Jigging New Zealand
Author: Greg Hill (from GoFish.co.nz)
Japanese jigging, butterfly jigging and jigging are terms used to describe a contemporary technique for fishing with long metal jigs, in a rhythmic action. The action goes something like this: drop the rod tip and wind the reel one revolution, lift the rod tip and repeat at speed, through the fish active water column. Sounds awkward but with practice it becomes a natural fluid action. Mechanical jigging is very effective, often out-fishing traditional speed jigging, mainly because the lure is kept longer in the fish zone and a more frenzied lure action produces more bites.
Rods used are short, non-traditional parabolic high modulus graphite rods, which are very strong with huge lifting power and the parabolic action imparts some fluidity to the jig. These rods are generally not parabolic in the original sense but, with great hoop strength and thick walls, they are capable of handling heavy braid and massive drag pressures. Know this: not all rods are created equal. There are some real back-breaking shockers out there.Most good rods are factory-tested so if you break one, warranty claims may on deaf ears because it may have been used outside the manufacturer’s specifications.Rods are given a PE rating, which is the braid-breaking strain: PE-8 is 80lb, PE-5 is 50lb generally. Rods also have a rating for recommended lure weight, maximum reel drag setting and maximum angle at which the highest drag setting can be applied to not point-load the rod. Some popular rods are Smiths, Shimano jigwrex, Shimano blue rose, Xzoga, Jigging master, Terminator, Daiwa Monster Mesh and power jig rods.
The reel specs are as follows: braid capable, ideally narrow, low speed – between 4 and 5:1 for heavy braid PE 5 -8 (that’s 50 to 80lb, but usually breaks at 100 to 150lb crazy ratings but that’s the world of braid) and up to 6:1 ratio for lighter braid is fine.Popular reel brands include Daiwa Saltist, Daiwa Saltiga, Shimano Ocean Jigger, Shimano Torsa, Shimano Trinidad, Accurate Reel, and Fin-nor Offshores. There are also some exotics like Blue Heaven and Pro Gear. Factory drags are often up-rated with carbontex kits but be warned: this can void a warranty. However, you will find that these reels can take it when market handles (like the Power jig T-bar and Accurate round knobs) are fitted, making it more comfortable and less abrasive than a rubber handle. Spin or overhead? In New Zealand, we’re about 80/20 in favour of overhead. Daiwa Saltiga Expedition 6000, Shimano Stella SW 20000 and Fin-nor Offshore 7500 8500 are the pick of the bunch and will handle PE 5-8 braid and all low speed so you can get a crank on decent fish. Metal jigs, long jigs, knife jigs, 7 gram to 700 gram, centre, tail- and head-weighted, all shapes and sizes – there is a huge variety of jigs, from designer to cheap. But you do get what you pay for. Good jigs don’t bend so much, the paint and prism film doesn’t lift and the wire that sticks out the end goes right through the jig. A kevlar cord, via a solid ring that is, in turn, attached to the jig by a strong split ring, usually connects the hook. Hooks need to be super-sharp and strong to ensure good penetration and holding power. Reliable brands include Zest Jigs, Powerjig, River 2 Sea, Hook Choice, Fisherman, Owner Monster and Mustad Hoodlum.
Here at Go Fish we are mechanical jigging specialists. We built the gear, we understand modern tackle and techniques and we are always happy to discuss trends and tackle. So it’s time to go out to the shed, put the old gear up for sale and invest in some modern mechanical jigging tackle. We’re not only talking heavy gear. There is also great light 20-30lb tackle available that’s effective on yellowtail (kingfish) bass, haupuka, trumpeter, haupuka, tuna, and many other fish and that will keep you smiling and enjoying your sport fishing for years to come. This is fishing today.
www.gofish.co.nz – Gofish Tackle Co is an Auckland fishing store that has been following and developing all the tackle and gear required to suit New Zealand conditions. We are always happy to discuss tackle trends and development.
About the Author:
Greg Hill, owner of Go fish tackle kicking against the flood of low-quality unreliable fishing tackle on the market, sources here and overseas to hand-pick a range of the best fishing tackle available. Everything is exceptionally well-priced, with absolutely no compromise in quality – guaranteed. “I’ve built the kind of shop that I want to visit,” he says. “Somewhere where you don’t have to trawl through a load of junk to find the good stuff. A place to just swing by and see what’s new.”
Greg has been in the wholesale and retail sports trade since the 70s. He was founder and owner of one of the first specialist tackle stores in the country, in Whakatane, New Zealand’s premiere tackle store 80s and 90s. He developed the original ‘duck egg’ trolling lure, among other products now widely used. He was also the original importer of Calstar rods. He knows what he’s on about. “I’m just into fishing — everything from game fishing to sitting on the wharf with my daughter catching sprats.” He still holds a 6kg NZ Skipjack record and includes many days fishing at the Ranfurly, and Three kings, and sitting in a 12″ tinny at Browns Bay as favourite fishing moments.
