First Impressions of Berkley Krej Lures Jerkbait 100
The Berkley Krej Lures Jerkbait 100 is not your average jerkbait. Designed by Berkley to excel with forward-facing sonar, it introduces a revolutionary “krejing” technique – an ascending and backwards-falling action unlike anything I’ve seen before. It’s a bold departure from traditional jerkbait presentations, promising a new level of control and triggering power.
For years, I’ve relied on classic jerkbaits for targeting suspended bass, but I was growing increasingly frustrated with their limitations in clear water and pressured fisheries. Fish would often follow but refuse to commit, or the traditional side-to-side action felt too predictable. I needed a bait that could offer a different look, a more natural fleeing motion, and the Berkley Krej Lures Jerkbait 100 seemed to be just that.
Out of the box, the Krej 100 feels solid and well-constructed. The finish is clean, and the hooks are sharp. Its profile is slender, hinting at the subtle action it promises. Holding it next to a classic Rapala X-Rap and a Lucky Craft Pointer 100, the Krej stands out with its unique head shape and weight distribution, designed to facilitate that signature ascending and backwards falling motion. I chose the Krej specifically for its innovative design, hoping it would provide an edge over more conventional jerkbaits.
My initial reaction was definitely excitement. This lure has the potential to change the game in clear water fisheries, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Berkley Krej Lures Jerkbait 100 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Berkley Krej Lures Jerkbait 100 on a clear, early-spring day on Lake Lanier, a notorious spotted bass fishery. I was specifically targeting suspended bass I could see on my Garmin LiveScope, a perfect scenario for “krejing.” The water temperature was in the low 50s, and the wind was calm.
The lure was relatively easy to cast, though its unique weighting required a slightly different retrieve than a traditional jerkbait. The first few casts were more about figuring out how to impart the desired action, and it took a little practice to get the hang of the upward sweep followed by the pause that allows the bait to fall backwards. I quickly realized the key was a short, sharp upward jerk, followed by slack line to allow the Krej to work its magic. After a few casts, I got the hang of it and the lure was moving in a nice, erratic manner.
The biggest surprise came when a spotted bass, clearly visible on the LiveScope, charged the bait as it was falling backwards. It engulfed it on the drop. The ascending action, coupled with that backwards fall, was triggering strikes I hadn’t been able to generate with other lures.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Berkley Krej Lures Jerkbait 100 has held up surprisingly well. The finish is still intact with only minor scratches, a testament to its durability. The hooks remain sharp, and the lure continues to produce consistent action.
Cleaning is simple; a quick rinse with freshwater is all that’s needed. I’ve noticed no degradation in performance even after repeated exposure to sunlight and various water conditions. Compared to my older jerkbaits, the Krej seems to be holding its own in terms of durability and maintaining its intended action.
The Krej has become a staple in my arsenal, consistently outperforming traditional jerkbaits in clear water situations. It’s proven to be a reliable and effective tool.
Breaking Down the Features of Berkley Krej Lures Jerkbait 100
Specifications
- The Berkley Krej Lures Jerkbait 100 measures 100mm in length. This makes it a solid choice for targeting a variety of fish.
- It’s a sinking lure. This allows it to quickly reach the desired depth and maintain contact in windy conditions.
- The Krej is designed with a unique ascending and darting action when worked. Its backwords fall on pause makes it a truly unique lure.
- It can be fished sub-surface or topwater. The lure is adaptable to different fishing conditions.
These specifications are critical because they define the Krej’s unique action and versatility. The sinking design allows for precise depth control, while the ascending and darting action, combined with the backwards fall, makes it an irresistible target.
Performance & Functionality
The Berkley Krej Lures Jerkbait 100 excels at triggering reaction strikes from otherwise hesitant fish. The ascending and darting action mimics a fleeing baitfish, while the backwards fall is something fish simply haven’t seen before. This creates a unique presentation they can’t resist.
The lure’s strength lies in its ability to be fished at various depths and speeds. It can be worked slowly for suspended fish or burned across the surface for aggressive predators. The primary weakness is that it takes practice to master. However, once you get the hang of imparting the proper action, it becomes incredibly effective.
The Krej has exceeded my expectations. It offers a unique presentation that consistently generates strikes when other lures fail.
Design & Ergonomics
The Berkley Krej Lures Jerkbait 100 boasts a streamlined design that minimizes water resistance, allowing for smooth retrieves and realistic action. The construction feels solid, and the weight is well-balanced for optimal casting distance. The quality of the materials instills confidence in its longevity.
While the action is unique, the lure is user-friendly. With a little practice, any angler can master the “krejing” technique and unlock its full potential.
Durability & Maintenance
The Berkley Krej Lures Jerkbait 100 is built to withstand the rigors of fishing. Its durable construction and high-quality hooks ensure it can handle even the toughest fish.
Maintenance is minimal. Simply rinse with freshwater after each use to prevent corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Berkley Krej Lures Jerkbait 100 doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, its standard lure hardware allows for easy hook replacement with different sizes or styles to suit various fishing conditions.
While there aren’t dedicated accessories, the lure is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket hooks and split rings. This allows anglers to customize the Krej to their specific preferences.
Pros and Cons of Berkley Krej Lures Jerkbait 100
Pros
- Unique ascending and darting action that triggers reaction strikes.
- Backwards fall on pause, a presentation fish haven’t seen before.
- Versatile – can be fished sub-surface or topwater.
- Designed with Forward Facing Sonar in mind, making it a powerful tool for targeted fishing.
- Durable construction that withstands repeated use.
Cons
- Requires practice to master the “krejing” technique.
- Price point is slightly higher than some traditional jerkbaits.
Who Should Buy Berkley Krej Lures Jerkbait 100?
The Berkley Krej Lures Jerkbait 100 is perfect for anglers who:
- Fish clear water fisheries and need a lure that can generate strikes from pressured fish.
- Utilize forward-facing sonar and want a lure designed to maximize its effectiveness.
- Are looking for a unique presentation that fish haven’t seen before.
Anglers who prefer traditional jerkbait presentations or are new to jerkbait fishing might find the Krej challenging to master. A quality fluorocarbon line is a must-have accessory to maximize sensitivity and minimize line visibility.
Conclusion on Berkley Krej Lures Jerkbait 100
The Berkley Krej Lures Jerkbait 100 is a game-changer in the world of jerkbait fishing. Its unique ascending and backwards-falling action provides a presentation that fish simply can’t resist. While it takes a bit of practice to master, the results are well worth the effort.
The price is justified by its innovative design, durable construction, and proven effectiveness. The Berkley Krej Lures Jerkbait 100 offers a new level of control and triggering power.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Berkley Krej Lures Jerkbait 100 to any angler looking to up their jerkbait game and target pressured fish. Add it to your tackle box and prepare to experience a whole new level of fishing success.