Jigging Christmas Island

Hi all,

I'm off to Christmas Island with a mate in 3 weeks. I'll be under the guide of Mark (Shorefire Charters). He's obviously the person to speak to concerning the jigging potential over there, but I thought I would get some FW members input - either experiences/techniques.

I'll be fishing for a week chasing a multitude of species. Focussing heavily on GT's & jigging deep water.

My goal is to jig up a doggy. I've been jigging plenty of times off Perth for sambos & in QLD waters for AJ's. I'll be relying on my jigging technique/skill to entice a dog.

Can anyone offer some advice on what jigs to use - experiences with jigging tuna's etc.

I'll be taking my saltiga 6500exp & stella 10000/20000. I'll be fishing PE6 & PE8 & will probably use 100lb leader for a better jig action.

I'm also in the market for a new jig rod. I've seen plenty of topics on jig rods, so I apologise if it's getting repetitive for some members.

The rod must be suited to the reels mentioned - fish PE's mentioned - be suitable for dogs & other speedsters- fish jigs from 100g to350g - limited to $600 budget - and comfortably fish 9-14kg of drag. So far, I've been interested in the SEED & Xzoga range. Any opinions?

Cheers

Daz.


Oceanside Tackle's picture

Posts: 2803

Date Joined: 23/07/09

Hi Daz welcome to

Mon, 2009-08-24 08:58

Hi Daz welcome to Fishwrecked.
There are plenty of rods to choose from as you know. Have you gone to the shops to check them out in hand? Dont forget there's the Shimano JiWrex range which are awesome for the big fish as well as Hearty Rise's Top Gun rods which are designed for big fish but easy to handle.

Is $600 limited to 2 rods or each rod??

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DazSamFishing's picture

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Hi Oceanside, Thanks for

Mon, 2009-08-24 13:16

Hi Oceanside,

Thanks for the welcome.

$600 budget is for 1 rod. I beleive the jigwrex is well below that budget. I've heard that a few have snapped them on sambos (not sure whether it was anglers high sticking error - or what, though this is what some charter people told me).

 

Cheers

daz

damo6230's picture

Posts: 2029

Date Joined: 07/06/08

I have a two jig rods

Mon, 2009-08-24 09:45

one from Oceanside Jig Master but this is a PE 2-3 rod. Absolutely no complaints and very light confortable rod and I'm sure Ryan/Honsu have them in the PE 6-8 range. Worth a look and you get your members discount!!
just leave those Zest jigs for me...ha ha
the other is a Xzoga PE 6 rod. once again cant complain and light comfortable rod and again you get your members discount.
the parabolic rods have so much power.
would recommend you look at both and put a reel on each.
good luck and post some threads when you get back

DazSamFishing's picture

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Date Joined: 19/08/09

Hi Damo, I'll have to check

Mon, 2009-08-24 13:19

Hi Damo,

I'll have to check these Jig Master rods out. I've had a good look at the Xzoga - in particular, the Si5818 (PE8 rated). I've seen some threads about the Xzoga range & the punishment they've been given. They seem best value for money so far. Oh, I'll be stocking up on those zest jigs sorry :).

Daz

Kasey L.'s picture

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Hi Daz, In my limited

Mon, 2009-08-24 11:37

Hi Daz,
In my limited experience jigging for dogtooth, 180lb breaking strain leader was found to be highly recommended. Also, to use a swivel-split-ring-swivel connection to the assist hook. This all has to do with their teeth.

Big Doggies seem to like 2 types of jigs: Short fat and very fast ones like the sevenseas hooker, or long, slim and slow ones like the Smith Nagamasa's. You will probably want PE8 with 100lb breaking strain and put on as much line on it as possible - the waters there are deep and getting spooled is always a possibility with big Dogtooth.

Finally, stay away from SEED rods, unless you intend to have a 1 piece become a 2 piece. I have never and will never recommend an XZOGA rod. I realise they are/were sponsors of this forum so if you want to know my reasons for this, I would rather take it to PMs.

For around $600 I would recommend the Hot's WEi World 48XXH. http://www.hots.co.jp/j/products/rod/weiworld.html

This is a very, very good rod! It is also roughly about 600$. I would also recommend the Jigwrex or the Shimano Blue Rose over the other two.

One last thing, most rods that are designed to jig around 200g are around PE5 and will not be able to comfortably fish 14kg of drag.

DazSamFishing's picture

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Date Joined: 19/08/09

Hi Kasey, Thanks for your

Mon, 2009-08-24 13:27

Hi Kasey,

Thanks for your help.

I have heard that the short fat jigs are highly productive, so I'll be taking a good selection of these. I'm probably going to get a PE6 line with a breaking strain around the 70-80lb. This is really due to line capacity on the saltiga 6500exp. If I run a PE8 - I'll probably only get 300m on it. If I'm jigging in deep water - the last thing I want is to be spooled.

I researched the hots wei world rods the other week, though, I beleive they are well above the $600 mark (off the top of my head they are $1000).

