I like 6'6" to 7' M action rods for soft jerkbaits such as flukes, senkos, etc. MH is also o.k., but I feel M gives you a better feel of the bait and just suits soft plastic jerkbaits better. Make sure you have fluorocarbon line to get the best action out of the lure. I usually fish soft jerkbaits weightless, usually starting with a weightless t-rig, then moving onto a wacky rig if fish are not responding. If fished on a carolina rig or texas rig, I will fish it just like any other worm or lizard on a carolina rig. Graphite is the material of choice. I rarely do hard jerkbaiting (lucky craft pointers, strike king bleeding wild shiners), but when I do, I use the same setup. A 6'6" to 7' M action graphite rod, with fluorocarbon. I have used both on a MH rod before (for salwater, the same jerkbait), and there really is some difference between M and MH. I would personally go with M. Now my rod is a spinning rod made out of graphite, but now that I think about it, ripping a jerkbait is similar to crankbaiting so you might want to try out a fiberglass rod, but I have never had a problem using graphite (then again, I don't fish hard jerkbaits too often). I use them on a 6'6" spinning rod, M power, Shimano Convergence graphite rod. I'm pretty sure it has a fast action. Here's some tips: (for hard jerkbaits) If you want the lure to run shallower, use a heavier monofilament and a lighter hook (size 6-4?). To get it to run deeper, use larger hooks (size 3-1) and fluorocarbon.
Now remember, jerkbaits are called jerkbaits for a reason. Jerk them, jerk jerk twitch rest jerk jerk, just make up your own cadence.
