Even though the discipline of slow pitch jigging is still catching on in some areas of the country, there is still a dizzying amount of options with respect to slow pitch jigging reels and other tackle out there.

Before you buy a slow pitch jigging reel, read this first (especially if you already have a rod picked out!).

Small Class Reels

Small class jig jigging reels for slow pitch jigging, like the Maxel Rage 20H or the Daiwa Saltiga LD10H, offer the smallest line capacities - between 270 to 330 yards of 30 lb test - with a line retrieval rate of 38” to 43” per crank.

There are also “power gear” and “second speed,” that reduce the retrieval rate; the reels in the small class are also the lightest, between 13 to 17 ounces.

As a result, these lighter reels are well-suited to this active style of fishing as you can stay at the rail and work the jig longer without getting worn out. They’re great for micro jigging in shallow water, too.

The other great thing about reels in the small class is that it’s sporting. With less line capacity, you have to really finesse the fish and won’t be able to horse them to the boat as quickly as you could with a larger reel - which is a lot more fun and a testament to an angler’s skill in playing a fish, too.

Medium Class Reels

Medium classes jigging reels fall between the small and large classes - examples include Accurate reels such as the Valiant 500N, as well as the Daiwa Saltiga 35JH and the Shimano Ocea Jigger 2000.

Line capacity in the medium class is going to range between 450 to 550 yards of 30 lb line, with retrieval rates between 45” to 47” per crank.

Medium class jigging reels are also going to have considerably more robust drag systems capable of putting between 22 to 40 lbs of pressure on the fish.

They also weigh more - between 15 and 20 ounces, so they can be pretty heavy; generally, the higher the line retrieval, the heavier the reel.

These are workhorse reels, and since they are diverse in size and weight, you can go either shallow or deep (up to 1000 feet of depth, if you scale down your line weight).

This makes jigging reels in this class among the most versatile and capable of all reels because they can target a wide range of species across a massive spectrum of depths.

The one caution here is that reaching down deep with a medium class reel entails a compromise; you’ll be letting out so much line that if you hook something big, there will be little forgiveness in terms of how much line is left on the spool and how you set the drag. Also, the more line you let out, the lower your line retrieval rate will be because of the diminished diameter of the spool.

Then again, this also makes targeting large, powerful species at considerable depths on a medium class reel fairly sporting, which might be something you prefer.

Keep in mind also that a heavier reel may not offer handling as balanced as a lighter reel, and will be physically more taxing.

Large Class

Lastly, we have large class jigging reels like the Maxel Rage 90 and the Accurate Valiant 600NN, and the Ocea Jigger 4000. These are the largest jigging reels out there.

They offer the greatest line capacities, around 1200 yards of 30 lb test, with line retrievals between 37” and 53” per crank, depending on gear ratios. Drag will also be more robust, too, between 32 and 48 lbs.

On deeper drops, the power gear is nice, because even though they’re not as fast, they conserve energy and leverage power. It doesn’t wear you out as much.

Larger class reels will weigh between 19 and 25 ounces, so they’re not light, and will require a bit more muscle to fish for extended periods. They’ll wear you out faster so you might have less time at the rail.

Still, you might want a larger reel for a deep drop because of the extra line capacity; it gives you peace of mind that you’ll have enough line and won’t get spooled if you hook a beast. The extra drag can help you put the brakes on a bigger catch.

Some Other Things to Look for

In addition to reel class, you will also want to consider:

• Drag style: Slow pitch jigging reels are made with star drag and lever drag systems. While this is a matter of personal preference, some find that lever drags are a bit easier and quicker to set than star drags.
• Power handles: Some reels are made with large, ergonomic power handles that are much more ergonomic and comfortable to use; with extended arms, they afford anglers a bit more leverage, too. A power handle can also give you the flexibility to use both arms, and not just your rod arm, to lift the rod up.
• Narrow spools: Some slow pitch jigs have narrow spools; this makes the footprint of the reel smaller, enabling anglers to “cup” the whole top of the reel, affording greater control over the rod, the line, and ultimately, the jig you’re working and the fish.
• Level wind system: Some slow pitch jigs are equipped with level wind (or level line) systems. It’s easy to forget that you need to level the line, so you really need to pay attention. A level wind is more convenient and can keep your attention on the fishing and not how the line is stacking up on the spool.
• Clickers: Some reels have clickers, but we say there’s not much use for them, especially for slow pitch jigging.

Where to Get Your Slow Pitch Jigs, Reels and Rods

Now you know enough at least to begin your search for a slow pitch jigging reel. Visit Johnny Jigs’ official YouTube channel (where we got this information!) and then visit their website. Your next slow pitch outfit is waiting for you.

For more information about Fishing Tools and Split Rings please visit:- Johnny Jigs