Vertical jigging

Written by: Captain Alberto Jimenez

Vertical jigging is an exciting and productive fishing technique that has gained popularity among anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're targeting freshwater species like bass and walleye or heading offshore for saltwater giants like tuna and grouper, vertical jigging can be a highly effective method for enticing strikes. Vertical jigging quickly started catching on in other areas as it was shown to be extremely effective in catching all types of fish. I have been using this technique as a unique type of deep sea fishing off the water of Puerto Rico for seven years with a lot of success.  The main species Curate Fishing catches with vertical jigging are, Spanish mackerel, jacks, tuna, great barracuda and occasionally wahoo.

jigging tackle and hooks

The heart of vertical jigging is, of course, the jig itself. These lures come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making it essential to have a versatile jig collection. Popular styles include knife jigs, butterfly jigs, and speed jigs. When starting out, choose a variety of jigs to cover different depths and conditions.

The brand of jigs does not matter. The first step to jigging is finding vertical jigs of sizes between 60-200 grams at an affordable price. Fish you will notice will eat actual kitchen silverware if hooks are put on them. Try to find jigs that cost between $5- $7 dollars or less and see what works as you target different fish species. You can try searching for jigs on eBay, amazon and Alibaba and will find good options..

For assist hooks, I recommend a few options - a 2/0-3/0 triple strength treble hook by VMC or Mustad, or a 4/0 single wire assist hook. Williamson sells a good 3-pack of assist hooks, or you can buy flexible wire and crimp them with heat shrink yourself. Most of the time, I use treble hooks, as they are cheaper and faster.

vertical jigging rod and reel

Invest in a specialized jigging rod and reel combo. A medium-heavy to heavy power rod with a fast or extra-fast action is ideal for handling the strong strikes and providing the necessary sensitivity to detect subtle bites. Paired with a quality jigging reel, you'll be well-equipped for the task.

The only essential gear needed for vertical jigging are a rod, reel line, knots and a leader. My favorite two affordable set ups are:

  • Shimano Trevela

  • Penn Rampage

There are many other alternatives, but I stick to these brands and equipment. The reels require 350-400 yards of 40lb test line. You cannot skimp on reels for vertical jigging, as the reel is the most essential piece. The heavy drag required for vertical jigging will destroy a cheaper reel in one or two fights with a hooked fish. Shimano Saragossa 1000 and Penn Salmmers 6500 are the best affordable reel options.

Opt for braided line, which has minimal stretch and provides better sensitivity and control when jigging. Use line with a test strength suitable for the species you're targeting, typically ranging from 20 to 80 pounds or more.

vertical jigging leader and knots

In vertical jigging, leaders play a critical role in preventing fish from breaking your line when they make sudden, powerful runs. A leader is a short section of heavier, more abrasion-resistant line attached between your main line and the jig. Fluorocarbon leaders are a popular choice due to their invisibility underwater and excellent abrasion resistance. When selecting leader material, opt for a strength rating suitable for the target species, typically ranging from 30 to 100 pounds or more.

Why didn’t I mention wire? I get more bites on mono; you can use single strand wire as an alternative at 6-10 inches 69-80 to a small double barrel swivel. You forgo a lot of bites and will overall catch less fish, but this approach can work.

where to drop jigs and find target fish

Your best bet is drifting on a sea drop, hitting high points, or below FADS. Once the boat is in neutral, anglers drop their jigs to the bottom and reel them up at a fast pace. I found little difference in bites when comparing moving the rod up and down versus simply reeling. Morning and afternoon are the best times to do try jigging but you can get bites at any time of the day. 

Recommendations for Vertical Jigging Beginners

Start Small: If you're new to vertical jigging, begin with smaller jigs and target species like panfish or smaller freshwater predators. This will help you practice your technique before moving on to larger, more challenging species.

  1. Learn the Technique: Mastering the art of vertical jigging takes time and practice. Study videos, articles, and books on the subject to learn proper jigging techniques, such as rhythmic jigging motions and pauses to entice strikes.

  2. Observe Water Conditions: Pay close attention to water conditions, including temperature, depth, and current. These factors can greatly affect where fish are holding and how they respond to your jigging presentation.

  3. Be Patient: Vertical jigging can be a waiting game. Be patient and persistent, as fish might not always bite immediately. Experiment with different jigging patterns and depths until you find what works.

Vertical jigging is an engaging and productive fishing technique that can yield impressive results when done right. With the right gear, knowledge, and practice, beginners can quickly become proficient jig anglers. Remember to start with the basics, gradually increase your skill level, and adapt to different conditions. Whether you're chasing freshwater or saltwater species, vertical jigging can provide you with exciting fishing experiences and the satisfaction of reeling in your catch, one jig at a time.