If you like your fishing active, jigging is for you. Drop a metal lure to the bottom, work it back with rhythm, and hang on when a kingfish smashes it. It is physical, it is exciting, and it is one of the best ways to tangle with a Sydney kingie. Here is an introduction to jig fishing.
What Is Jig Fishing?
Jig fishing means dropping a weighted metal lure, the jig, down to the reef or structure and working it back up through the water column. The darting, fluttering action imitates a fleeing or injured baitfish, which predators like kingfish find impossible to resist. There is no bait involved, just you, the rod and the jig.
Mechanical vs Slow-Pitch Jigging
There are two main styles. Mechanical (or speed) jigging uses a fast, rhythmic wind-and-lift to rip the jig up through the water, and it is deadly on fired-up kingfish. Slow-pitch jigging is a gentler, fluttering approach that tempts a wider range of fish, including reef species that are not chasing hard. Both have their day.
The Gear You Need
Jigging uses specialist gear: a short, powerful jig rod, a high-speed reel loaded with braid and a strong leader, and jigs from around 100 to 250 grams depending on the depth and current. Assist hooks at the top of the jig do the hooking. It is a bit of an investment, which is why a lot of anglers try it on a charter first, with our gear.
Drop the jig, work it back with rhythm, and hang on when a kingfish smashes it.
How to Work a Jig
Drop the jig to the depth the fish are holding, then bring it to life with a steady rhythm of winds and lifts, letting it flutter on the drop. Kingfish often hit on the pause, so stay ready. When one loads up, keep the pressure on and turn its head away from the reef before it busts you off.
Where to Jig in Sydney
Jigging shines over reefs, bommies and any structure holding kingfish and bait. The same grounds that fish well for kingfish are prime jigging country, and our favourite Sydney spots point you at plenty of them. Our jigging charters take you straight to the action with all the gear supplied.
Keen to give jigging a go? Send us an enquiry or book a jigging charter, and we’ll show you the ropes.
