But the best river jerkbait bite occurs in a very specific location: shallow, rocky flats located immediately downriver of a current deflecting obstruction like a sand/gravel/rock bar.

Typically, rock bars are formed where feeder streams enter the main river. Over time, material is washed into the river during high flows in the tributaries. The resulting rock bar pushes the main flow of the river outward, leaving a pocket of quiet, rocky water tucked in behind the structure. Smallmouth bass, often the biggest ones in the river, tend to set up shop in such places. And suspending jerkbaits are one of the best ways of taking them.

Approach the spot from upriver, allowing the boat to go with the flow as it slides around the rock bar. As soon as the boat clears the tip of the bar, use the trolling motor to slide in behind the current edge. Fire a cast up next to the bank, and then begin a slow, twitch-pause retrieve. Most fish will be up close to the bank. As such, it's rarely necessary to fish the bait all the way back to the boat; so when you are down to the last 20 feet or so, wind in and cast again, working the boat slowly down the area of quiet water.

The area of productive water will vary from spot to spot. Some places are small, and can be fished with only a couple of dozen casts. Other areas will stretch for 50 to 75 yards, and can produce a several 3-pound-plus fish.

Both spinning and baitcasting tackle can be used to fish suspending jerkbaits. I prefer a baitcasting reel and a 6 1/2-foot-long jerkbait rod. Either 8- or 10-pound-test fluorocarbon line completes the outfit. I like to impart jerks by snapping the rod tip downward, and setting the hook by rotating my hips to the right, sweeping the rod along in the process.

Be sure to consult your state's laws regarding early-spring bass fishing. Many states have restricted seasons with special regulations regarding creel limits and minimum length limits. The use of barbless hooks may be required. And regardless of what you are allowed to keep, wise anglers religiously practice catch-and-release at this time of year when bigger fish are more vulnerable.