Introduction to Slow Pitch Jigging

Originating from Japan, slow pitch jigging is a lure fishing technique that mimics the erratic movements of wounded baitfish. Unlike traditional speed jigging, slow pitch focuses on the jig’s descent, enticing predatory fish during the fall. This method is effective for targeting a variety of species, including snapper, grouper, tuna, tile fish, and cod.

Essential Gear

Rods: Precision and Sensitivity

Slow pitch jigging rods are distinctively designed to impart the desired action to the jig. Key characteristics include:

Length: Typically between 5’0” and 9’0″, allowing for controlled jig manipulation
Action: Moderate to slow, enabling the rod to load and unload energy smoothly, which is crucial for the jig’s fluttering motion
Power: P0-P6, suitable for handling jigs ranging from 60g to 400g

Notable rod options include:

Witch Doctor Tackle Pandemic
Johnny Jigs Pro Jigger Plus

Reels: High Gear Ratio and Torque

A suitable reel for slow pitch jigging should offer a balance between speed and power. Consider the following features:

Type: Narrow spooled conventional reels are preferred for their line control and torque
Gear Ratio: High gear ratios (5.2:1 to 7.1:1) facilitate quick line retrieval, essential for maintaining jig action
Drag System: 3 types of drag systems including a star, lever, and dual drag
- Star drags are smooth but micro adjustments are not as accurate as lever drag when fighting a fish. Lever drag allows a pre-programmed incremental series of known drag weight so when fighting a fish you can increase drag, while knowing you will never exceed your line’s break strength
Reel Size: Based upon the rod jig and depth you fish, reels are made in small, medium, large, and extra large.
- Diawa uses sizes 10-15-20-35, Accurate 300-500-600-800, Shimano 1000-2000-2500-4000, and Maxel 25-35-60-90 all these reels were designed for certain line capacity depending on application.

Recommendations:

Maxel Rage Pro 60
Shimano Ocea Jigger
Daiwa Saltiga LD

Line: Braided for Sensitivity

Braided lines are favored in slow pitch jigging due to their minimal stretch and high sensitivity. Key considerations:

Strength: 20 to 60 lb test lines are common, with the choice depending on target species and depth
Diameter: Thinner diameters reduce water resistance, aiding in maintaining a vertical line angle
Leader: A fluorocarbon leader (50 to 80 lb) is typically added for abrasion resistance and invisibility underwater

Recommendations:

Berkley X9
Daiwa J-Braid

Jigs: Center Weighted

The jig is central to the slow pitch technique, designed to mimic the erratic fall of injured prey. Important aspects:

Weight: Typically between 50g and 350g, selected based on water depth and current
Design: Center weighted jigs produce a fluttering descent, attracting predatory fish
Hooks: Equipped with assist hooks on both ends to increase hook up rates

Recommendations

Johnny Jigs One Drop
Sea Falcon Z Slow
Maxel Dragon Fly

Slow Pitch Jigging Techniques

Slow pitch jigging involves a wide range of techniques and movements to give life to the lure and spark a predator fishes native instincts. Understanding how to leverage these various techniques and when to use them can help you land more fish.

1. Lift, Wind & Follow

This foundational technique involves lifting the rod, winding the reel, and after reaching the peak dropping the rod tip down following the slack line as the jig descends. This will create a fluttering motion that mimics injured baitfish. Always watch and keep a finger on the slack line while lowering the rod, if the jig stops for any reason that means a fish is on so start reeling.

2. Long Fall & Follow

In this technique you would lift the rod high, without using the reel and after simply allow the jig to fall freely. Be sure to again follow the slack line down with the rod tip. It’s particularly effective for targeting fish at a specific level of depth.

3. Hovering / Walk the Dog

Here you would keep the rod horizontal and use half or full reel winds. You are prioritizing the reel versus the motion of the rod here. This will give the jig short, side to side movements, as a hovering baitfish.This subtle action can trigger bites from hesitant predators. Remember to take pauses between each reel wind, as well as experiment with different durations.

4. Combined Actions

As you start to get the hang of it you can begin mixing different techniques, such as transitioning from lift, wind, and follow to hovering. Given fish will react differently to each movement, diversifying across different techniques will help increase the chances of a strike.

5. Speed/Mechanical Jigging

A more aggressive approach, speed/mechanical jigging involves quick short rod lifts and faster retrieves. Using longer, tail weighted jigs, this method focuses on the retrieving of your lure with a reel-and-pump motion and quick pasuses. It allows you to cover more area faster across different depths. Performs best with ambush predators like tuna that respond to sudden movements.

6. Micro Jigging

Micro jigging employs lighter gear and smaller jigs (30g-70g) to imitate small baitfish. It’s effective when fish are feeding on micro prey or when dealing with a lot of structure below to prevent getting snagged. Techniques include slow retrieves, pauses, and varied jigging motions. Important to note that micro jigging will typically be a spinning setup due to lightness, sensitivity, and ease of use.

Finesse and Precision

Slow pitch jigging revolutionizes traditional fish fighting methods by emphasizing finesse over brute strength. Unlike speed jigging, where the rod plays a significant role in battling fish, slow pitch relies predominantly on the reel’s power and the angler’s technique.

Their lightweight and parabolic nature make them ideal for subtle movements to the jig but limited design for the strenuous task of fighting fish. Instead, anglers should maintain the rod at or below a 45-degree angle to the water, avoiding the instinct to high stick the rod. This approach ensures the rod remains within its optimal performance range, preserving its integrity and functionality.

The reel assumes the primary role in subduing fish. High-quality reels with robust drag systems and efficient gear ratios are essential. When a fish strikes, keep the rod steady and use the reel to apply consistent pressure. Allow the fish to run when necessary, relying on the drag system to tire it out, and reel in line during moments of slack. This methodical approach ensures a controlled and efficient fight.

Practice Makes Perfect

Slow pitch jigging is a style away from the typical traditional fishing instincts. Developing proficiency requires practice and a deep understanding of your equipment’s capabilities. By focusing on reel control and maintaining proper rod positioning, anglers can effectively harness the full potential, leading to enjoyable fishing experiences and catching more fish.