How to Jig with Slow Pitch Tackle

How to attach assist hooks:

Tie a barrel swivel to the end of the leader and attach a split ring, 
1. This split ring then allows attachment of a rigged pair of assist hooks, 
2. as well as the jig (think of the split ring as a central hub, with the barrel swivel, the assist hooks, and the jig all attached by means of the single split ring), 
3. On larger jigs, add a second pair of rigged assist hooks at the tail, on a split ring, 
4. Make sure the two pairs of hooks cannot tangle. On shorter jigs, stick with a single pair of hooks at the top. -Steve Sanford

 

 

Slow-pitch jigging demands a disciplined retrieve. The body profile of the jig dictates its action on the fall and the retrieve, which is controlled by the angler. Fall jigs are designed to move laterally across the water column on the retrieve, 1, then tumble or flutter on the drop, 2. Developing a rhythm to coordinate those two actions lies at the heart of the slow-pitch technique. -Steve Sanford

Slow pitch jigging was developed in Japan, largely thanks to deep-water angler Norihiro Sato while trying to catch inactive, nonfeeding fish. Slow Pitch Jigging has since evolved into a whole new way of fishing using light rods, small but powerful reels, and jigs that are broad, flat and short, which flutter irresistibly as they drop. The action mimics that of a squid, sardine, bunker or other prey species that is wounded and trying in vain to swim away.  It is important to remember as you are jigging that you are attempting to mimic a wounded fish, and to therefore move you jig accordingly.  You should also attempt to maximize the time that the jig is in the horizontal position as much as possible.  It is when the jig is horizontal that it flutters.

Other than catching just as many (and often more) fish, there are numerous other advantages to Slow Pitch Jigging.  Once you get to your fishing spot, you are typically dropping a jig long before your bait fishing partners are able to drop bait, as rigging up takes very little time.  There is also no need to purchase bait, store bait, or clean up the ever present messes created by the use of bait.