks are often thin or weak. Upgrading to high-quality trebles or inline singles helps reduce straightened hooks and missed hooksets—especially with big halibut or stripers.

 

  • Rust Resistance
    Saltwater destroys cheap hooks and rings fast. Premium hardware (like Owner ST-41s or BKK trebles) offers corrosion-resistant coatings that last longer and save you money in the long run.

 

  • Better Hookup Ratios
    Sharper, stickier upgraded hooks increase your hookup rate, especially when fish strike short or swipe at the bait.

 

  • Fish-Friendly Options
    Switching to inline single hooks makes it easier to unhook fish safely—ideal for catch-and-release and fishing in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

 

  • Confidence on Every Cast
    When your gear is dialed in, you fish with more focus and confidence—knowing your jerkbait is ready for whatever hits next.

Upgrade Guide: Jerkbaits for California Surf

Brand

Model/Size

Stock Hook Type

Recommended Upgrade

Split Ring Upgrade

Calissa

110mm / 140mm

Standard trebles (prone to rust)

#6 or #4 Owner ST-41 or BKK Raptor-Z

Owner Hyper Wire #3

Battlestar

115mm

2X Strong Trebles

#4 VMC 9626 or Inline Single #1/0

Solid, upgrade if bent

LITTMA

Surf Minnow 110

BKK #6 Trebles (salt rated)

Optional: Inline Single #1/0 for C&R

Owner Hyper Wire #3

Lucky Craft

Flash Minnow 110 / 115

Decent stock trebles (light gauge)

#6 Owner ST-46, Gamakatsu Trebles, or Inline Single #1

Stronger ring recommended: Hyper Wire #3

Notes on Lucky Craft:

  • Hooks: While Lucky Craft trebles are okay out of the box, they’re light wire and bend easily on big halibut or stripers. Many serious surf anglers swap them immediately.

  • Split Rings: Stronger fish have been known to bend or open the original rings. Use Owner Hyper Wire or SPRO Power Split Rings.

Upgrade Tips for All Jerkbaits

  • Use split ring pliers to avoid damaging your lure body or fingers.

  • Tune in water after upgrading—heavier hooks can slightly affect action or sink rate.

  • Inline single hooks face the belly or tail depending on rigging and are great for easier unhooking.

  • Use salt-resistant gear like stainless steel or coated hooks to extend lifespan.

Upgrade Steps

  1. Remove old split rings and hooks with split ring pliers.

  2. Install upgraded split rings if the originals are rusted or weak.

  3. Attach upgraded hooks—either trebles or inline singles facing inward.

  4. Tune the lure in a bucket or shallow water to ensure it still suspends or floats as designed.

  5. Add a dab of oil to new split rings and hooks for saltwater protection.

Tools & Accessories

  • Split ring pliers

  • Owner Hyper Wire Split Rings (#3)

  • Treble hook size guide (keep #6 for 110mm, #4 for 140mm)

  • Hook file or sharpener

  • Salt-away spray (optional)

Final Thought

Whether you're a casual angler or chasing trophy fish, upgrading your jerkbaits turns good lures into great ones. It’s a small tweak that delivers big results—and it’s one more way to fish smarter and stronger in California surf.

XTOUC 7.5" Fishing Pliers

The XTOUC 7.5″ Saltwater Pliers offer a great balance of lightweight design, multi-function utility, and saltwater resilience at a competitive price (~$23). Ideal for surf or inshore anglers, they handle line cutting, hook removal, and split-ring changes efficiently. Just perform routine maintenance and give them a squeeze test after heavy use to ensure long-term reliability.

Owner P-12 Split Ring Hyper Wire No. 72812

Strength & Durability

  • Fully stainless-steel, high‑quality construction rated for 46 lb single-wire / 76 lb double-wire strength  

  • Forged for extra strength with strong recoil, ensuring rings stay tightly closed under load  

  Specs & Sizes

  • Size #3: 14-piece pack, inner diameter ~4.5 mm—ideal for 110–140 mm jerkbaits. Handles lines and hooks up to 46 lb test  

  Best Uses

  • Perfect for surf jerkbaits, swimbaits, walleye and bass lures—offering reliable fish-retention and improved hook performance

Owner 5656 ST-56 Treble 3X-Strong Super Need Point Hook, Black Chrome

If you fish California surf or inshore waters targeting hard-fighting species, the Owner ST‑56 trebles provide a significant hardware upgrade—combining strength, sharpness, and saltwater durability. They’re especially effective for anglers using 110–140 mm jerkbaits who want a dependable setup without compromising lure action.

Dr.Fish Fishing Power Clips Stainless Steel Topwater Speed Lure Clips Quick Change Fishing Snap Connector  

Topwater Co Speed Clips are a great tool for surf anglers who want speed and flexibility. They’re strong, simple, and reduce re-rigging time. Just be sure to use high-quality versions, watch for lure compatibility, and double-check them for wear. They shine most when you're experimenting with multiple lures in changing surf conditions.

STAR BRITE Salt Off Spray - Ready-To-Use Salt Remover Wash for Boats, Vehicles, Trailers and Fishing Gear - 22 Ounce Spray  

After surf sessions, salt buildup can corrode gear quickly. STAR BRITE Salt Off not only removes that salt—it leaves a protective barrier to slow future corrosion, helping gear last longer and look better.

Fish Hook Sharpeners 2 Pcs Double Sided Diamond File Portable Fishing Sharpener Fine and Medium Grit for Grinding Fish Hooks

The double-sided diamond fish hook sharpener is a reliable, compact tool every angler should keep in their tackle kit. It's lightweight, simple to use, and works well even in shore or wading conditions. Whether you're prepping gear before a surf session or refreshing hooks between casts, it's an essential optimization for better hooksets and more catches.

From Surf to Strike: Jerkbait Mastery for the California Surf

When it comes to surf fishing in California, not all jerkbaits are created equal. Whether you're casting the reliable Calissa Fast Sink, the long-casting Battlestar 115, the precision-tuned LITTMA Fusion 110, or a proven Lucky Craft Flash Minnow, upgrading your hooks, split rings, and terminal hardware is more than a tweak—it's a tactical advantage.

Understanding jerkbait sizes like 110mm vs. 140mm can also make the difference between a quiet session and a rod-bending strike. Add in fish-triggering techniques like stop-and-go retrieves or twitch-pause cadences, and you’ve got the foundation for surf success.

At Red Sky Surf Hunters, we’re here to help you outsmart the fish—one hook at a time. We test and recommend gear that works in real surf, not just on paper. From rigging tips to product reviews, we bring surf fishing knowledge straight to your tackle bag.

 Whether you're chasing perch, halibut, or stripers, sharpen your edge, swap your hooks, and stay ready with trusted jerkbaits—and let Surf Hunters be part of every cast and catch.

Manresa boasts wide, sandy beaches and deep offshore troughs, making it an excellent spot to target striped bass, surf perch, and, with a bit of luck, even a halibut or leopard shark. Night fishing here adds an element of mystery to the experience, but it requires careful preparation and heightened awareness. Location Tip: Familiarizing yourself with the fishing area during the day is essential for spotting potential hazards and identifying productive zones.

Got a favorite jerkbait for chasing surf perch or halibut? Whether you're running a Lucky Craft Flash Minnow 110 or a budget-friendly alternative, we want to hear what’s been working in your surf zone. Do you prefer ghost patterns for clear water or bold colors on overcast days? Drop your go-to models, colors, and retrieval tips below — let’s help each other hook more fish, one cast at a time.

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