Magical Metals

Are You An Ironman? If Not, You're Seriously Missing Out!

The vertical jigging craze has hit Florida full-force; however, this deep-jigging technique is not a novel concept. Anglers in Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia and California have been deep-jigging for decades. It wasn't until the early 90s when Japanese anglers reinvented this technique with the introduction of specialized equipment and terminal tackle, and brought this exciting style of light-tackle fishing to a whole new level called, "Vertical Jigging."

What many anglers don’t realize is that it’s the entire system – from rod, reel, braided line, fluorocarbon leader material and jig – that makes this technique so deadly. Vertical jigging can be extremely laborious, and to properly execute this highly effective fish-catching tactic, it is imperative that you are outfitted with the proper equipment.

When vertical jigging, many experienced anglers prefer conventional reels that offer high-retrieve rates, however, some feel that with spinning gear, the angle of your wrist allows for a more effective and efficient jigging motion. No matter what type of reel you choose, a high-quality drag system is imperative, as the fish you are targeting – whether it be snapper, grouper, kingfish or amberjack – will make a strong-run towards the nearest structure when your hook meets its point.

Equally important as a quality reel with a silky-smooth drag is a powerful, durable and lightweight rod. Numerous manufacturers offer specialized sticks which are custom designed for vertical jigging specifics though like any other type of fishing; there is no single rod that is perfect for every situation. While a durable rod capable of withstanding long runs from tackle-busting game fish is no doubt important, the most critical aspect of any vertical jigging stick is weight, as a powerful, yet ultra-lightweight rod will enable you to work your metal for hours on end. Most leading manufactures offer specialized jigging sticks in a variety of weight classes. What these feather-light rods have in common is unrivaled parabolic strength with exceptional lifting power.

As important as any other piece of the puzzle, braided line allows anglers to effectively horse big fish to the surface. These ultra-strong fiber lines have zero-stretch and due to their ultra-thin diameter, offer increased line capacity, enabling anglers to use smaller and lighter reels. When fishing braided lines that offer near zero give, it is absolutely necessary that anglers use a leader that offers some sort of shock resistance. Fluorocarbon is the preferred leader of choice since it offers less visibility, increased durability and stealth over monofilament. The drawback is that yard for yard it is significantly more expensive.

When it comes to purchasing vertical jigs there are many options, with numerous manufacturers offering their own versions. Their designs are all relatively similar with two basic variations – center balanced jigs which are designed to madly flutter and dart on the drop, enticing hungry game fish to strike while the offering is falling. These jigs have their specific applications and are generally reserved for targeting powerful pelagics like tuna and wahoo. Rear weighted jigs are the second option and are designed to fall straight to the bottom while creating an erratic swimming motion when ripped to the surface. These are the jigs that many anglers deploy when targeting shallow reefs and wrecks around the great state of Florida. Both center balanced and rear weighted jigs are available in various weights, lengths and color patterns to suit specific current and depth variations as well as mimicking prevalent baitfish species.

The free-swinging hooks seen on vertical jigs are commonly referred to as “Assist Hooks.” These ultra-wide-gap hooks offer anglers better hookup ratios when compared to traditional metal jigs with treble hooks, and they are also less likely to get snagged on nearby structure. Assist hooks are generally attached with a Kevlar, Dacron or Technora fiber cord, but if you plan on targeting toothy predators like wahoo or kingfish, they can be rigged with wire or multi-strand cable. With traditional jigs, the weight of the jig often applies unwanted leverage and can easily dislodge the hook. Assist hooks should be attached to the forward eye of vertical jigs, as the inline design will help keep you hooked up.

Like all styles of fishing, vertical jigging success only comes when focusing your efforts in the appropriate locales. Well-defined structure and solid concentrations of baitfish are two important factors to key in on. Tight lines!

Rig it Right

While there a number of variations, there is a basic way to rig a vertical jig. The method simply involves looping an assist hook through a solid ring – where your leader is tied. The solid ring is affixed to a split-ring, as is your choice of jig. This makes changing jigs to meet existing conditions a cinch. Anglers who routinely fish vertical jigs understand the importance and necessity of a quality pair of split-ring pliers, as this essential tool allows anglers to quickly change jigs without having to re-rig.