Using custom jigging tackle for fun on Black Drum this spring

[Caveman Sportfishing]

I have discussed with a few accomplished jig fishermen about using some of our world class dedicated jigging tackle when we have a real good Black Drum bite going and we are doing all catch and release. By no means are Black Drum in the class of tuna or close to AJ's but it would give some our charter customers the chance to experience what it is like to test out some of the fine jigging tackle we have on board the Hooked Up 11. We will spinners such as Shimano Stella 20000SW, which is probably the best spinning reel made in the world today, Saragosa 18000 F and at least 4-5 different models of Accurate Boss Extreme conventional reels loaded with 65 lb solid core spectra with mono top shots to use. The jigging rods will be short around 5 ft. to about 5'4 at the most and all made from custom light weight carbon fiber in the 340-400 gram class which are far more powerful than required for Black Drum but not for the tuna we see during the summer months. It would also enable the anglers to bring the fish to the boat and released in short order which should help them survive rather than a longer drawn out fight when using more traditional inshore tackle. We normally use all Shimano 6500 bait runners and probably will have some new Shimano Thunnus 1600F‘son board as well this spring which are upgrades to the traditional bait runners. We also have a vast array of various inshore conventional reels from Newell, Penn, Shimano and Diawa we use for Black Drum normally and almost all are reels are on custom rods from Paul at JPR Rods. We have all the regular tackle required to normally fish for trophy size spring stripers and big Black Drum but none of it is anywhere near as powerful or lightweight compared to our very high end jigging and popping tackle. We do not think drum will eat a jig so we will use surf clams as we usually do in the spring for drum. This is for those that are considering trying jigging for tuna this coming summer and it will allow them to see what this type of tackle is all about but without the back breaking battle a 150-200 lb. plus Bluefin can deliver. I think those not familiar with the new state of the art jigging tackle will look at it and think it is for sea bass at first but once you try it most will be flat out amazed.We plan to have some jigging tackle suppliers join us for a few trips to explain the pros and cons of the tackle they offer so it should be a real learning experience for those considering getting into the jigging game this coming offshore season. I know it is a bit crazy but we should have fun with it especially if get into those 60-80 lb. plus drum on one of our trips this spring.

[paul708]

Capt John.
It was great talking to you about this.

getting to try the different rod actions and equiptment before tuna season will be fun.

[B Cartlidge]

We do not think drum will eat a jig so we will use surf clams as we usually do in the spring for drum.

In Florida they eat jigs super well, infact that's all we use to fish for them...it's a much different fishery as the fish are schooled up for the spawn and we sight cast for them, but I definitely think that you should give it a whirl with the iron. You may be pleasantly surprised with the results.

Below are a few shots from a couple of weeks ago when we easily released 35+ Drum in a couple of hours showing the jigs that we use to keep costs down. We also use them because they work on every cast. I see no reason why diamond jigs wouldn't work in the bay (or any other type of jig for that matter).

Good luck this season.

Brian
Pez Machine Sportfishing
www.pezmachine.com

[Sea Draggin]

Brian,
Your a fishing machine. Nice job.

[Caveman Sportfishing]

I was lucky to been able to meet Capt Stu a few times this winter down in MHC when he was stopping by to talk with Capt Mark and he seemed like a great guy.
If you can ever make it get down to Cape May this spring and want to jump on board with us and show us how to catch some of these prehistoric drummers I would love to see how you do it in Florida. Thanks for the heads up and we will try some jigs on the drum this spring and see what happens.

[paul708]

In Florida they eat jigs super well, infact that's all we use to fish for them...it's a much different fishery as the fish are schooled up for the spawn and we sight cast for them, but I definitely think that you should give it a whirl with the iron. You may be pleasantly surprised with the results.

Below are a few shots from a couple of weeks ago when we easily released 35+ Drum in a couple of hours showing the jigs that we use to keep costs down. We also use them because they work on every cast. I see no reason why diamond jigs wouldn't work in the bay (or any other type of jig for that matter).

Good luck this season.

Brian
Pez Machine Sportfishing
www.pezmachine.com

awesome.
cant wait to give it a try