Hunting Washington Forum

Other Activities => Fishing => Topic started by: blackpowderhunter on November 03, 2018, 10:11:18 AM

Title: "budget" salmon jigging set ups
Post by: blackpowderhunter on November 03, 2018, 10:11:18 AM: Would like to get a few jigging set ups on my boat.
for trolling i use the shimano TDR rods, with okuma cold water reels. nothing fancy, but they catch fish.
was hoping to find a set up to put together in that same general price range/level...although i understand i probably wont be finding a jigging rod for 30 bucks :chuckle:
an ugly stik in a 6'6 or 7 ft medium light for around 70 seems like an option.
spinning vs casting reels? ive seen guys run both. id lean casting due to being able to run a line counter reel..
anyways...help me out!
thanks :tup:
Title: Re: "budget" salmon jigging set ups
Post by: lokidog on November 03, 2018, 12:34:41 PM: I don't jig for salmon, but it seems 6.5-7' would be a lot of work compared to an 8.5' rod? I bottom fish with 8.5's and really like that length.
Title: Re: "budget" salmon jigging set ups
Post by: Crunchy on November 03, 2018, 12:40:06 PM: I jig a lot for salmon. Prob 50/50 with trolling. I use a Loomis 1084 9ft rod. I would look for something 7-8 foot that is stiff. Spinning rod can be done. Only problem I see with that is sometimes you get bit dropping the jig to the bottom. Easier to feel/see the slackline with a bait casting reel. Minus for bait casting reels is you get bite, set the hook, sometimes the fish shoot straight up so a fast retrieval is not its strong point. It is a plus for a spinning reel though.
Title: Re: "budget" salmon jigging set ups
Post by: ASHQUACK on November 03, 2018, 01:58:40 PM: Kunnan started producing rods again and they have an 8'6 moderate action rod that is the best jig rod I've used. Serious backbone and they were 69.99.
Title: Re: "budget" salmon jigging set ups
Post by: Antlershed on November 03, 2018, 02:05:18 PM: Not $30, but the Okuma SST’s are a good value and I think can be found on sale for $70ish. I’d look for something no longer than 8’6”.
Title: Re: "budget" salmon jigging set ups
Post by: BigGoonTuna on November 03, 2018, 03:51:32 PM: Quote from: lokidog on November 03, 2018, 12:34:41 PM
I don't jig for salmon, but it seems 6.5-7' would be a lot of work compared to an 8.5' rod? I bottom fish with 8.5's and really like that length.
shorter rod = more leverage = less fatigue. About the only plus of using something longer is lessening the chances of a fish coming unbuttoned on a run towards the boat, you can keep tension on the line more easily.

I usually use an older 8'0" heavy action Shimano, but kick myself for not grabbing the brand new Lami puget jigger I saw in a pawn shop a while back.
Title: Re: "budget" salmon jigging set ups
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on November 03, 2018, 04:57:51 PM: I think I have a cabellas downrigger rod with counter on reel. Really haven’t used it in years. Would give u a great deal on it. Geez, I might have two? :dunno:
Title: Re: "budget" salmon jigging set ups
Post by: Tiger1358 on November 03, 2018, 06:03:55 PM: Fishandsave.com usually has bomb deals, a lotta stuff for extremely cheap prices. Used to buy jigs, spoons and spinners from there for 50 cents and stuff. Think it's free shipping when you're a first time buyer.
Title: Re: "budget" salmon jigging set ups
Post by: lokidog on November 03, 2018, 06:24:54 PM: Quote from: BigGoonTuna on November 03, 2018, 03:51:32 PM
Quote from: lokidog on November 03, 2018, 12:34:41 PM
I don't jig for salmon, but it seems 6.5-7' would be a lot of work compared to an 8.5' rod? I bottom fish with 8.5's and really like that length.
shorter rod = more leverage = less fatigue.

I guess it would depend how much you want to lift the lure. There would be less wrist movement to lift the tip the same amount with a longer rod. I've tried bottom fishing with a shorter rod and, at least to me, it seems to be a lot more work.
Title: Re: "budget" salmon jigging set ups
Post by: Skillet on November 03, 2018, 08:43:34 PM: Without question, if you're jigging lead (buzz bomb, pt wilson dart, crippled herring, etc) the best route is a shorter, stiffer rod. That's universal in all fisheries from ice fishing panfish to black cod in 200+ fathoms.

My fave for salmon/ling/Chelan laker depths up to 6oz was the 7'-2" Berkeley AIR IM7 Buzz Ramsey series rod with an Abu C6500LC spooled with 40# Power Pro and an appropriate mono topshot. I have two well used copies on the boat right now. They don't make that rod anymore, but there are several similar rods in the sub-$100 range.

If you're considering mooching as well, you need a longer rod with a slower tip than an optimal jigging rod. Some downrigger rods will do double duty as mooching sticks.

Jigging lead with too long of a rod with too slow of a tip will wear you out and result in far fewer hookups. It can be done, but you'd not be maximizing your time on the water.
Title: Re: "budget" salmon jigging set ups
Post by: T-Bone on November 05, 2018, 06:02:12 AM: Stiff rod...YES and use a good braid for a main line. Mono has way too much stretch in depth situations.
Title: Re: "budget" salmon jigging set ups
Post by: blackpowderhunter on November 08, 2018, 03:05:48 PM: medium heavy or heavy?
Was looking at picking up a shimano travala, daiwa harrier, or one of the berkley jigging rods (cheapest option)