Jigging - Which Rod? Calling Jiggers!

[ContenderWays]

I am looking to setup another rod dedicated for jigging when we are offshore fishing. Sometimes the jig rod outperforms the gogs on the kite and whatever else we have out.

I have been using a small Penn Spinner with Powerpro and 50lb mono leader. Small pilchard jig with a live pilchard on the end. I rarely get cut off and catch big muttons, kings, grouper, etc.

Im considering going conventional for this setup.. maybe a tld 15 or something 2 speed to get them up quicker and out of the whole...

Any jiggers?????

[Boboe]

Shimano is all bonered up about their Torsa line of reels, pimping them as the ultimate jigging reels. I don't like the looks of the reels, with that big clunky gear on the side, but I haven't used them at all either. They claim that they're very powerful for their size.

Regarding grouper fishing and keeping them out of the rocks, I fish nothing less than 80# main line. I like to have the ass to haul them away from the rocks in a hurry. You can't do that with 50#, unless the groupers aren't that big, or the bottom is relatively benign. Nasty, dynamic, jagged bottom is not the place for finesse fishing.

[UFCroft]

accurate, Boss series. Capable of heavy drag and still maintain a lighter feel.

[szarawani]

those look nice though I have never played with them. accurate Reels
I have been using Trindad's and they yank everything up and do so in a hurry.

[ContenderWays]

is it a must to have a 2 speed or quick retreive reel?

[ContenderWays]

I always fish Jerry Brown on my jig rod and have had great success... i use 50lb leader... The accurate is great but $400 is a bit much. I would consider it though. Hey ReelProshop - any better deal and with what rod? Something light for good jig action, but strong enough to pull out of rock

[ContenderWays]

do you jiggers, jig a whole ballyhoo double hook rig do any good?

I always use a light pilchard jib tipped with live bait.. The pilchard jig has a flat head (not bullet) and causes good action ont he bait.

[Mike]

I love jigging also. I have been considering getting a higher speed reel also to help get them up quicker. I am using a tld now.

I need to find heavier pilchard jigs though for those days when the current is moving.

I usually fish the 90-130 range while we are live bait drifiting. Last time out we got 3 muttons, 3 jacks, triggerfish, and 1 kingfish on the jig rod when the flatlines went untouched.

[Nick C]

What up my jigga's!
Torium 20 on a matching shimano trevala rod is my top pick esp for the price.

[Mike]

Originally Posted by Nick C

What up my jigga's!
Torium 20 on a matching shimano trevala rod is my top pick esp for the price.

What type of jig are you using?

[Nick C]

I like the williamsons.... they aren't too expensive and work great. The shimano ones work great too, but are way too much $$. The Bass Pro jigs work good too. When I use a 3 1/2 or 5oz jig, I use the bass pro jigs.

[Mike]

Ya i usually use the flat head pilchard jig from capt harry's but I saw them at bass pro last time I was there also... I just need to find some heavier ones for when the current is ripping.

You using mono on your shimano? I use Power Pro to a mono leader.

[DIRTYFOOT2]

50H SALTIST by Diawa on a 30/50 cape fear custom. Kept crushing the drag in the toruim. Stole the handle off the tweaked toruim and put it on the Diawa. Much more comfy. 80lb PPro straight to an 80 lb flouro leader. Williamson jig, or any size knocker. Get your jig on

[ContenderWays]

what does this Williamson jig look like?

Like this???

[DIRTYFOOT2]

You got it. I like pink. Also went to the two hook aftermarket retro for mine. Have caught all kinds of crazy chit on em. That said they are not replacing bait in certain circumstances. Mike said it right. They are perfect toys when you have the kite, and drift spread out allready.

[Mike]

Interesting.. I haven't used these... Do you tip it with a live bait? Muttons and grouper go after these? Looks like the kings would love it.

I have always use the pilchard jig

[Nick C]

CW, Those are the williamson Abyss models. I don't like those. I use the Williamson Benthos.
80lb braid to 80lb leader for me.

[Mike]

heres a video for begin jiggers: Capitan Canary Fishing Jigging Video ( Shimano )

[ContenderWays]

Originally Posted by Nick C

CW, Those are the williamson Abyss models. I don't like those. I use the Williamson Benthos.
80lb braid to 80lb leader for me.

What connection from the main line to leader do you use? I was thinking just a short bimini on the main line to an albright type knot to leader..

Then when tying to the jig, using a loop knot for more action?

[Mike]

I saw bass pro has the shimano jigging system on display.... I am yet to try a jig with the hook up top, but it looks like an effective setup...

[ContenderWays]

i've looked at the shimano jigs also. Looks real nice but quite pricey. I'll give one a try though.

[JahMussa]

I started jigging about 5 years ago. At that time I used an 8ft Calstar blank and caught a lot of fish. But the workout was not to my liking We switched to the shorter 5ft rods along with high speed reels and that made it better. Still a workout because if there is an AJ within 50 miles... it will find your jig!

We started out with the $25 dollar jigs and quickly learned how fast you can spend your money. The jigs we found to be a good value are the Williamson jigs. Sure you can get better hooks and have a jig with better paint but you will catch just as many fish as you do with the $25 versions.

Rods... they are not all the same so getting a true jigging rod will make your day much more enjoyable. That's not to say that you can't jig with a 50w...

Reels... conventional gear works well but go with a narrow spool. As you retreive your line fast, you don't need to worry about levelwinding. Or... don't forget to consider a spinner. They are strong and fast and will catch big fish.

-Tek

[Nick C]

Mike, the jigs with the hook up top are the way to go.
I was using one of the rods Tek sells and was very impressed.

[mannyc]

What the hell is wrong with me then? I have some Williamson jigs and never caught chit with them. I am ready to give them away. I have given them try after try. Since I am doing more kite fishing these days I just spent some $$$ on a few different shimano butterfly jigs to give them a try. I hear a lot about them, maybe its just technique.

[Mike]

in the video on this thread the guy recommends short jerks.. we have been using the pilchard jig for several years with good success and have always done long high jerks, but we also use a live bait on it (usually small pilchard).

Im going to try these butterfly jigs next time out.

[Shark Tagger]

both ways are effective, its just a matter of ambition. I sometimes put in rod holder and catch fish too

[mlutz95]

Im about to get a combo from bass pro; its a penn torque and offshore extreme freestyle rod( bass pros company). Its $420. would that be a good deal? or is it best to stick with shimano on jigging?

[ContenderWays]

i ended up going with the shimano jigging rod and a torium 20. Awesome combo at a great price. I only used it once and did well so far.

[Mike]

I took a look at the shimano jiggin rod at bass pro. They have a nice little section full of the system tackle. I'm going to give one of their jigs a try next time out.

According to that video, the short and fast jigs are the way to go... I ahve been doing long and slow jigs with my jig tipped with live bait and doing very well...

[mlutz95]

just got a torque300 and bass pro freestyle rod and trying it out first time this weekend. it casts great if you would ever need to cast into a bait ball, cant wait to use it. wish me luck