Extreme Jigging: Dogtooth Tuna, Yellowtail Kingfish (Hiramasa), Amberjack, Samson Fish > Tackle & Techniques

smith nirai or fremantle

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Doug Mcleod:
I am currently looking at getting a new jig stick , mainly fishing for doggies in 40 -80 m of water.I have looked at the smith nirai & fremantle & liked both for different reasons.Just wondering if any one else has an opinion on these 2 rods, or any other suggestions that may be worth a look at.
        thanks in advance
                         Doug

Brandon Khoo:
Doug, just remember that opinions are exactly that - opinions.

While I have been a big fan of the Nirai, a big doggie is shallow water is a big ask and loading up hard has seen some unfortunate results on these.

Personally, I feel loading up to the max on PE8 which is something like 114lb line in Ultra Jigman is just too much for the Nirai. I think the Nirai is a very nice stick but for big doggies in shallow water, find yourself a stronger stick.

The Fremantle is not and has never been one of my favourites. I understand Smith have phased this out.

There is a lot of choice in heavy jig sticks today. Take your time and do your research before naking up your mind.

Matt Kilpatrick:
Brandon, I recently purchased a Nirai from Neil Griffiths of Jones's Tackle, which I plan to match with an Accurate B2-665 reel in the next few weeks, so the rod hasn't seen any action yet. I'm just curious, what sort of stick would you recommend for heavier work?

Greg Burt:
Matt, the Nirai is a spin rod only, it needs a Stella 20000 or a Saltiga.
 As Brandon mentioned it is really working on Doggies in shallow water, it is an 'easy' jigging rod with a max rated drag to 13 kg but although it has lots of power I believe you need a stiffer rod when playing with the Doggies especially with a shark problem. Jigging for Ambo's and Reef species it is unreal ;D

Brandon Khoo:
Matt, as Greg just pointed out, BIG problem. The Nirai is designed for a spinning reel, not an overhead. ideally, a 20000 Stella or Saltiga Expedition. You better take this back and have a chat with Neil!

Bun has pretty much summed it up. If you want to go and play with bigger fish, especially in shallow water, you need a rod with more guts than a Nirai. Unfortunately, there aren't anywhere near as many options for an overhead. Locally, you might check out a Jigging Master 500 series. I know Zenaq has something absolutely evil called a Monster Buster which would break me in half. I'm not sure of much else in the market for a heavy overhead jig rod. Ripple Fisher and Fisherman can custom build anything you want but that is getting into serious bucks.

I know brands like Valley Hill have very powerful jig rods for overheads but I have not seen them for sale in this country.

Maybe someone else might have some suggestions.

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