Jigging for demersels and pelagics along with popping for GT's has got to be one of the physically demanding types of fishing. Dropping a chunk of metal to the bottom then cranking like hell to get it moving it up and down just off the bottom or through the water colum to entice that fish.
When you walk into a tackle shop your confronted with a wall of metal and you can stand there looking amazed and drooling over all the shiny bling thinking of ones that will work. With prices anywhere from $10 all the way up the the more heavier jigs which can be $60+ it really is a hard decision on what to use for what type of fishing. If you ask any dedicated jigging fisho they'll all day the same thing, you can never have enough jigs in your arsenal. I've fished areas where it's not uncommon to loose 10+ jigs a day, be from either jagged ground or the menacing toothy pelagics coming through and deciding they want the bling more than you.
Knife Jigs
As the name suggests these are a long styled jig designed to cut through the water at speed perfect for high speed retrieves on many different pelagics. The main fish targeted with these over here are the big bruising sambos that stalk the waters and wrecks off perth. As a lot of the schools are usually in water depths of 100ish meters you need a jigs that can get down there fast. A nice high speed crank through the water usually entices one of them to smash the lure and then the real pain can begin.
Slow pitch jigs
These types of jigs are great for your slow moving demersel types of fish ranging from dhuies, baldies, trout and snapper. They're designed to work the lower part of the water column and are shaped as to help them "flutter" in the water as they are dropping. Used correctly these are absolutely deadly on demersals, who even if not hungry will still hit them as a more territorial strike.
Micro jigs
These have been out for some time in Japan and are just starting to get a following over here. These are basically jigs that range from 3-20grams in weight and are fished on very light gear. Rodd in the pe0.4-0.8 range are usually the weapon of choice with small reels to match.
These are just a few of the types of jigs out there and by doing a quick google search you will quickly see hundreds of different makes, colours, shapes and styles. If jigging is something you have never tried then I suggest you go into your local tackle store and grab just a few to try out. There is nothing better than going out for a days fishing and not having that bait smell on your hands and cloths, yet still have a bag of fish. In my book that's a good day out.
I hope this has helped a few people out with wanting to try it and can't wait for your photos of jigged up delights.
Tight lines
Reece
