What I have...

[Dyllan]

Really can't wait for things to worm up here in Va. so I can try some of this jigging for the first time. Now I DO NOT HAVE these jigging reels and rods that I've been reading about. But I do have a 5.5 to 1 ratio spinning reel on a 7' med. heavy action rod. The reel is spooled with 80lb. Power Pro and I guess I'll use a 20' 80lb. mono leader???? Will this set up do for me for the time or not.....

[Jiggin Junkie]

It should work. My buddy just jigs with his old beat up Penn 6500 spinning reel and has a blast doing it.

[paul708]

what brand rod and reel?
they may work ok.
if you get the jig in front of the fish. you have a chance to catch.

[Dyllan]

so when the time comes,,, how much am I looking at for a pretty good rig say a 7 with 10 being the best you can buy for jigging with jigs up to 6oz?

[Jiggin Junkie]

conventional or spinning?

[paul708]

my choice for spinners..
a 10
stella with a custom JM jig rod. about 1500.00

a 7
a sagagosa with a custom jpr jigging rod. about 525.00

a little less
a fin-nor OFS75 with a custom jpr jiggin rod...325.00

[Joey Herring]

For a starter rod..it's hard to beat the shimano trevala spinning rods. They are reasonably priced and come with an awesome warranty. If you break it..you can walk right into a store that carries them and they will replace it on the spot..no questions asked. I have two and I am VERY satisfied.

As for the rod that you currently have..you may find that it will be a 2 piece after your first trip if you run into an AJ.
My suggestion would be at least get a decent rod first if money is the issue..then step up to a good reel.

[gman]

here is my suggestion ... you have never jigged before so go and use what you have, its fine and there is no reason to spend money on something you dont know if you love. Then if you love it you can always upgrade.

That is

[Ponce]

I started with a penn 750ss on trevala xxh. I've caught Groupers, Snappers, AJ's, and various other bottom fish, up to 30 lbs. Up to this point this set-up has handeled them all well. I now have a Saltiga on a JM 350 as my primary and the other set-up as a back-up.

Like others have mentioned try it first or go out with someone who can show you the ropes before you buy the latest and greatest set-ups which can go in the thousands per rod / reel combo. It is easy to spend a ton of money jigging.

[Dyllan]

Thanks guys,,,, I'm really looking forward to the waters getting warmer over here in Va and northern NC. But then again,, I may just head out and try for some BSB and Tile on the wrecks????