Want to start jigging...help with rod/reel selection

[Sea Draggin]

Paul can you tell me what features to look for in a rod.

I have been reading at the Shimano website and they mention about the rod having a particular action that it imparts to the jig. I realize some of that may be advertising and trying to sell a rod but I don't personally know anyone who jigs so I've got no one to bounce it off of.

You sort of need to start this process in figuring out what you are targeting (fish size) and the depth. As far as jigs go, you can use the rough rule of thumb that says 100g per 100ft, more or less.

Lets say you are going to drop 200g jigs in 120ft of water for 10-20lb grouper. A $99 trevala will do that all day.

If you are going to drop 300g jigs in 300ft of water for 40-120lb AJ's, you are going to need a 300g to 500g rod with some backbone, although you can push the limits of smaller rods using a lighter drag.

Then you can mix in other personal preferences, like do you want a shorter rod for speed jigging or a longer rod for yo-yo jigging. Spin or conv.

Hope thats a start for you. Lets pick a specific target and go from there.

[paul708]

Paul,
What type of blanks are those?
Thanks,
Jim

Jim. i have a couple different brands i use for these..very nice blanks (for the price)..
i will be posting more about the blanks in a few weeks,
i am going to the distributor for a visit, i will have alot of info when i get back.
they are blanks avail to everyone.
i am also trying a few batson blanks for new rods.

getting testing done is tougher with the weather around here.
i guess i need to get some more warm water guys on the tackle testing program

[Sea Draggin]

i am also trying a few batson blanks for new rods.

A lot of builders like Batson products. I would guess this comes from the financial aspect of the build.

I have seen some things with their products (specifically roller guides), as well as a conversation I had with mr. Batson at the rod building show, that would lead me to never buy anything from them, with all the other better options available. If a customer comes up and gives you a handful of stainless roller guides that are rusting, you should bend over backwards to make it right.

However, I guess if I was a builder trying to go economy, they may be a solution, but the headache would surely out weigh any gain, I would have to believe.

[WhiteLakeBuc]

there are a few different styles and rod combos avail.

some guys like the longer rods
and some like the shorter rods

some like spin and some use conv.


good starter reels are a saltist or a torium
the saragosa or some guys use the bigger penns to start

i can help with rods if you are interested.
either spin or conv.
these new rods make a great starter rod .can be made different lengths
and conv or spin..
for 189.00 hard to beat

SPIN JIGGING ROD

Do these rods have a warranty? I know for a newby warranty on a rod is strongly recommended. Shimano Trevala has a lifetime warranty.

[paul708]

A lot of builders like Batson products. I would guess this comes from the financial aspect of the build.

I have seen some things with their products (specifically roller guides), as well as a conversation I had with mr. Batson at the rod building show, that would lead me to never buy anything from them, with all the other better options available. If a customer comes up and gives you a handful of stainless roller guides that are rusting, you should bend over backwards to make it right.

However, I guess if I was a builder trying to go economy, they may be a solution, but the headache would surely out weigh any gain, I would have to believe.

absoultly..the batson stuff is very "value priced" for the builder,

i have not used the guides ,except on a few personal rods of mine. testing them
i have not tried the rollers..i guess i am lucky.
or
made a good choice.
i use all aftco, winthrop, and all american rollers titanium rollers..unless the client specifically askes for something else.
and most if not all of the ring guides i use are fuji.

they do have a few very good Blanks to choose from..

[paul708]

Do these rods have a warranty? I know for a newby warranty on a rod is strongly recommended. Shimano Trevala has a lifetime warranty.

yes, the blanks and parts all have mani warranty,

if my work is to blame i will ALWAYS cover that.

when you buy a custom, i dont think any builder will give a lifetime warranty.

but for 189.00
cant miss the deal

[Radiater]

You sort of need to start this process in figuring out what you are targeting (fish size) and the depth. As far as jigs go, you can use the rough rule of thumb that says 100g per 100ft, more or less.

Lets say you are going to drop 200g jigs in 120ft of water for 10-20lb grouper. A $99 trevala will do that all day.

If you are going to drop 300g jigs in 300ft of water for 40-120lb AJ's, you are going to need a 300g to 500g rod with some backbone, although you can push the limits of smaller rods using a lighter drag.

Then you can mix in other personal preferences, like do you want a shorter rod for speed jigging or a longer rod for yo-yo jigging. Spin or conv.

Hope thats a start for you. Lets pick a specific target and go from there.

I want to target wrecks with sea bass from 100 to 200' and also tuna up to 300'. I can go either way on the reel.

[Sea Draggin]

Two more questions. Budget? Warranty Expectations?

[Radiater]

Two more questions. Budget? Warranty Expectations?

300 to 500 per setup.

Warranty is nice but not necessarily mandantory

[ElMar2530]

I'm surprised no one mentioned a Penn Baja special??

Not a bad reel for the price, if you can still find one.