Slow pitch jigging has taken the saltwater world by storm and it’s showing no signs of abating.

But can you just use any rod for slow pitch jigging? In theory, sure, but you won’t be setting yourself up for success.

Slow pitch jigging rods should offer the right balance across sensitivity, weight, speed, and power in order to impart the desired action to the jig, not to mention to bring the fish to boatside.

Here’s what to know.

It’s Not Speed Jigging

Vertical jigging is fast and violent and primarily relies on relatively short medium to heavy action rods and fast-cranking reels to rip the jig quickly through the water and horse the fish in once hooked.

Slow pitch jigging is more of an art, a subtle dance that requires significantly more finesse.

First, you want a carbon fiber or graphite rod. These materials are strong, light, and highly sensitive.

Many slow pitch jigging rods are made with a hollow blank which affords greater sensitivity, as well as a bit of spine for greater power.

You also need to consider the length of a slow pitch jigging rod. This is highly dependent on where you are fishing, what you are fishing for, and the conditions.

There are advantages to longer rods - for instance, an 8 footer - as they can make it possible for you to reach under a headboat to keep your line out of contact with the hull.

At the same time, think of a rod like a lever. It’s basic physics. The longer the rod is, the more tiring it is to work (and fight fish). Shorter rods are easier to work for longer.

You’ll also notice that on many slow pitch jigging rods, though there is a small (or no) foregrip, the butt sections of the rod are a lot thicker.

This feature gives you more power and a little more “punch” to the action of the rod.

Don’t overlook the reel seat, either. Once again, carbon fiber is king here; they afford enough flex in the reel seat.

However, some slow pitch jigging rods, like the Johnny Jigs Pro Jigger Plus, feature an aluminum reel seat with a special arbor that allows flex through the reel seat.

You should also consider the trigger style of the rod. Most are made with triggers that are designed to fit comfortably between your pinky and ring finger, giving the rod excellent index and improving your control over the outfit.

There are also slow pitch jigging rods with “palming” reel seats, which either have no triggers, or which have a wider grip under the reel seat so that you can grab that section of the grip with your whole hand. Some anglers find this more comfortable.

While many other rods are made with cork grips, slow pitch jigging rods are mostly made with EVA foam, but cork can add a nice style to the look on some rods. Traditionally, the EVA sections are quite short, both in front of and behind the reel seat.

They’re also typically made with split grips; this lightens the rod, improves sensitivity (since you can feel the blank beneath the grip when you lay your forearm along it) and leaves a nub at the end of the rod that makes it hard to lose the rod, should your hands slip.

Rod guides are something else you need to keep a focus on. The purist slow pitch anglers prefer a straight guide system in which the guides lie directly on top of the blank. This results in greater durability - among other benefits.

There is also a guide configuration known as a “neutral guide system” in which the eyelets are offset slightly. This assists in level lining and helps prevent the line from getting wrapped around the rod tip.

Many slow pitch rods are made with stainless steel or titanium guides; these are both suitable as they are corrosion resistant. However, Daiwa has recently come out with an “AGS” or “Air Guide System” that is lighter than titanium, while offering all of its relative virtues.

Guide inserts are also important here, because they impact lubricity, which will in turn impact how fluidly the line runs through the guides, without incurring abrasive damage. The main materials to look for here are SIC (silicon carbide), zirconia, and torzite.

Where to Get Your Next Slow Pitch Jigging Rod

This is a lot to absorb, and it’s just an intro. Thousands more words could be written on the topic. If you want to learn more about the specifics of slow pitch rods (or are ready to buy one) visit Johnny Jigs, a leader in the discipline of slow pitch jigging. You can also learn more on their YouTube channel or directly contact their customer service for assistance.

For more information about Fishing Jig and Split Ring Pliers please visit:- Johnny Jigs