Different Types of Jigging [Guide for Beginners]

All fishing is fun, but jigging is probably one of my favorite and most fun techniques! It requires constant attention and a “feeling” for it.

Besides your ambition and adventurous spirit, for successful jigging you will need adequate equipment. And to get adequate equipment you will have to decide what type of jigging you want to practice.

There are three main types of jigging, and those are slow jigging, vertical speed jigging, and cast and retrieve jigging. Although similar, these three techniques have some important differences that you need to understand. But don’t worry, it’s not that complicated!

Whether you plan an offshore adventure, or a visit to your local lake, one of these types of jigging will bring results!

Because the market is full of specialized jigging equipment, here I will give you some guidelines about the most appropriate things to have!

To get to know the basics, check out the following chapters!

What are the Different Types of Jigging?

There are various types of jigging, sometimes even known under different names, but here are the three basic techniques that can cover all your needs!

Slow Jigging or Slow Pitch jigging [Rod, Reel, Jigs and More]

First of all, let`s define slow pitch jigging.

This is a technique that is based on using jigging lures that are wide and provide a lot of wobbling motion as they sink.

When it comes to usage, it is excellent for places as steep drop-offs where many baitfish and predators congregate because it will look like an injured bait.

When it comes to equipment you will need the following:

• Medium or slow action rod

Rods for this technique have certain lure weight ratings so make sure that you pair it well with the lure. When you check out rods for slow pitching you will notice their grips. Most often it is split, and the butt is prolonged, as it is expected from an angler to lean the rod under the arm. Here you can check more about parts of a fishing rod ...

• Fast conventional reel (keep in mind to consider not only gear ratio but also IPT)

When it comes to reel type, better option is a conventional reel. Not only due to higher speeds available, but also due to the ability to palm the reel. Palming is a technique where you use the palm of your hand to hold the reel from the side and it enables you better line feeling and control. There are a lot of videos online, so check it out if you are new to this.

• Wide jigs

Jigbaits for slow pitching are wide and very wobbly. Size depends on the rest of your gear and targeted species, while colors can be chosen in accordance with fishing conditions in your specific situation.

• Sensitive lines

As the main line you should use the braid. It is not stretchy and will provide a lot more sensitivity. Make sure that it corresponds to the rod and reel ratings when it comes to line strength/diameter.

The technique itself works well in deeper water. Majority of strikes happens as the jig is naturally sinking and imitating injured prey. When it reaches the bottom, you need to reel it up and let it fall again. If you have “a hand for it” strikes could occur on the way up, but as a beginner focus on the sinking part.

Deeper water is excellent because the longer it falls the more natural it appears and gives time to predators to bite it. This technique often provokes slower and more gentle bites from fish.

Vertical Speed Jigging [Rod, Reel, Jigs and More]

Second jigging technique is vertical speed jigging.

This is the one that every beginner thinks of when someone mentions jigging. It is also done in a vertical motion, but everything goes a lot faster and seems more erratic.

Vertical speed jigging also works in drop-offs and deeper water. Jigs used are heavy and have elongated bodies. To create an attractive motion for predators, these jigs are tapered to be able to move back and forward upon retrieval.

Before I give you a bit more details about the technique, here is a list of equipment:

• Fast action rods

Besides fast action, vertical speed jigging rods have to be strong and resistant to withstand harsh strikes. Medium heavy to heavy power and short length are their main features.

• Conventional reel

Same as in slow pitch jigging, conventional reels are a better option here. Palming the reel is a technique that comes in handy when you are jigging, so try to learn it. When it comes to speed, slower reels with lower gear ratios are used. I know that it seems weird to a beginner, slow reel for “fast” fishing, however, reels must handle heavy power. If you have time you can also check my another article about types of fishing reels ...

• Heavy jiggs

Longer, heavy, and elongated jiggs are the way to go. I already said those are tapered but what does it mean? These jigs have weighted rear end are made in a way that they can move through a water column really fast. Water resistance is reduced.

• Strong lines

Braided main lines are a good choice here due to lack of stretch, sensitivity, and most importantly their high strength. Of course, when it comes to their strength and diameter, pair them with rod and reel ratings.

This technique is done in a way that anglers let the heavy jig sink fast, and retrieve it back up in a fast motion while pulling the rod up and down to create attractive lure movement. Due to this rod motion jigging is well known and this “original” technique shows it. Fish strikes are very aggressive and sudden here.

Cast and Retrieve Jigging [Rod, Reel, Jigs and More]

And lastly, among types of jigging, we have cast and retrieve jigging technique.

This jigging technique includes further casting, and it is great for shallower waters. If you have spinning fishing experience you will like it.

It is done in a way that you cast a jig and then reel it back towards you while the jig is bouncing around, hitting the bottom. Of course, it can also be done at a certain depth and touching the bottom is not mandatory. The only downside is that it can get stuck on obstacles if you don’t choose the right place. Depending on your presentation, it can be either fluid motion or the more unpredictable one, depending what you want to accomplish.

There is one more thing important here – this technique is beginner friendly. Spinning reels can be used very successfully.

When it comes to equipment, you will need the following:

• Fast action rod

This rod should have medium power and can also be a spinning rod if used with spinning reels. Length of the rod depends on where you plan to use it and can be shorter or longer. Shorter are gear for boats while longer are better for shore.

Here you can read more about what does fishing rod action mean ...

• Suitable reel

Why do I say suitable here? Well, cast and retrieve jigging can be done with either spinning reels or baitcasters with low profile. For a beginner spinning option is better due to harder casting with a baitcaster.

Spinning gear has many benefits and that is easier handling, lower price, and versatility. Of course, the reel size depends on a fish you are planning to catch, and the speed should be medium.

You can also check my another article about Jigging With Baitcaster to learn more ...

• Various jiggs

You can play with sizes and types here, mostly soft plastics that come in many shapes and colors. Just make sure that we weight corresponds the rod.

• Suitable lines

For lighter lures you can even use mono lines, but braided are also a possibility. Depending on bottom and structures, weight of lure, reel type, and other features go for the one you think suits you better. Beginners may like mono more due to easier handling and knot tying, as well as lower price.

Conclusion

Among three main types of jigging everyone can find one that is suitable for their needs. Casting and retrieve may be more suitable for beginners due to equipment used, however, don’t be afraid to try out slow pitch or vertical speed jigging.

Some anglers even do all three techniques with spinning gear but it will limit the size of your catch and depth due to smaller line capacity. Nevertheless, it is a good start of you don’t know how to work with conventional/baitcaster reel!

Jigging is suitable for many different species, in almost all waters, even under the ice!