Blake,
The tackle selection these days is unreal. It wasn't that long ago that the tackle selection was quite easy as the offerings were few. That's certainly not the case now with a vast range from many manufacturers covering a broad price spectrum.
I remember when the Fin Nor Ahab 20 was released in the early '90's I said "who the hell would spend $420 on a spinning reel?" A mate reminded me I said that the other day when he was admiring my 3 Saltigas, Stella, Certate Hyper, Certate Custom and a Branzino......... and I don't even like spinning reels!.......anyway, I digress.
When selecting equipment for an initial go at a specific fishing method, and the vast choice does make things both easy and confusing, there are 3 basic alternatives;
1. Put together an outfit from tackle you already own.
2. Purchase a specialist outfit with a budget in mind.
3. Purchase a top shelf expensive outfit
My advice is 1. followed very quickly by 3! Do a couple of trips and catch a few good fish using some existing equipment to see if jigging is your game. You can also borrow some mates gear if they have superior gear to yours, just so you can feel the difference.
Once you have enjoyed a specific type of fishing and wish to pursue it as one of or exclusively your main forms of angling, then my suggestion is to go for the top shelf. You will see many references from experienced anglers who purchased mid range gear only to upgrade constantly wasting money in the process - buy once buy well.
There will be responses to this suggesting this rod or that reel for $250 etc, and that this reel or that generic rod will be most servicable, do yourself a favour - forget it. You will only want to upgrade within a few months to more powerful, longer lasting better performing quality gear. When I add up what I spent on lesser gear compared to if I had purchased top shelf gear in the first place............
If you already own the 950SS then good - use that and buy a premium rod. Your '950' will be fine, pretty damn good in fact. There are mods and upgrade parts from Japan to increase performance should you want to. This reel will make an excellent 'back up' reel when you advance.
There is good quality second hand equipment available on private sales boards and that's a great place to buy top shelf and save. There are scams on ebay so don't take a chance.
Specific recommendations are personal, rod action is also personal - try everything. When you come to purchase, if you select from the list below you cant go wrong.
Overhead jigging reels that I have used and enjoyed (not in any specific order)
Progear Oceanus *
Accurate Boss Magnum
Studio Ocean "Blue Heaven" L-120
Shimano Ocea Jigger
Daiwa Saltiga Z
I will also add;
Shimano Torsa - a great reel though in my opinion only average for jigging (a lighter, 4:1, longer handled Torsa would be perfect - or a lever drag Ocea Jigger!)
Alutechnos Gorilla - Haven't used one - looks the goods - love to try one
Spinning Reels - stick to Saltiga or Stella
Rods
Jigging Master *
Fisherman
Hots
Zenaq
Carpenter
Tuna Max
Sevenseas
Braid -
YGK Gallis
Daiwa Saltiga
Varivas
I recon tuffline is damn good - pretty rough but handles jigging very well. Smoother 8 braids are better for casting, but for jigging TL is fine and pretty cheap.
Knots -
bimini double (some dont tie doubles at all)
Albright or GT knot to leader, others recommend PR knot also.
None of the above is cheap, save untill you can afford it, it's worth it, and cheaper, in the end.
* I have the Australian distribution for Jigging Master and Progear as such I declare my interest.
Hi,
My Names Blake, I Am Looking At Starting Jigging But Havent Got A Clue What Gear To Use, I Amlooking At Buying A Starlo Stix Duo Jig Rod And Putting A 950 Spinfisher On It, If Anyone Can Give Me Types On What Type Braid And Knots Etc To Use I Will Be Very Greatfull
Thanks Blake
Mod Edit: Please no CAPS
