Jig rod for doggies

[Scott Maybury]

Hi guys,

I am off to Fiji next year, and maybe Vanuatu as well. One of my main targets, as well as GT on popper, will be doggies on jigs.

I have a PE6 Smith jig rod for use in Sydney which is definately too light.

I also have a Hots Wei World 52, which is a really nice rod but loads up very quickly...I am wondering if anyone who has done much jigging for doggies and has used this rod (for doggies or otherwise) can tell me what they think about it.

Any other advice on doggie jig rod would be good.

I am thinking I might need a stiffer PE8-10 rod, like maybe one of the ripple fishers...?

[David Noble]

Hi Scott,

I'm very fond of the Smith Nirai for doggies. Should be worth considering...

Cheers Dave

[Brandon Khoo]

The Wei World is an amazing product. It looks and feels like about a PE4 rod but its landed some real monster class fish. You just need to treat it with a little bit of respect as its a 100% carbon fibre rod.

It really comes down to what size fish you're targeting, Scotty. The Wei World makes for a terrific light outfit and is very comfortable to fish with. You really don't need to spend the money on another rod. If you are looking for a heavier rod, there is a huge range of heavy jig rods that suit. If you like Ripple, you could check out the 5215 or 5220 (if you're strong enough). Damon had a new rod in New Caledonia he is adding to the range soon called the 5620. If you're strong enough, you could also consider the 5630 which is a PE10 jig rod - just brutal! Another option if price is no object is the Fisherman Spinoza 5120. if you think you can arm wrestle Arnie, then give Duncan a call and ask him for my "favourite" rod. He'll know which rod you're talking about straight away! 

The Nirai which David recommends is a beautiful rod and one of my favourites but it hasn't got the beef of the rods above.

[Scott Maybury]

Yeah I really like my Wei World a lot, I guess the thing about it, which your answer has reminded me of, is that it is so comfortable to use for long periods and also to fight fish with - although it loads up early it does bend all the way down and it is quite a good lever to pump and wind

I was thinking the 5215 or a jigging master of equivalent rating, I am not sure I am strong enough to effectively fish anything much heavier...maybe I am just looking for an excuse to (yet again) buy a rod I don't need  I might take this to Fiji, see how it goes, and if it is not up to the task I can upgrade after that, there will be plenty of other chances at doggies

[Brandon Khoo]

I think that'd be a really sensible approach (which most of us aren't because deep down, we all want more equipment  ) Scotty. The Wei World is a great stick and should handle anything that is likely to come your way. if you think the 5215 is about your limit, then I'd really suggest you take the Wei World along to Fiji. It will handle 95% of the fish you will hook and with that 5%, well, I'm not sure it'd make much difference even if you had even a 5630 Ripple and PE12.

The Wei World landed some real monster fish when it was being tested. I remember HOTs tester Chris Teng with one unbelievable amberjack he landed (although I don't know if that was on the 52 or 48). It was so big it looked like a dugong!

I think you'd be much better of using some of that money to get some really good jigs for doggies instead.

[Duncan O'Connell]

Hi Brandon,

I hate to say this but your "favourite" rod is on hold for someone.  He has been warned but he is still going there.  He is a local so at least we will get to see the action and hurt it causes.

Janelle

[Brandon Khoo]

I'm amazed - I trust the individual is of a size and strength where he could at least wrestle Gordon for a little while? If not, that rod is going to break him in half!   

[Scott Maybury]

I'll put the extra money away towards making Bugatti happen next year Brandon 

[earlhamilton]

For a number of reasons, I decided to opt for building a couple of JM500s for my trip to the Diamond Islets with Nomad in November. JM are easily available to me, and I have seen them perform on some good fish. I know the blanks well and can build them to suite my 6'5" 300lb stature. In particular I mention this because, of the Jigging or popping rods that I have handled so far, none really have the "fit" that suites me and especially I find the foregrips tiring as they are not big enough in diameter for my shovel like hands (by the way, does anybody know where I can get 3XL jigging gloves?). I wish that the Japanese brands sold blanks so that they could be built to fit me. I have heard recently that some Ripple Fisher blanks are available in Singapore so I may well add one to the JMs.

[Shane Hartstone]

Earl, I wrap my rod grips with a tennis grip to beef them up to try to avoid the hand cramping us big fellas get with these little rods.

In my limited targeting of dog tooth, the problem I've had is wanting to use a small jig, but needing a big rod to fight the fish...  Trying to use a 250gm jig on a 500g rod is a pain in the ass.

[earlhamilton]

I hear you on that one Shane and fully agree too. The JMs are telegraph poles, but they are relatively easy for me to get and they'll get regular use for the local fishing here where 4-700ft of water is the norm. What rods out there will handle the heavy drags for big dogs, yet still work a 250g jig ? Maybe some of the tuna blanks from Calstar would work. I'm still open for other rods for the job.

[John Campbell]

   hey scotty  mate i have a ripple 5215 that you are more than welcome to try when you venture up
   this way, i tried the 5220 and it was also nice but bit too strong for what i use it for up here,
   
   cheers

[Scott Maybury]

Thanks John, that will be good if I can make it up before chrissy as I am hoping

The reality is that in the back if my mind I probably always knew the Hots was a good enough rod given my capabilities, but as always was looking for an excuse to buy more gear 

[Robert Palcak]

Thanks John, that will be good if I can make it up before chrissy as I am hoping

The reality is that in the back if my mind I probably always knew the Hots was a good enough rod given my capabilities, but as always was looking for an excuse to buy more gear 

I hear ya there Scott!!
Logically, I'd definately just use the Wei World... I've got the 48XXH and love it... but it still doesn't stop me looking around for another outfit 

[Brandon Khoo]

I picked it!!!   

Thanks John, that will be good if I can make it up before chrissy as I am hoping

The reality is that in the back if my mind I probably always knew the Hots was a good enough rod given my capabilities, but as always was looking for an excuse to buy more gear