Jigging newbie questions

Saltwater Offshore Discussion
1

I can venture out a bit further with new boat and want to try jigging. Been reading up on it as much as i can but wanted to ask some basic questions:

  1. Thinking 65# braid to 80# mono looks about right. Can i use a snap swivels to connect jig to mono so i can swap jigs or does the swivel mess up the action/visuals somehow?
  2. Assist hooks - should i remove the treble or single hook that usually comes with a jig and just atach two assist hooks from the top eye?
  3. If i have a split ring/figure of eight link to atach the assist hooks to the top eye of the jig, do i atach the mono to the jig eye or the split ring/figure of 8 that is holding the assist hooks?
  4. Generally does drifting and fats jigging work, or the slow descent, or just change things up until you get bites
  5. I have a very basic ugly stik jigging rod, any recoemndations on soemthing with a bit more feel that wont break the bank?

thanks a lot

I’m not a Dr, those are my initials and I cant edit my user name. Please do not contact me regarding medical issues :slight_smile:

2

same boat with questions, following!!

Wicked fishing
232 OPEN SPORTSMAN
250 YAMAHA 4 stroke

3

Stay away from the snap swivels. You can use split ring pliers and change out the jigs pretty easy. Tie mono directly to the solid ring.

Pioneer 222 Sportfish
Yamaha 250

4
  1. That’s what we use. But flouro leader gives a little more abrasion resistance.
  2. If the hook is questionable swap it. Should only be an issue with cheaper jigs. Assist hooks are generally pretty solid. We fish Shimano Butterfly Jigs 112g-168g, mostly 112g, with no hook issues.
  3. Solid ring to split ring. Tie to solid ring use split ring pliers to swap jigs. Bring extra assist hooks you will loose some and the spectra gets worn out.
  4. Fast jigging works best for grouper/tuna/jacks around here. Work the jig closer to the bottom to avoid kingfish/cudas, you can also slow the jig on the descent to prevent hits on the drop when it gets near the bottom. But experiment…what you consider fast and I consider fast are likely not the same.
  5. Shimano Trevala all the way, Game Type J if you want to spend more. When it comes to jigging you get what you pay for. Shimano Torium 14 or Trinidad 12 or 14 for reel. Reels should be higher gears not power gears.
5

I agree with Fish 99.26%
He’s not wrong on his rod and reel choice. They’re great. I bought a Ugly Stik Tiger lite and matched it with an Avet 5.3 and love it. Weighs nothing and holds 300yds of 50lb braid. It’s a little cheaper if you’re on a slightly lighter budget. Only issue is drag is a little light.

2018 Sea Fox 226 Commander
Catching Chaos

6
quote:
Originally posted by cbeck6523

I agree with Fish 99.26%
He’s not wrong on his rod and reel choice. They’re great. I bought a Ugly Stik Tiger lite and matched it with an Avet 5.3 and love it. Weighs nothing and holds 300yds of 50lb braid. It’s a little cheaper if you’re on a slightly lighter budget. Only issue is drag is a little light.

2018 Sea Fox 226 Commander
Catching Chaos

Increase your drag by not filling it with 300Yds…You don’t need that if dropping down to jig, or live bait straight down. Good info above.

NN

7

I meant it only has 14lb of drag

2018 Sea Fox 226 Commander
Catching Chaos

8
quote:
Originally posted by cbeck6523

I meant it only has 14lb of drag

2018 Sea Fox 226 Commander
Catching Chaos

No worries, just tryin to help.

A little thumb burn can add some drag too[:0].

NN

9

Lol no I know you were. Yeah I will probably avaoid using it grouper fishing lol.

2018 Sea Fox 226 Commander
Catching Chaos

10

A lot of anglers look at drag specs, and it is important, but most don’t realize what 15lbs of drag feels like. We use Trinidads and they put out 15lbs of drag. It will also change depending on how much line is on your spool like stated above.

We rarely get rocked by Scamp/Yellowmouth and we have caught some giants. The only issues are with Gag and like stated above you can thumb the spool to slow them. If you go that route watch your rod angle, best to point the rod more towards them.

Good thing about jigging is you tend to hook them off the bottom giving you a better chance of landing the fish. Jigs WILL outfish bait if grouper are around…I was not a believer until last year. We were putting 4 man limits in the boat in a couple of hours on a hot bite!

11

A lot of anglers look at drag specs, and it is important, but most don’t realize what 15lbs of drag feels like. We use Trinidads and they put out 15lbs of drag. It will also change depending on how much line is on your spool like stated above.

We rarely get rocked by Scamp/Yellowmouth and we have caught some giants. The only issues are with Gag and like stated above you can thumb the spool to slow them. If you go that route watch your rod angle, best to point the rod more towards them.

Good thing about jigging is you tend to hook them off the bottom giving you a better chance of landing the fish. Jigs WILL outfish bait if grouper are around…I was not a believer until last year. We were putting 4 man limits in the boat in a couple of hours on a hot bite!

12

Awesome info, thanks a lot guys!

I’m not a Dr, those are my initials and I cant edit my user name. Please do not contact me regarding medical issues :slight_smile:

13

Thanks Fish. I appreciate the info also.

2018 Sea Fox 226 Commander
Catching Chaos

14

One would think the person that grabbed the cover of the tide charts would know jigging techniques… oh snap!!!

“Another poon dream splintered on the rocks of reality.” --Peepod 07-25-2017

15

[quote]Originally posted by 23Sailfish

One would think the person that grabbed the cover of the tide charts would know jigging techniques… oh snap!!!

Ha ha Sail, love it!

I’m not a Dr, those are my initials and I cant edit my user name. Please do not contact me regarding medical issues :slight_smile:

16

I will second the Trevala rod. Best jigging rod I’ve used to date for the money

235 scout sportfish

17
quote:
Originally posted by drterry

Awesome info, thanks a lot guys!

if you need somebody to help test some of these awesome tips just let me know! have jigs…will travel…

The Morris Island Lighthouse www.savethelight.org

18
quote:
Originally posted by Bonzo72
quote:
Originally posted by drterry

Awesome info, thanks a lot guys!

if you need somebody to help test some of these awesome tips just let me know! have jigs…will travel…

The Morris Island Lighthouse www.savethelight.org

Carl

For sure let’s get out, will be fun!
By the way guys, what model Trevela , it looks like there are 4 or 5 jogging rods?

Cheers

I’m not a Dr, those are my initials and I cant edit my user name. Please do not contact me regarding medical issues :slight_smile:

19

I like the XXHeavy. It is the shortest at 5’8" and has the aluminum gimbal butt. The lighter weight ones don’t have a gimbal.

Pioneer 222 Sportfish
Yamaha 250

20

Just picked up a 5’6” star aerial at haddrells. Never used one. Strong as an ox will put to to test with some blackfin in the morning

235 scout sportfish