One of the best things about the slow jigging technique is that it can help anglers catch fish even outside of their feeding hours. In other words, with this technique, you can nab some game even if there aren't a lot of hungry fish swimming close to the surface.
In this post, we’re mainly going to be talking about slow jigging reels. However, before we get to that, we’ll discuss this technique in a bit more detail. This will help us set some groundwork for the actual discussion.
What is Slow Jigging?
When slow jigging, the angler gives precise and calculated movements to the bait so that it looks like an injured fish struggling to swim away, but failing.
Slow jigging is essentially an altered variant of the ‘fast jigging’ technique. In the latter, the angler uses quick movements to jerk the bait along the waters to make it look like a small snacky creature easily swimming away. This attracts the hungry fish underwater, which makes them take a bite at it.
It’s a simple and effective method, sure. But, there’s a slight hitch.
If an angler reaches the fishing spot at a time when all the fish are done with their dinner and are lazing around the seafloor, they won’t be able to get a lot of game to take home.
This is the predicament that slow jigging helps to solve. Slow jigging involves the angler making the bait look like an injured fish rather than a live, springy one. This is why it is effective even in catching fish after they’re done eating.
A fish with a full belly will not waste time going after a healthy and normal piece of snack. But, they won’t find it hard to take a bite at a maimed one.
Some Details About Slow Jigging Reels
The main distinguishing feature of a slow jigging reel is the drag control. The drag control is basically a small lever that can control the amount of line being let off from the spool.
In the image below, you can see how the drag control works on a Gomexus slow jigging reel:
Setting the right drag on the fishing rod is a very important step in slow jigging. It allows you to expertly control your catch and bring it back without having your line break.
Other than the drag control, another feature that has to necessarily exist in slow jigging reels is a lightweight construction. With a lighter reel, you can control the jig (i.e., the bait) more easily in deep waters.
It is for this reason that the Gomexus Slow Jigging Reel LX50 (which we will be reviewing later on in this post) only weighs a mere 11 ounces, which converts to roughly half a pound (lb.).
Optimal Gear Ratio for Slow Jigging
The gear ratio of a fishing reel is basically the number of times the spool turns with each complete rotation of the reel handle.
When slow jigging, a high gear ratio is preferable since it allows anglers to make calculated and pinpoint movements with the bait. With precise movements, the angler can make the bait look like a moving and alive but wounded fish.
Keeping that in mind, the optimal gear ratio for slow jigging is 7.5:1 to 8.3:1. This is a high ratio, but that is what you’d want to have in a slow jigging reel.
Difference Between Slow Jigging and Fast Jigging
The difference between slow jigging and fast jigging is that in slow jigging, such movements are given to the bait which makes it look like a slow and wounded prey. On the other hand, in fast jigging, the angler moves the bait swiftly so that it appears like a proper healthy fish fleeing away.
When slow jigging, a high gear ratio is preferable for the reasons explained above. However, on a fast jigging reel, you can make do with a slightly lower ratio as well.
Difference Between Slow Jigging and Vertical Jigging
The main difference between slow jigging and vertical jigging is the placement of the bait in the water.
In vertical jigging, the line has to be kept vertically straight inside the water. When using this technique, the fishing boat or smack has to be turned and maneuvered constantly so that the line stays suspended vertically in a straight line above the surface so that the bait floats near the bottom. Anglers use a vertical jigging reel for this technique.
On the other hand, in slow jigging, the bait is close to the surface of the water. Plus, there is no need for the boat to be kept directly above the jig.
Product Recommendation: Gomexus Slow Jigging Reel LX50
If you are looking to try out jigging yourself, the Gomexus Slow Jigging Reel LX50 is a great reel that you can start with. It is extremely lightweight (at just 11 oz.) and comes with a stylish design.
The LX50 has a high gear ratio of 7.1:1, which is ideal for slow jigging. It also comes with an adjustable drag, and it can install directly on the rod without any reel clamps.
You can buy this rod in both left-hand and right-hand orientations. At the time of writing, the price tag of the LX50 is $179.95. This is reasonable considering the high-quality features it comes packed with.
Conclusion
Slow jigging is a great technique that can help you catch loads of fish both in-shore and in deep waters. However, to properly use this technique, you need to have the right gear for it.
Slow jigging reels are available specifically for this purpose. They have an adjustable drag control and they’re also sleek and lightweight. If you don’t know where to buy one for yourself, you can give the Gomexus Slow Jigging LX50 a try.
