One thing occupying me on my jigging trips recently is trying to work out how to specifically target non Seriolas. Ambos Sambos and Kings don't provide huge challenges when it comes to getting bites on jigs, sure they have their moments when better jigs and techniques are required, but by and large they are mega aggressive and are happy to eat when you find them.
Snapper, Pearlies and other bottom species are another thing altogether. We mostly catch them by accident while trying for sea monsters.
So it would seem that a whole different regime is required. Here is a few things that are working for me.
Firstly don't go to your best Seriola marks as that will negate the whole effort.
Use a mega slow jigging style.
Try a non jigging(basically holding rod and letting boat rock and roll move jig)
Jig close to the bottom, no more than 3-5 metres up.
Use smaller jigs for smaller mouthed species. Try Smith Mejiume or CB Masamune in 135g to 165g. These are centre balance jigs and as such have a slow wide action.
Lumo seems to be especially good a times.
Use a rod to compliment the jig size and action.
30 to 50lb braid and lighter leader will allow smaller jigs to get down more efficiently.
Get good hook coverage, one short and one long assist. Bottom ooglies have a habit of pecking at the jig. Check out Decoy Tirashi assists for a pre made option.
These techniques work spectacularly well up the reef also, the guides at Marion could not believe the Trout GT and Jobby action doing things this way.
Neil
