I am wanting to get more comfortable using jerkbaits. Couple of questions: (1) basic set-up including rod length and action; (2) top baits (brand, color and size); and (3) when and where to use them.

Thanks for your input!

1) shorter the better 6'-6'6" medium action with a soft tip.
2) megabass or lucky craft, size (match baitfish size).
3) when-usually cold weather 50* and below. Where-points, humps, around docks, standing timber, bluff walls, rip rap, dams.
Things you didn't ask are how to use them. On your jerks always start and stop with slack line (if you've thown a topwater waling bait you'll know what I mean), you can't impart the action needed if not. And you can't throw heavy line, that will also kill the action. I would say 14# is max. Don't know the lakes you are fishing but if you can get away with it 8-10# is best. Change up your cadence and pause time until you find what they want (it can change day to day or with condition changes).

I have never used braid, but braid does not sink. Your bait would not track as deep. If you did use braid (no stretch) I would think you would need a more limber road than I suggested in above post and make less pronounced jerks. I am curious now if some do use braid?

This will help ya. Its a four hour live show that really gets cranked up around the 20 min mark.

https://youtu.be/5rT5REaBUPI

I have never used braid, but braid does not sink. Your bait would not track as deep. If you did use braid (no stretch) I would think you would need a more limber road than I suggested in above post and make less pronounced jerks. I am curious now if some do use braid?

Never. Fish can see line too easily. Also, it makes the bait's nose stick up because line floats. Most of the time you want the bait sitting level or tail end up a tad. I use copolymer 12lb green in SST AN 40. Works great! Mono is next best choice for me...

Why not Fluorocarbon? It sinks and less visible than any other fishing line. Mono floats like braid, I use it for topwater baits only.