It's probably been covered time and time again. But with the thread discussing jigging, I wanted to discuss rods and reels more. Do yall use spinning outfits or bait casters more? Are there reels and rods that have proven to work well for jigging albacore?
newportfisher
Jigging rods and reels
Hey Cameron....
It depends on what type of jig / jigging style. There are at least 4 or 5 different categories of jigs one might use for albacore. And the gear varies with each one.
Folks have their favorites, that they will swear by. They all work. IMO it's situational. Are the fish staying down at 100 ft? Or are they 20 ft down? Fast drift or slow? Trying to hook one right after a troll rod goes off? Casting to jumpers?
It depends on what type of jig / jigging style. There are at least 4 or 5 different categories of jigs one might use for albacore. And the gear varies with each one.
Folks have their favorites, that they will swear by. They all work. IMO it's situational. Are the fish staying down at 100 ft? Or are they 20 ft down? Fast drift or slow? Trying to hook one right after a troll rod goes off? Casting to jumpers?
Mark Mc is right, they all work, and they all have their strong suites for specific situations.
The most common set up on my boat is a trevala heavy (or similar) with various conventional reels, quicker retrieve speeds, about 30-40" per crank, (Avet MX, Siegler SG, Lexa 400, Torium 16). Used with 3-6oz jigs. These get used to drop jigs on the slide (after troll hook up), vertical jigging 20-150' while drifting, and pitching to jumpers near the boat during a bait stop.
2nd most common set up is a trevala med/hvy spinning rod (or similar) with 4000 series spinning reel (Ex: Penn battle 2). Used with lighter 2-4oz jigs. These get used for casting to jumpers, vertical jigging 20-80' on a slower drift, pitching to jumpers near the boat. These are also the set-ups that I give to less experienced fisherman on my boat. I usually have one of these set ups tied to a 4oz rainbow flat fall. Drop for 10-15 seconds, reel back to the top, repeat until hooked up.
Spool with color change if you want to be able to target depths more accurately or guestimate (4oz jig drops 8-10ft/sec). Whomever's near the sonar should call out mark depths when drifting.
The most common set up on my boat is a trevala heavy (or similar) with various conventional reels, quicker retrieve speeds, about 30-40" per crank, (Avet MX, Siegler SG, Lexa 400, Torium 16). Used with 3-6oz jigs. These get used to drop jigs on the slide (after troll hook up), vertical jigging 20-150' while drifting, and pitching to jumpers near the boat during a bait stop.
2nd most common set up is a trevala med/hvy spinning rod (or similar) with 4000 series spinning reel (Ex: Penn battle 2). Used with lighter 2-4oz jigs. These get used for casting to jumpers, vertical jigging 20-80' on a slower drift, pitching to jumpers near the boat. These are also the set-ups that I give to less experienced fisherman on my boat. I usually have one of these set ups tied to a 4oz rainbow flat fall. Drop for 10-15 seconds, reel back to the top, repeat until hooked up.
Spool with color change if you want to be able to target depths more accurately or guestimate (4oz jig drops 8-10ft/sec). Whomever's near the sonar should call out mark depths when drifting.
Hard to go wrong with the Trevala. Light, stiff backbone, sensitive tip. I use 6-6 MH. Match it up to your favorite reel = winner
My favorite set up for vertical jigging is a Trevala medium with a Shimano Tranx401 HG spooled with depth hunter 50lb braid. I also use a Avet MXJ but prefer the Tranx if I'm jigging hard all day and the Tranx is easy to cast. For flat falls I use a spinning Trevala medium with a Penn Spinfisher V or I don't mind using my Shimano Tallus medium heavy with a Shimano Torium 16. I try to avoid putting flat falls on my lever drags because they are more difficult to cast any distance.
My favorite albacore setup is a Trevala 6'6" (tough poles have some in service 10+ year) Medium Heavy paired with Okuma Metaloid 5NII (tough reel have some in service 10+ year) with metered line (TUF Line 55lb 10' color changes is favorite for this rig, but JerryBrown patriot with 33' color changes excellent). These rod/reel also doubles as a good San Diego Yellowtail and puddler tuna rod.
Just noticed tackle direct has the Shimano Trevala 66MHon a crazy sale right now. $104. Is a screaming deal
Another fan of the Trevalas. I prefer M-L, M and MH depending on jig weight. I use spinning rods for all but slow pitch. I find it easier to get the rythem and action better with spinning reels. Most that I fish with agree or enjoy using mine at least. Besides, I have an easier time launching a jig to jumpers at distance with spinning gear.
I am not a fan of the Battle reels. There have been too many corrosion issues. The Diawa BG have held up better for a budget option. Keep in mind the BG sizing is larger than most. For other reels, I use 5000 series. The BG 4000 is similar in size. My favorite reels for this are Shimano Saragossa 5000. The power is impressive for fighting fish and they are comfortable to fish with. I wish I could afford these on all my jig spinning rods.
As mentioned, metered line is very helpful. I use Power pro depth hunter in 30 or 50. You can count colors to determine how deep you have dropped and relay to others how deep the fish are where you hook up. I drop four or five colors by default unless the FF tells me otherwise.
I am not a fan of the Battle reels. There have been too many corrosion issues. The Diawa BG have held up better for a budget option. Keep in mind the BG sizing is larger than most. For other reels, I use 5000 series. The BG 4000 is similar in size. My favorite reels for this are Shimano Saragossa 5000. The power is impressive for fighting fish and they are comfortable to fish with. I wish I could afford these on all my jig spinning rods.
As mentioned, metered line is very helpful. I use Power pro depth hunter in 30 or 50. You can count colors to determine how deep you have dropped and relay to others how deep the fish are where you hook up. I drop four or five colors by default unless the FF tells me otherwise.
I am a fan of Penn Battles... some of mine are going into their 7th or 8th season with no corrosion issues I have seen.
I have a literal boatload of Trevalas I use for vertical jigs and trolling, but what about tossing small colt snipers or swim baits when you need to cast for distance? When casting to late season jumpers, I find myself really wishing I could rocket a smallish (80 or 100 gram) sniper out past a pod, then reel back through them, vs. plopping it down nearby and spooking the fish, or spooking them trying to manuver the boat close enough to get in casting range w/ my 6'6" Trevalas and 7' Lamiglass inshore specials.
I am debating trying Phenix Abyss 8' popper rod next season, or a similar spinning rod designed for chucking stuff long distances. I also just invested in a Lexa 400 HD I want to pair with something like a 7'11" heavy back bouncing rod and try.
I have a literal boatload of Trevalas I use for vertical jigs and trolling, but what about tossing small colt snipers or swim baits when you need to cast for distance? When casting to late season jumpers, I find myself really wishing I could rocket a smallish (80 or 100 gram) sniper out past a pod, then reel back through them, vs. plopping it down nearby and spooking the fish, or spooking them trying to manuver the boat close enough to get in casting range w/ my 6'6" Trevalas and 7' Lamiglass inshore specials.
I am debating trying Phenix Abyss 8' popper rod next season, or a similar spinning rod designed for chucking stuff long distances. I also just invested in a Lexa 400 HD I want to pair with something like a 7'11" heavy back bouncing rod and try.
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