Jigging/Popping Anyone?

[The_Gaffer]

Just bought my 1st jigging lure...its a 150g sardine colour lure.  My intention is to use it along some ridges I know on the east side.  My basic setup will look something like this:
20-40lbs rod, 4:1 reel, 40lbs mono line and a 60lbs florocarbon leader.  I have done some reading up on how to jig, but my only question is this: where do you place the hook?...at the ring on the head or the ring at the end of the lure?....some people have told me that the hook is best placed at the head, since that is the place fish strike most.

[rob1974]

All the sites and articles I've read through have suggested using "assist hooks" on the head of the jig. 

The setup I found usefull is as follows: braid in the reel (important to reach deeper with equivalent weight, and to remove the strech factor since this might influence the action of the lure and the hooking of the fish), 5-10m of flourocarbon or mono, swivel and split ring. To the split ring I attach a solid ring with the assist hook, and the jig itself.  The split ring is useful to be able to remove the assit and jig should you decide to change them whilst fishing.  The assist should lie approx 1/3 to 1/2 of the way down the jig.  Also, the size of the hook should be substanial, 8/0 and larger; and you should calculate size according to jig - the space between the barb of the hook and the shank should be about 30% more than the width of the jig.

I have little experience on actual fishing, since my fishing mate prefers trolling (the boat is his!!!), but I did loads of research on the net, magazines and books.  If you'd like some literature or a fishing buddy contact me via private mail.

Rob

[rob1974]

Also, you need a good fishfinder.  Another thing, I think the 4:1 reel is a bit on the slow side, anything between 4.5:1 and 5:1 would be more suitable. 

Rob

[skip]

The Shimano Tyrnos range of reels are great for both trolling and jigging as they're II speed, a 2.0:1 on the low gear and a 5.0:1 on the high gear

As Rob mentioned, owner assist hooks seems to be the way to go, have two jigs that I haven't really tried yet and one has assist hooks.

[The_Gaffer]

What about the ring at the tail of the jig, do you fit a hook there too?

[skip]

From what I read, no you don't. Not sure why it's there I guess there must be a reason.

[rob1974]

You do not need a hook on the bottom of the jig unless you are fishing in very deep water and not touching the bottom eg for tuna in mid water.  The reason is that if you have a hook at the bottom it is more likely you will get snagged with the seabed.

Another thing, its better if you can use a 40lb rod and not a 20-40lb rod.  THe reason is the parabolic action of the 20-40lb rod will not transmit the movements of the rod and reel to the jig.  Also, the action will be much more tiring than with a stiffer rod.

Rob

[skip]

Joe, sounds like Rob is your man to take out jigging

Thanks for the tips Rob

[rob1974]

As I said before, I did a lot of research, but I have little practical experience.  If anyone would like literature (I even have a DVD on jigging - in Italian) please contact me in private mail.
robertob@euroweb.net.mt


Rob