Newbie Full of Questions

[Tym_Green]

First of All, I want to say, this is the best jigging forum that I've read. You guys are great!!!!! I'm new to fishing, only been out 4 times but I love every moment that I'm out there. I’ve only been on Head boats, bottom fishing. I wanted to purchase my own gear and they turned me onto a jigging setup. I really didn’t know what it was until I went out on the net and did some research.I read GMANS Intro and was ready to take on the world. So I got the gear and tried it out on a head boat. I didn’t have much luck. First drop I caught 3 of the guys beside me and it took the mate almost 15 minutes to get us untangled. The rest of the day was pretty much the same. I stopped Jigging and just used their gear for bottom fishing.
That leads to my questions: Are most of you guys using private charters? If so how much does it usually cost? Do you have to Charter the entire boat or can you reserve a seat on a charter? Do you know of any good Charters that leave out of the Myrtle Beach – Little River area?

[Sea Draggin]

The answers to your questions about boats are going to vary a lot from town to town. Many of us are using private boats that we can backtroll and work the way we want.

There are boats that do jigging specific charters in Pirates Cove, Hatteras, Atlantic Beach, Wilmington and Southport that I know of. Also there are a bunch in the NE that do jigging charters. I am not familiar with any Myrtle Beach, but doesn't mean they aren't there.

There is Johns trip organizing right now Head Boat Jigging?

Regarding tangles. If a head boat is drifting and you are getting blow back, then you might tangle more often. You can use heavier jigs to off set this, or try from the bow where there might be more room. I think Johns trip is limiting anglers to give folks a little more room.

I put together group trips every so often. I would watch for those and jump on one, however I have to wait for my broken foot to heal before I take on another.

[Anders]

what are you jigging for? how deep? what is everyone else pulling up? Answers to these questions will help us to determine you are using the right bait.

You can also throw away from the side of the boat and then let your jig sink. And like Sea Draggin said, go to the front or the end of the boat where there may be less people, or block off an area with your cooler.

[Jiggin Junkie]

Your best bet is to try and hitch a ride on someones private boat and help with all expenses and cleanup. I have a bunch of jiggers that come to destin from Atlanta and they go out on my little 21' and have a blast jigging until their hearts are content. If you ever make it down to Destin then give me a shout.

[Tym_Green]

I saw John's headboat trip but the dates will not work for me. But I will keep my eyes open for the next trip.

On the head boat I used a 10oz jig. it was the heaviest that I had. I'm still building up my supplies.(will be placing an order soon, Jim). But the current was too strong- and the boat was crowded.
As for the depth we were fishing: anywhere from 150-250 feet of water.

Thanks for the Invite Spiney.. you guys are the Best!!!

[Jiggin Junkie]

I must confess that jigging is an addiction, once you start you are hooked.

[Sea Draggin]

On the head boat I used a 10oz jig. it was the heaviest that I had. I'm still building up my supplies.(will be placing an order soon, Jim). But the current was too strong- and the boat was crowded.
As for the depth we were fishing: anywhere from 150-250 feet of water.

10/300g should have been gracious plenty under normal conditions.

[Robja]

Tym,

First welcome to SFC. You might want to pm Ace1 since he lives in the MB area. We also have another member on here who mates on a boat out of Little River I think he goes by Calabash something????

[paul708]

First of All, I want to say, this is the best jigging forum that I've read. You guys are great!!!!! I'm new to fishing, only been out 4 times but I love every moment that I'm out there. I’ve only been on Head boats, bottom fishing. I wanted to purchase my own gear and they turned me onto a jigging setup. I really didn’t know what it was until I went out on the net and did some research.I read GMANS Intro and was ready to take on the world. So I got the gear and tried it out on a head boat. I didn’t have much luck. First drop I caught 3 of the guys beside me and it took the mate almost 15 minutes to get us untangled. The rest of the day was pretty much the same. I stopped Jigging and just used their gear for bottom fishing.
That leads to my questions: Are most of you guys using private charters? If so how much does it usually cost? Do you have to Charter the entire boat or can you reserve a seat on a charter? Do you know of any good Charters that leave out of the Myrtle Beach – Little River area?

we use alot of private charters, up here.
OR
if i charter a PB.. i only try to take 15-18 guys.
pleanty of room, for fishing, sleeping. rigging, and for all the tackle the guys bring.

what boat did you go on?
i have done a few charters there, they are about 900-1200
inshore stuff is cheaper.

i am coming down your way in a few weeks.
trying to do a jigging thing.
should be fun.

Oh yeah..WELCOME to the site

[kilsong]

Japasese style jigging is designed to crank fast, fast.
They are not designed for bottom fishing though you can catch them with Japanese styel short rods and japanese style jigging.

For bottom fishing, you got to see how cod fishermen jig for cod in New England.
Traditionally they use 7 - 8' long rod and cast alot to minimize tangles and get the jig at the bottom as long as they can.

If you like to jig for bottom fish on crowded party boats, you should adopt how cod fishermen jig on crowded party boats.