I just hope using a heavy duty rod will still offer a good jig action on light (150g) jigs.

PM sent concerning the seed & xzoga rod.

cheers

daz

Kasey L.'s picture

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Date Joined: 02/03/06

Do not forget the gauntlet

Mon, 2009-08-24 20:44

Do not forget the gauntlet of sharks you will have to get through too - and a dogtooth will try and bust you off any chance it will get. PE8 (100lb) would be my balance - but Rocky will probably be the best authority on this.

Sorry, I sometimes forget the local price. The AMJ and Van Staal VSJR410 are good rods too.

DazSamFishing's picture

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Date Joined: 19/08/09

what sharks? lol

Mon, 2009-08-24 23:21

what sharks? lol

hlokk's picture

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Guessing you need very

Mon, 2009-08-24 12:42

Guessing you need very abrasion resistant assists for dogtooth? I'm guessing wire or zylon?

I havent done a lot of heavy jigging, but have a xzoga, smith and a van staal. The smith (AMJ) is probably my favourite, I really like their rods. Soft tip for working lighter jigs, but heaps of power. They do a few different heavy models, not sure what is best suited to dogtooth? Pretty happy with the van staal too (i was somewhat surprised, as i'd orginally bought it for overhead fishing mostly, but quite a capable jigger). They had two heavy short spin models at baileys bait box for half price, but I think they're closed down now. Had a play around with an alutecnos jig rod that seemed nice as well. People in other parts of the world like jigging master, but some people here dont (not sure why, but never held one anyways). No idea what to recommend though.
I woulda thought you'd want to run closer to 15kg than 9kg of drag though?
Perhaps it might make sense to get a heavy rod for deep work for doggies and a lighter rod for working lighter jigs for 'smaller' fish like tuna and the like? Did Mark make any recommendations on the type of tackle to get?

Kasey, I've seen the hots wei world here, but not close to $600 ;) (guessing with 3 weeks enough time to order from OS though)

DazSamFishing's picture

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Date Joined: 19/08/09

HI hlokk, I haven't spent

Mon, 2009-08-24 13:34

HI hlokk,

I haven't spent much time thinking about the assist cord setup. But you're right - I'll definately need abrasion resistant gear.

I have also looked at the smith AMJ - but it's a $750 rod - I guess it's a small price difference to pay for a highly recommended rod.

I'll will be running high drag pressures - 10-12kg... maybe more - depends how mental I feel on the day.

I haven't spoken to Mark just yet - I'll be giving him a call later in the week to discuss what's best. I just hope the doggies are around.

Cheers

daz.

jay_burgess's picture

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Date Joined: 18/08/05

Yes I second the

Mon, 2009-08-24 17:16

Yes I second the recommendation for the Hots Wei World, haven't used one personally but I've used one of their popping rods and my mate has one of their lighter jigging rods. Their gear is exceptionally light and nice to use, seriously considering a Wei World for myself. Also there's a few options from ocean revolution that would suit, their blanks are made by Smith and are wuickly making a name for themself. I've been very happy with my PE6 Zenaq and they make a couple of heavier options that would be good for doggies, they're really nice looking rods. All these are a little outside your budget but if you can stretch it, it opens up heaps more options.

DazSamFishing's picture

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Date Joined: 19/08/09

I'm leaning towards the

Mon, 2009-08-24 19:48

I'm leaning towards the Smith AMJS52EX. I'll need to check it out this weekend.

Now to line & saltiga 6500expeditions - I've just recently purchased this reel - always been a shimano advocate. Can anyone let me know their experiences with line capacity on the expedition.
Also - what line to choose. I'm looking at a PE6-PE8 - probably a PE6 (80lb) so I can get 400meters on the spool... FINS? Tufline XP? JIG MAN? or VARIVAS?

Am I too ambitious?... how much pe6 or 8 can I realistically lay?
Daz

HuggyB's picture

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Varivas GT super max

Mon, 2009-08-24 19:59

90lb PE6. Should get 400m plus from my research.

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Pm sent

Mon, 2009-08-24 20:03

Pm sent

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honsu chin's picture

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Well....I have had both

Mon, 2009-08-24 20:12

Well....I have had both EXP6500 and Stella 20k FA and now SW 20K....for capacity I go the Stellas. My EXP held exactly 300m of PE8 filled to the rim and a little more. The Stellas were comfortable with the same line and backing. KC's SW20k (FA) is currently loaded with nearly 600m of PE5. My new SW will hold more and then there's the new 20K MAX spool which will 600m of PE6. Both the Saltigas and Stella can do the job comfortably but the Stella is better with the line capacity.

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DazSamFishing's picture

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Date Joined: 19/08/09

Cheers guys, 90lb PE6

Mon, 2009-08-24 20:38

Cheers guys,
90lb PE6 Varivas might be the go if I can get 400m of it on. But it comes at a premium price I see.
Ultimately - 300m should be sufficient, but you never know.
Honsu - what PE8 did you have on your EXP6500?
I also have the 10000FA, so might have to fit a 20000 spool if I need the capacity. Do you still stock these?
Daz.

