JIGGING OUTFITS

When to use: Vertical Jigging Heavy Baits

Action: Moderate

Power: Medium

Length: 6'6"

Reel Size: 5000-6000 size

Lure Sizes: 2oz to 6oz

Typical Line: 30lb Braid

Leader: 20-40lb Fluoro

Why Use Rods Specifically For Jigging?

Your casting gear will work acceptably for vertical jigging in a pinch, but a good dedicated striper jigging rod will make it easier and more enjoyable when using this technique. The very nature of vertical jigging makes selecting a rod designed for this technique a wise decision For example, a true vertical jigging rod is typically shorter and features a more parabolic action than a rod used for casting

The shorter length allows for better control when vertical jigging since, as the name suggests, the goal is to keep contact with your lure when it is straight below you A longer rod simply extends the distance you are away from the ideal vertical orientation, making it more cumbersome to control the jigging action and feel subtle pick-ups Vertical jigging rods not only have to feature sufficient backbone or power to control and bring a fish to the surface, often from significant depths, but their more moderate, parabolic action will handle a strike better Rods that are too stiff will often result in popped hooks when a fish hits a lure that is being vertically jigged

As mentioned above, vertical jigging is often practiced in deep water; I often use this technique in 80 or more feet of water that features heavy currents The use of four to six-ounces jigs is common practice and a shorter rod handles that weight more efficiently, while also allowing an angler to scale back to lighter jigs when the current eases or slacks off

Check out this video filmed in NJ We were snap jigging Hogy Sand Eel Jigs for suspended stripers.

Check out this video where Capt Mike Hogan and Capt Cullen Lundhold of Cape Star Charters heads out to deep water in Cape Cod Bay targeting finicky Stripers feeding on Sand Eels suspended in 70' - 90' depths