Episode 626: Advances in Deep Slow Pitch Jigging with Jim Potts

Jim’s Deep Drop Slow Pitch Jigging Tips

When it comes to deep-water fishing, you’re always seeking new challenges and pushing yourself to explore uncharted territories. Here are some key points Jim shared to help you navigate the world of deep-water fishing:

Gear Selection:

• Modify your reel if needed: Consider adapting your reel to suit your specific needs, especially if you’re a left-handed angler. This opens up more options and allows for a more comfortable fishing experience.
• Choose the right gear ratio: Opt for a reel with a higher gear ratio to ensure efficient retrieval and maximize your fishing potential. This is vital for working jigs properly and for retrieving lures from great depths.
• Be aware of reel limitations: Some reel models, like the Shimano Ocea Jigger are not made to be overloaded with too much line and can experience some issue due to the massive forces that deep dropping put on the spool. No many reels are made specifically for this style of fishing, so evaluate the performance of your reel and explore alternatives if necessary.
• Getting the right line is critical. A very thin line is key to getting the jig down vertically and minimising drag and the effects of currents. But it’s a compromise because there are a lot of big, powerful fish down there that can be difficult to stop on light gear.
• Consider leader strength: Experiment with different leaders to find the balance between providing adequate protection against big fish without creating the drag that affects jig action, especially in a current.

Jigging Techniques:

• Choose the right jig weight: Use heavier jigs to minimize line bowing and enhance rod response, ensuring a straight line and effective jigging action. You’ll find that you’ll lose less of the heavy jigs than the lighter ones, as you can feel them hit the bottom and can immediately start working them up and out of danger.
• Find the optimal jig action: Avoid excessive jig action that can lead to erratic swimming and veering off target areas. Experiment with different actions and observe fish response to determine the most effective technique.
• Use double hooks both ends, and swivels: Rig your jigs with two sets of double hooks and connect with a swivel to reduce line twist caused by jig movement. This setup increases the number of bites that are converted into hookups, but can result in more snagged and lost lures if the ground you’re fishing is rough.

Fishing Spot Selection:

• Explore beyond familiar spots: Drive around and explore different areas to find untapped fishing grounds. Deep dropping attracts fewer anglers compared to shallower fishing, providing ample opportunities to discover new spots.
• Optimize your sounder: Invest in a quality sounder with updated Navionics with improved colour palettes. Look for signs of life on the screen, such as schools of fish or concentrated bait, to identify potential fishing spots.
• Rely on various indicators: Seek areas with modest rises on the bottom, typically around two to three meters, as they attract bait and fish. Look for rubble areas, dips, and crevices where fish may congregate, rather than relying solely on complex structures or drop-offs.