HuggyB's picture

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well then....

Mon, 2009-08-24 20:44

get Varivas Avani Big One Max Power instead:

300m spool of 85lb PE6.

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honsu chin's picture

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I had Varvivas Avani 10x10,

Mon, 2009-08-24 20:46

I had Varvivas Avani 10x10, then YGK Ultra Jigman PE8. Personally I keep the Saltiga with heavy line for shallow water work. Deep/doggies I'd go the stella. Run PE 5 or 6. I'm gonna respool my 20k with PE 5 (78lb) YGK Ultra Jigman 600m when I can get hold of some. Otherwise buy a "super deep" MAX spool and this will hold 600m of PE6.

I can checked if I can still get hold of the FA spool.

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DazSamFishing's picture

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Date Joined: 19/08/09

Thanks Honsu. What do you

Mon, 2009-08-24 20:56

Thanks Honsu.
What do you think of FINS 80lb & Tufline. I like the thicker diameter for knot strength. Availablity in big spools (1200yd) is good.
Varvivas avani 600m spool is $400 - am i right?
daz

honsu chin's picture

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more!! and the YGK Ultra's

Mon, 2009-08-24 22:29

more!! and the YGK Ultra's are not much less. Its the price you pay for high powered stuff. Alternatively you can go 80lb or 100lb Whiplash. Just gotta learn how much line you retrieve per crank.

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Thicker line is just easier

Mon, 2009-08-24 21:02

Thicker line is just easier for tying knots, its not any stonger than better, thinner line and you do get over it.

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hlokk's picture

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But you cant fit as much

Mon, 2009-08-24 21:13

But you cant fit as much thicker line on the reel, and due to the lines diameter in the water it makes it harder to impart action on the jig than a thinner line, and may require heavier jigs.

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Date Joined: 21/02/08

Hey I'm selling thinner

Mon, 2009-08-24 21:21

Hey I'm selling thinner line, not sure what you're doing matey =)

If the guy can't tie good knots in thin line he has a technique problem =0

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hlokk's picture

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I wasnt disagreeing with

Mon, 2009-08-24 22:59

I wasnt disagreeing with you, just elaborating (probably poorly worded, cant edit for some reason)

DazSamFishing's picture

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good points. I guess I've

Mon, 2009-08-24 22:00

good points.
I guess I've just had poor exeriences with thinner diameter line. In particular - daiwa sensor & whiplash.
I'll probably end up going jigman... I'd love varivas - but it comes at a premium price. And if I'm out on a jigging charter in future - I don't want to lose line to a tangle up with 4 other anglers on raging sambos. that's when it becomes expensive.
daz.

hlokk's picture

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Sensor isnt thin. Its normal

Mon, 2009-08-24 23:04

Sensor isnt thin. Its normal diameter (or slightly above diam in the very light td sensors, though I still use it).

Jigman ultra is the easiest to get. Regular jigman is a bit thicker if you prefer though. If you are quite concerned about line, you can get big spools of tufline or similar and not worry as much (but harder to control depth, say if the fish are on the sounder at X meters. with colour depth you can work the right depth more effectively instead of covering heaps of water)

DazSamFishing's picture

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too right Matt, I don't want

Mon, 2009-08-24 23:19

too right Matt,
I don't want to spend time guessing where my jig is, especially if we're fishing 300m of water. I might get jigman ultra - 300m spool of pe8. Wish I could get a 400m spool of pe6 (but I beleive the next spool size is 600m).
I'll have to speak to Rocky first & get his opinion. He may suggest a minimum of 500m - and run only PE8.
Daz.

hlokk's picture

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Jigman actually comes in 12

Mon, 2009-08-24 23:35

Jigman actually comes in 12 connected spools at 100m each. By the time it gets to the tackleshop it has been hacked in 4 and repacked though. You may be able to order in the exact quantity you want if you ask, or if you order online.

Bluewater have powerhunter in 100m connected spools. They get it in several spools connected. Just gotta make sure they have enough to start with (that someone hasnt taken all but 3). There are braid to braid knots which are reasonably good if you do them right just in case you need more line (bimini strength). Just dont forget that drag increases as your spool empties.

DazSamFishing's picture

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Thanks Matt, good info. daz.

Mon, 2009-08-24 23:44

Thanks Matt,
good info.
daz.

DazSamFishing's picture

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Finally spoke with Rocky

Fri, 2009-08-28 17:37

Finally spoke with Rocky (shorefire) & he suggested I spool with 400m's of PE6. I'll have a look in a few tackle stores this weekend & spool up. I'll also be ditching the standard saltiga drag washers & replace them with the carbontex.

As for the rod, I'm considering a calstar grafighter blank. I'll most likely use the tcurve deep jig 400 & see how it handles the dogs. It was more than capable with the sambos - it's just tiring to the angler.

If it doesn't work out too well, I'll use one of Rocky's calstar 410's. It will be good to see how it performs. Zenaq rods also interest me - I may have to save the pennies for one of them.
Daz.