Introduction to Saltwater Jigging

   For the past year or so, I have been dreaming of catching a fish through the popular technique called "jigging".  Developed by the Japanese to target reef species, and popularized by a small Taiwanese company Jigging Master.

   Apprehensive at first, I was unsure of the effectiveness of using a long slab of metal. weighing 100gm to 700gm or more, attached to an assist hook, yo-yo'ed by an angler using a mechanical lift and crank motion. But after watching tons of videos available through You Tube, I found myself entranced by the technique.

   Everyday, I studied the art of jigging. I watched videos, read magazine articles, and asked my fishing buddies about it. I practiced the jigging motion at every chance I get; imagining the scenario, working the jig, then ... Bam! I was definitely hooked.

   After months of research and day dreaming, I got the chance to build myself a jigging setup. Being the hardcore "budget angler", I settled for an Avet MXJ 5.8:1, matched to a Lemax Superbrand SB5758. Main line was Accurate Accubraid in 30lb test, with a top shot of Momoi Clear Monofilament in 60lb test. A mismatched setup it is, but it was the best I could afford. I also bought a few jigs, all under the River 2 Sea brand. That was it, I was ready.

   April 14 - 15, 2012. The dates were set. A fishing trip with Team Dirty South. Location: Calatagan, Batangas.

   We arrived at the spot by noon. The sounder showed about 500ft or more.The crew were setting the anchor while some of my friends dropped their jigs already. I followed suit, and dropped my River2Sea 200gm Knife jig. The jig went straight down but took quite some time to reach the bottom. Still, waiting for my jig to stop, my friends were jigging already.

   Feeling the bottom, I reeled in the slack, popped the jig off the floor, and started jigging. My rhythm was neat and felt comfortable. Lift and crank. About 10 cranks in, on my first ever jig drop, I got bit! Lo and behold the strike, hard, fast, and addictive! The fight was exhilarating, and I could not get enough of it.

    A few minutes later, my first fish on a jig, an Amberjack, was gaffed, and was in my hands.

   The rest of the day, multiple AJ's were caught using live bait, I got seasick, and slept the rest of the day. The next morning, I shook the nausea away and jigged again. 2nd AJ on jig. 

   I am now focused on improving my technique, and looking forward to catching more fish on jigs. Please follow my journey to improvement and happiness. God bless us all!