Technique Guide
Jigging
Vertical action for big fish on structure.
Quick Reference
Target Species
Samsonfish, Kingfish, Rankin Cod, Amberjack, Ruby Snapper
Jig Weight Rule
100g per 30m depth (adjust for current)
Best Conditions
Slack tide or light current, over structure
Skill Level
Intermediate - boat positioning and technique
What is Jigging?
Jigging is working a weighted lure vertically through the water column to target fish holding on structure. The angler creates the action - making the jig dart, flutter, and fall to trigger strikes.
Unlike trolling where the boat does the work, jigging is active fishing. You're directly connected to the lure, feeling for the bite and controlling the action. It's physically demanding but incredibly effective for big reef species.
1. Jigging Styles
Three main styles, each suited to different situations and species.
Speed Jigging Vertical / Speed Jigging
Target: Samsonfish, Giant Trevally, Amberjack
Technique: High-speed winding with aggressive rod lifts. The jig shoots up through the water, then flutters on the drop. Most strikes come on the fall.
Gear: PE3-6 braid, 60-200g knife jigs, fast action rod
When: When fish are active and aggressive, typically early morning or on tide changes.
Slow Pitch Slow Pitch Jigging
Target: Kingfish, Rankin Cod, Dhufish, Ruby Snapper
Technique: Slow, rhythmic rod lifts let the jig flutter horizontally. Less aggressive than speed jigging - designed to trigger finicky fish.
Gear: PE2-4 braid, 80-250g centre-weighted jigs, parabolic slow pitch rod
When: When fish are holding tight to structure and not chasing. Effective year-round.
Micro Micro Jigging
Target: Trevally, Snapper, Reef Fish
Technique: Light jigs worked with subtle twitches. Can be jigged vertically or cast and retrieved with hops.
Gear: PE1-2 braid, 20-60g micro jigs, light spin or overhead rod
When: Shallower reef fishing (10-40m), or when targeting smaller species.
Matching Style to Conditions
Start with speed jigging when you first arrive on structure - it's a great search technique. If fish are showing on the sounder but not committing, switch to slow pitch. The slower, more subtle action often triggers fish that won't chase a fast-moving jig.
2. Gear Setup
Rod Selection
Speed jigging: Fast action, 5'6"-6' overhead rod with backbone to lift heavy jigs quickly. Slow pitch: Parabolic action rod that loads through the blank - this creates the flutter action. Micro: Light spin or overhead, 6'6"-7'.
Reel Requirements
High gear ratio (6:1+) for speed jigging to recover line quickly. Lower ratios work for slow pitch where you want controlled lifts. Smooth drag is essential - these fish hit hard and run immediately.
Line & Leader
PE2-6 braid depending on target species. Fluorocarbon leader 40-80lb, 2-3m length. The thin braid cuts through current better than mono - essential for staying vertical.
Jig Weight Guide
Rule of thumb: 100g of jig weight per 30m of depth. Increase weight in strong current.
| 20-40m | 60-120g |
| 40-60m | 120-200g |
| 60-100m | 200-350g |
| 100m+ | 300-500g |
Stay Vertical
If your jig is drifting away from the boat at more than 45°, go heavier. A jig that's not vertical won't work properly and you'll miss bites. In strong current, don't be afraid to use 400g+ jigs.
3. The Technique
Find Structure
Use your sounder to locate reef, pinnacles, or ledges with fish showing. Look for arches and scatter indicating bait - predators will be nearby.
Position the Boat
Drift over the structure or anchor up-current so your jig lands on the mark. In light current, drifting works well. In strong current, anchor or use spot-lock.
Drop to Bottom
Free-spool to the bottom, thumb on the spool. Feel for the touchdown. Engage and immediately start working - fish often hit as soon as the jig starts moving.
Work the Column
Jig up through the water column 20-30m, then drop back to the bottom and repeat. Most fish hold in the bottom third, but samson and amberjack will chase higher.
Feel the Bite
Bites range from savage rod-buckling strikes to subtle taps. On the fall, watch for line going slack suddenly - that's often a fish taking it on the drop. Wind down and set hard.
Jig Colours
Start with proven colours and adjust based on conditions:
Blue/Silver
Mimics baitfish - good all-rounder in clear water.
Pink/Glow
Deep water and low light. Glow jigs charge with your phone light.
Green/Gold
Dirty water or overcast days. Good contrast in murky conditions.
Black/Purple
Early morning, dusk, deep water. Creates strong silhouette.
4. Common Mistakes
Jigging Too Fast (Slow Pitch)
Slow pitch means slow. Let the rod do the work, not your arms. Each lift should load the rod and let the jig flutter naturally. If you're exhausted after 10 minutes, you're going too hard.
Wrong Jig Weight
Undergunned jigs blow out in current and won't work properly. When in doubt, go heavier. A 300g jig fished vertically outperforms a 150g jig blowing sideways every time.
Not Watching Line on the Drop
Many bites come on the fall. If you're not watching your line, you'll miss them. Look for twitches, sudden slack, or the line moving sideways - all signs a fish has grabbed it.
Mix It Up
If one style isn't producing, switch. Change jig weight, colour, and technique. Fish can be picky - what worked yesterday might not work today. Slow pitch, speed jig, micro jig - try them all until you find what they want.
Target Species for Jigging
Click any species for full details on gear, seasons, and regulations.
Samsonfish
Speed jigging, 150-250g. Structure and pinnacles, all regions.
Yellowtail Kingfish
Slow pitch, 120-200g. South Coast structure.
Rankin Cod
Slow pitch, 150-300g. North West Shelf, 60-120m.
Giant Trevally
Speed jigging, 80-150g. Pilbara & Kimberley reefs.
Coral Trout
Micro jigging, 40-80g. Gascoyne to Kimberley reefs.
Baldchin Groper
Micro/slow pitch, 60-120g. West & South Coast reef.
Red Emperor
Slow pitch, 150-250g. Pilbara & Kimberley, 40-80m.
Dhufish
Slow pitch, 120-200g. South Coast (WC closed).
Ruby Snapper
Slow pitch, 200-400g. Deep water 100m+.
Spangled Emperor
Micro jigging, 40-80g. Northern reefs, 15-40m.
Jigging Gear Setups
Need rod, reel, and line recommendations for jigging? Our gear guide has 4 jigging setups: slow pitch, speed jigging, deep dropping, and micro jigging.
View Jigging Gear →Key Takeaways
Weight Rule
100g per 30m depth, heavier in current
Stay Vertical
Line angle over 45° = go heavier
Watch the Drop
Most bites come on the fall, not the lift
Adapt
Switch styles until you find what works