Understanding Vertical Jigs for Bluefin Tuna
The incredible Bluefin Tuna bite around Southern California seems to be non stop. In this article, we will help you in understanding vertical jigs for bluefin tuna.
There are many types of vertical jigs on the market. From Slow Pitch to Knife Jigs, I will walk you through each of these and hope to help you get a better understanding for what you are dropping deep for these tasty fish.
Knife Jigs
Knife jigs are vertical jigs that drop down quickly and get to the depths that you desire. These are slim bodied jigs that feature assist hooks on top and sometimes bottom that help you to get the most of your hook ups.
Knife jigs were extremely popular a decade ago, and this year have made an incredible comeback. Usually available in weights from 40 grams all the way up to 500 grams and a multitude of lengths.
Some popular brands of Knife Jigs are Nomad Streaker Jigs, JD Tackle, Calissa Offshore and at this point, there are a million offshore manufacturers that put out a great product.
Slow Pitch Jigs
Slow Pitch Jigs are another style of vertical jigs that have more of an erratic fall to them keeping them in the water column longer. As they fall through the water column they dart off erratically in all directions, stalling the fall, giving them a greater chance to not only be seen, but to get bit.
Slow Pitch Jigs can usually be found in weights ranging from 60 grams up to 400 grams. They are wider bodied giving them that water catching edge for that incredible darting action. Some of the most popular are Flat Fall Jigs by Shimano, Daiwa SK Jigs and FishLab Carnada Jigs.
YoYo Heavy Iron
Another popular entry into vertical jigs is the standard candy bar style YoYo Heavy Iron. These are your standard long range iron baits such as Tady 4/0, Tady 9, Kicker Jigs, OCT Jigs, etc. They work wonderfully for this style fishing as well. I usually go this direction when fishing for yellowtail. Here is an article I did on Fishing Yellowtail on the YoYo
Difference is Vertical Jigs
There are several differences in vertical jigs. In this short video, I walk through each of these and give a few tips and techniques on fishing each.
Conclusion
Fishing vertical jigs is incredibly effective in catching many types of fish. Here on the west coast, we are talking about Bluefin, Yellowfin, Yellowtail and others. You get down in the gulf and east coast, and you are talking various tuna and amberjack as well as snapper and others.
Whatever you do, you should have a couple of these jigs in your box, and rigged up ready to go!
Thank you for stopping by Davey’s World
See you on the water
Davey
