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Lure Review

 

A Hot Swappable Jerkbait - The Baitsanity Explorer BCS 120 (continued)

 

Operation: The Baitsanity Explorer Jerkbait BCS 120 shares the familiar profile of most jerkbaits, featuring a long, slender, minnow-shaped body. However, unlike Baitsanity’s swimbaits and Simplebait hardbaits, it forgoes the brand’s signature “frown” design, making it the least recognizable lure in their lineup. Despite this, the series still incorporates several of the company’s hallmark features, including its signature finishes and popular colorways, such as the fan-favorite Bread.

 


The bait features quality hardware including BKK treble hooks


Each BCS 120 comes equipped with razor-sharp BKK treble hooks, eliminating the need for upgrades right out of the package. As an added bonus, Baitsanity includes treble hook safety caps and a C-Connector carrying case to help organize and manage the interchangeable modules.
What sets the BCS 120 apart is its interchangeable C-Connector modules, which make the bait incredibly versatile. Using Baitsanity’s patented Bait Connect System, anglers can effortlessly adjust the jerkbait’s behavior—transforming it from floating to suspending, sinking, or even fast-sinking - in a matter of seconds. This innovative system allows for quick customization, ensuring the bait can adapt to a variety of conditions and presentations.

 


A look at the empty chamber, ready to accept a C-Connector


When I first started fishing the Baitsanity Explorer Jerkbait, I questioned why the module system was designed to insert from the bottom of the bait, as this brings anglers uncomfortably close to the sticky BKK hooks. However, I quickly discovered that the BaitConnect System has been optimized for this jerkbait, making module insertions and removals smoother than the tail system found on some of the company’s swimbaits.

 


C-Connectors are loaded through the belly of the Baitsanity Jerkbait


The BCS system is straightforward - it simply requires light pressure to lock, deploy, and remove the modules. The best way to insert a module is to flip the jerkbait over, effectively making the bottom the top, which allows the hooks to fall to the side for seamless insertion. To remove a module, I found that pressing down on the connector from the top provides just enough force to wedge it free and eject it without hassle.

 


I later found the easiest way to load the modules is to flip the bait over. You can just press on the C-Connector from the top to pop out the module


Effectively fishing the BCS 120 does involve a steeper learning curve compared to traditional jerkbaits, where you simply tie on, cast, and adjust your retrieve. Each C-Module configuration affects the bait’s action and cadence differently, requiring some experimentation to truly dial in your preferred presentation. I found most modules intuitive to fish, with the exception of the heaviest, which demanded a bit more finesse and attention.

 


The ability to alter depths proved deadly for targeting fish in changing conditions


The fast-sinking module is particularly unique. It gets the bait down quickly but can make it harder to detect what is happening at the end of your line. The faster sink rates also dramatically change the presentation when the bait is at rest. It was not until I paired the BCS 120 with my Garmin LiveScope that I fully understood its potential. By using LiveScope, I could experiment with different approaches, such as casting past fish and working the bait back toward them or casting nearby and allowing the bait to shimmy down like a wounded minnow- a deadly technique for triggering strikes.

 


When the tides changes we were able to keep fishing working patterns by simply changing modules to stay above the vegetation and in the strike zone


While targeting California Delta stripers with Fahad, we put the BCS Jerkbait’s versatility to the test as a large tidal swing drastically changed the fishing conditions. Just a couple of hours earlier, we were successfully catching fish using the C2 suspending module, but as the tide shifted and the productive areas grew shallower, our casts began to snag on vegetation. Without retying, Fahad swapped out the C-Connector for the C1 floating module, allowing the bait to run shallower and glide over the vegetation. Within just a few casts, he began drawing followers again and converted a few quality fish on each drift. The only variable that changed was the module, and it was fascinating to see how the same pattern continued to produce followers and strikes simply by adjusting the bait’s running depth to keep it in the fish’s strike zone.

 


Fahad lands a few solid fish by adapting the Jerkbait quickly with the C1 floating module

 

One important factor to consider is that water temperature can slightly affect the bait’s float or sink rates. Baitsanity likely tested and rated these baits around 55-degree water temps, and for the most part, I found their ratings accurate from spring through fall. However, during the colder winter months, I noticed the baits would sink faster. This is due to colder water being denser than warmer water, which causes this jerkbait, and most lures, to sink more quickly. The takeaway? You may need to adjust your retrieve speed and cadence during colder conditions to account for changes in buoyancy and ensure the bait achieves your desired action.


The ability to tune the Baitsanity Explorer Jerkbait BCS 120 makes it an exceptional hardbait for target fishing. Its versatility in adapting retrieves based on structure and the fish's position in the water column gives the BCS 120 a precision, sniper-like quality. Paired with live sonar, the bait becomes even more effective, allowing anglers to quickly adjust sink rates and presentations to trigger strikes.

 


Once you learn how each C-Connector impacts the jerkbait you can adapt quickly and maximize the BCS's potential


So, how effective is the BCS 120 for the everyday angler? It can be deadly effective, helping anglers become more efficient by reducing the need for frequent re-ties while maximizing adaptability. The key to success lies in understanding how each C-Module impacts the bait’s action and knowing when to use each one to keep your presentation in the strike zone longer. If you put in the time to experiment and master these modules, the BCS 120 can be not only deadly but also the most versatile jerkbait in your arsenal.

 


With the fixed weighting position the one area that this bait falls short of some other jerkbaits is casting distance, and ability to shoot smoothly through wind


That said, there is one area where the Baitsanity Jerkbait could be improved: casting distance, particularly in windy conditions. Due to its mid-weighted modular design and lack of an internal weight-transfer system, the bait doesn’t carry as much tail weight during the cast. This limits its ability to launch as far as jerkbaits equipped with a shifting weight system. In windy conditions, the BCS 120 can struggle more than competing baits, and can tumble mid-flight, which does reduce some accuracy and range. As a result, while the BCS 120 excels at pinpoint target fishing, it’s less effective as a horizontal search bait for covering large expanses of water. However, it shines as a vertical search bait, where its depth-adjustable system allows anglers to effectively target fish by fishing shallower or deeper than traditional jerkbaits.

 


Holes and slots in the bait help displace more water and create churn and vibration

Next Section: How this new jerkbait stacks up...

 

   

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