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Vertical jigging with jigging spoons |
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Vertical Jigging - a fishing technique of vertically jigging a spoon
Vertical jigging is the fishing technique of dropping a jig or spoon vertically to the sea bed from a boat and then bringing it back to the surface by a series of jerks and jigging movements. The technique is to attract bottom feeding fish and game fish by trying to get a bite when retrieving the jigging spoon, by mimicking a bait fish or an injured fish that ascends with short spurts of speed or at a fast rate at the target depth.
The vertical jigging technique is normally performed at depths from 20m to over 100m after a showing of fish has been found using a fish finder. The jigging spoon is then dropped to the required depth and worked in the target area to get a strike.
The jigging spoons are normally an elongated shape to create various movements in the water and weigh from about 80 grams to over 400 grams. The hook is attached via a separate trace to the head of the spoon.
Strangely enough, this latest trend in fishing is in fact a return to a practice that many suspect might well be thousands of years old, but which has become very popular recently.
Vertical jigging is a very technical and physical style of fishing and adds a completely new dimension to angling. This is certainly not for the faint hearted or the 'cast and wait' type of fisherman. The angler needs to drop the line and then keep working it back up to the surface.
Anglers around the world are using vertical jigging to catch everything from rock cod and other bottom dwellers to pelagic game fish nearer the surface. Fish often bite the jigging spoon, not from hunger, but due to aggression and the reaction to the jigging movement.
Jigging rods
Jigging rods are jigging spoon weight specific, and should therefore be chosen to suit the target species, depth requirements and jigging spoon weight. The rods typically have a flexible tip that give the action of the jigging spoon. Light and medium-light weight rods are suitable for jigging spoons up to about 120g, medium and medium-heavy weight rods are suitable for jigging spoons from about 100g to 250g, and heavy and extra-heavy weight rods are suitable for jigging spoons from 120g up to over 400g.
A suitable choice for general use would be a 6’3” to 7' medium-heavy to heavy rod, which is capable of imparting the right action to jigging spoons from about 120g to 420g. Please remember when choosing an outfit that it takes a lot of strength and stamina to work a 420g jigging spoon for hours on end.
If you are new to jigging rather start with a medium to medium heavy weight rod that is reasonably priced. You can always get a more expensive heavy to extra-heavy rod as your interest and ability improve.
Jigging reels
Multiplier or spinning reels can be used for vertical jigging as there is no real casting action required. It is a matter of letting the jigging spoon down and then working it back up. The lever drag multiplier reel is much easier and more accurate to setup for the line's breaking strain. Star drag multiplier reels are a little more difficult to setup for the line's breaking strain, however they are just as suitable.
Spinning reels are often much easier for beginners and have improved immensely for saltwater applications. Both Daiwa and Penn have suitable spinning reels with strong enough drag systems to handle the heavy work required for vertical jigging.
The most important item to remember when getting a suitable rod and reel, is to ensure that the setup is balanced and won't tire out the angler unncessarily. Also consider the breaking strain of the nylon or braid and the weight of the jigging spoon. The reel should have a high enough gear ratio to impart a lively action onto the jigging spoon and I would recommend that a gear ratio of at least 5.1:1, or preferrably about 6.0:1. The Daiwa Saltiga and Penn Captiva reels are good options to look at, as well as any saltwater multiplier reel with a suitable gear ration and drag system.
Jigging spoons
Jigging spoons come in a large variety of weights, colours and shapes to create the right type of action and look. Jigging spoons can effectively be broken down into two groups, shallow water jigging in about 30 to 60m and deep water jigging from about 60m to 120m. The shallow water jigs typically weigh about 80 to 150g and the deep water jigs weigh from 250 to 420g. Shallow water jigs colours can be brighter while the deep water jigs should be two tone or should glow. Have a look at the Pulsator and Maria range of jigging spoons.
Braid and nylon
Braid is the preferred choice as it is much thiner than nylon and therefore is effected far less by currents especially when jigging at great depths. Choose a braid that will match the rod and reel and which would typically be 50lb right up to 130lb depending on the equipment being used and the target species.
Vertical jigging conclusion
Vertical jigging will change the way you think about angling and the manner in which you target specific species. New fishing trends have come and gone, but the vertical jigging technique is here to stay. Vertical jigging requires commitment and dedication, strength and stamina and identification of suitable locations to get consistently good results. |
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