Which Rod, OTI 400g or 600g???

[CFScheer]

I've been given permission to buy a new jigging set-up for our company boat. With a budget of $600 I'm thinking of going with a saragosa 18000F and an OTI extreme jigger. I'd like some opinions on whether I should go with the 400g or the 600g.

This rod will do most of it's work on amberjack, grouper and snapper 30-50 lbs., but I will likely be hooking into AJ's up to 120 and grouper/snapper that could push 70 as well. I also want to be prepared when I finally run into a school of triple digit YFT off-shore as well...1 or 2 boats a year catch a cow in this part of CR.

I'd like to put Daiwa Boat Braid PE6 or 8 on the reel and set the drag high. I'm typically using 150g-230g jigs. We lack strong currents and winds here, and most jigging takes place in less than 200 feet of water. Conditions have necessitated 300g before...that should be the max size I'll ever use though.

The drag and line size that I plan to use tell me to get the 600g when I look at the OTI rod specs.

Given the fact that I'll be using smaller jigs would the 400g be a better choice...would it give me better action on the jig and a better load on the rod?

Will the 400g fish bigger than the specs say it will as far as drag and line size?

I trust you guys to refine my perspectives.

Thanks - Cassidy

[paul708]

For what you are targeting the 600g OTI will handle it.

the 400g would load a little better.

It is a little shorter,at 5'2"

And If your max jig is not going to be above 400, It would probably be a better rod to work the jig for you.

What typical drag do you run?

Most guys use 18-20# or so.
The 400g rod will handle that and be fun.

[gman]

Cassidy I have felt both and I would suggest the 400g

[d-a]

Cassidy I have felt both and I would suggest the 400g

I agree

d-a

[andrew whitman]

me too. you wont get as tired with the 400g. ive used both and now use the 400g for everything offshore. grouper, snapper, tuna, ajs...
even right on structure the 400g has the nutz to do the job.

[Sea Draggin]

I see offshore jiggers go through the rod buying process like this (sort of like a boat buying progression):

1st - (or first couple) will often be budget rods like trevala
2nd - after budget phase they want strength and will get a heavy custom (400-600g)
3rd - they have lost action and want lighter and lighter customs. (300g -150g)

There is nothing wrong with the process like going from 21', to 25' to 28'. We learn as we go.

[CFScheer]

I see offshore jiggers go through the rod buying process like this (sort of like a boat buying progression):

1st - (or first couple) will often be budget rods like trevala
2nd - after budget phase they want strength and will get a heavy custom (400-600g)
3rd - they have lost action and want lighter and lighter customs. (300g -150g)

There is nothing wrong with the process like going from 21', to 25' to 28'. We learn as we go.

Hahahaha...looks like I'm on step 2...thank god it's only a 3 step program...

you weren't leaving out any more steps were you Jim?

[Sea Draggin]

There is a step 4. It involves having Paul on retainer for a rod every other month.

Its not pretty.

[John from Madison CT]

OTI says their 400g rods are supposed to be used at 17lbs. of drag, and can handle a 25lb drag MAX..

This worried me a bit as I fish 20lbs-22lbs as my norm. 17lbs on a 200lb Bluefin and you'll be fighting that fish for a lonnnngggg time.

After handling both the 400g and 600g, I can say that there's a noticeable difference. I'm going to use the 600g next season at Cape Cod. The fish will often break 200lb, with some probably running toward 250lbs, and they'll need at least 25lbs to whip 'em.

[crab]

i would say the 400g is the way to go... the 600 is way to stiff to work smaller jigs through the water collumn.