The Art of Slow Pitch Jigging: A Guide for Kiwi Anglers

Slow pitch jigging, often referred to as the art of falling, is a fishing technique that mimics the movement of wounded bait, using enticing descents to lure in predatory fish. If you’ve tried slow pitch jigging (SPJ) yourself, you’ll know the thrill of creating the perfect fall and the excitement of a strike.

SPJ has become increasingly popular in the fishing community, sparking conversations, participation, and successful catches. In New Zealand, its popularity can be attributed to a few key factors. Firstly, SPJ is versatile, allowing you to target a wide range of species including snapper, kingfish, kahawai, gurnard, blue cod, trevally, john dory, gold snapper, hapuka, bass, blue nose, and even tuna.

Secondly, its relaxed pace makes it accessible to anglers of all skill levels, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a longer day out on the water. Thirdly, the variety of actions you can achieve with SPJ keeps things interesting, with anglers constantly experimenting to find the most effective techniques. Lastly, SPJ gear is versatile too; SPJ rods can be used with other lures like kabura and inchiku, and SPJ jigs can be mechanically jigged, making it a solid investment.

Getting the basics right is essential for getting the most out of SPJ. In this article, I’ll cover the fundamentals of SPJ, including its concept, gear, techniques, and the best spots to fish.

Concept
SPJ originated in Japan decades ago when anglers were looking for ways to target bottom-dwelling species using metal jigs. By observing fish behaviour, they discovered that slow-falling actions were more enticing than the rapid movements used in traditional speed jigging. SPJ lures replicate the motion of wounded or dying bait, effectively attracting predatory species.

Gear
For targeting bottom-dwelling and reef fish, as well as kingfish in depths of 30 to 60 metres, a typical setup includes a small to medium-sized overhead reel (e.g., Daiwa 10/15, Shimano 1000/1500) paired with a 6’2” to 6’4” specialised SPJ rod with a responsive tip. Use PE1.5-2.0 braid and a 30-40lb fluorocarbon leader, and opt for 100g-250g SPJ jigs fitted with two sets of twin assist hooks. You can adjust your tackle for heavier gear when targeting kingfish or fishing in reef areas. Traditional SPJ rods offer great sensitivity and superior jig actions, but their lightweight build means you’ll need to adopt a different fighting style to avoid breaking the rod.

Alternatively, “power” SPJ rods like the Elementus Slow Pitch Game or Slow Element cater to Kiwi anglers who prefer a more conventional fighting style. There are plenty of SPJ rods and jigs available to suit different preferences and fishing conditions, including options tailored for deepwater jigging.

Techniques
Slow pitch jigging involves mastering a range of techniques to create lifelike movements that entice fish to strike. Knowing these techniques and when to use them can greatly improve your SPJ success.

• Lift, Wind, and Follow: This sequence is the core technique of SPJ. Start by steadily raising the rod while half-winding the reel. As you lift and wind, the jig rises through the water. Then, gradually lower the rod tip down to feel the weight of the jig as it flutters back down. The jig ascends and moves horizontally as you lift, then descends with a flutter as you lower the rod, mimicking the erratic movements of injured prey. Keep an eye on the slack line while lowering the rod, and be ready to strike if you feel a bite or notice the jig’s weight is missing.
• Lift and Follow: Unlike the previous technique, “lift and follow” focuses solely on rod movement without reeling in. Lift the rod in a controlled motion to make the jig rise slowly. Then, follow the slack line with the rod tip, allowing the jig to flutter down within a specific depth range. This technique is effective for targeting fish in a particular part of the water column.
• Wind and Pause: This technique emphasises reel action over rod movement. Keep the rod horizontal to the water’s surface and reel in steadily. After each rotation, pause briefly to let the jig flutter and descend in short, enticing movements. The pauses mimic the behaviour of hovering and wounded bait. Experiment with different pause durations to find what works best.
• Combination Techniques: Experienced SPJ anglers often mix and match these techniques to create custom jigging actions suited to the conditions and fish behaviour. For instance, alternating between “lift, wind, and follow” and “wind and pause” can create erratic movements that mimic distressed baitfish, enticing strikes from predators.
• Speed Jigging Variation: While traditional slow pitch jigging focuses on falling actions, you can add elements of speed jigging for versatility. By speeding up the retrieve and adding short pauses, you can provoke reflex strikes from aggressive fish. This variation can be particularly effective for species like kingfish and tuna, known for their voracious appetite.

Experimentation and adaptation are key to mastering SPJ techniques. By understanding the behaviour of your target species and adjusting your style accordingly, you can increase your success rate and fully appreciate the artistry of slow pitch jigging.

Where to Fish
SPJ works well in waters at least 30 metres deep, especially around reef areas, pins (seamounts), and other bottom structures where baitfish gather. These spots provide natural cover and habitats for the species that SPJ targets.

SPJ can also be successful in open areas without much underwater structure. In these environments, the technique relies on attracting fish from a distance using the jig’s fluttering action. This can be particularly effective for pelagic species that roam open waters.

In summary, whether you’re fishing near reef structures or in open waters, SPJ offers the versatility to attract and entice fish, making it a favourite technique for anglers targeting a wide range of species in different marine environments.