Striped Bass Jigging
The conventional rod and reel combo we recommend for jigging striped bass features a 7′ fast to extra-fast rod and a reel a fast retrieve that is capable of handling 30lb braid. This is a very versatile conventional outfit and is perfect for nearly all striper diamond jigging applications. The rod must be fast so that the anglers efforts lifting the rod are transmitted to the jig. The reel needs to have at least a 6:1 gear ratio and no levelwind. The fast retrieve allows the angler to impart additional action to the jig. Though a levelwind is convenient, it acts to reduce the sink-rate of the jig (undesirable). Star drag reels are preferred because of the ease with which they can be put in and out of gear.
We recommend loading the reel with 30lb braid. Braided line is preferred over mono because the thin line diameter allows for the fastest sinking action and a more vertical presentation (critical). The lack of stretch ensures that the anglers efforts are transmitted directly to the jig.
The braided line is attached to 4ft length of 50-80lb fluorocarbon leader using a 75lb barrel swivel. A 2inch dropper loop should be tied in the middle of the leader. The dropper loop is passed through the eye of a 7/0 beak bait-holder style hook. A soft plastic bait should be threaded onto the hook until the hook eye was covered. The rig is topped off with either a 4oz or 6oz hammered chrome diamond jig. The best jigs have the highest width to length ratios. These “flatter” jigs have a much better fluttering action.
A fish flipper Release Tool should be used to ensure that all the fish were returned quickly and safely to the water. This tool allows the angler to release any lip hooked fish with ever touching it. It eliminates the chance that the angler will be hooked and minimizes wear and tear on the fish.
Striped Bass Tackle Checklist – Jigging
- 7′ fast-extra fast conventional rod rated for 30lb braid
- Conventional star drag reel capable of handling 30lb braid
- 30lb braided line
- 50-80lb fluorocarbon leader
- 75lb barrel swivel
- 4oz-6oz hammered diamond jigs
- Soft baits
- Fish flipping/release tool
Please contact us if you have questions about our recommendations!
Tackle Recommendations
 | Penn Ally Boat Rods Inshore casting (conventional) and spinning rods - 7' - multiple models suitable for 10-40lb mono and 10-50lb braid - fast to extra-fast actions - 1 piece tubular glass blank construction with solid glass tip - Fuji aluminum oxide guides - Pac Bay roller guides (on select models) - Heavy duty reel seats - EVA Torque foregrips - Aluminum gimbals Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon |  |  |
 | Shimano Teramar Northeast Inshore Casting Inshore conventional rod - 6'6" to 7'6" - multiple models suitable for 12-50lb braid or mono - medium to fast actions - lure weights from 1/2oz to 6oz Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Penn Fathom Star drag conventional reel (no level wind) - models rated for 10-50lb mono and 15-80lb braid - 6:1 gear ratio - 5 ball bearings - HT100 drag washers Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy direct from Amazon | | |
 | Penn Torque Conventional Star drag conventional reel (no level wind) - models rated for 10-50lb mono and 15-80lb braid - 6:1 gear ratio - 7 ball bearings - HT100 drag washers Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Shimano Torium Star drag conventional reel (no level wind) - models rated for 14-50lb mono and 40-100lb braid - 6.2:1 gear ratio - 3 ball bearings - aluminum frame and side plates Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy direct at Amazon | | |
 | Berkley Fireline Braid Braided line - virtually no stretch - moss green color - very thin line diameter - available 6 to 80lb test and 110, 300, and 1500 yard spools Learn more and buy at Berkley Learn more and buy at Amazon |  | |
 | Hammered Diamond Jig West End Fishing Tackle hammerred damond jig available in 4/6/8/10/12/14/16oz sizes with hooks |  |
 | Berkley Gulp Mullet Gulp Alive! Soft bait - 3" - GSSM3 - available in 12 colors - natural, action, scent and taste - irresistible swimming tail action. :earn more and buy from Berkley Learn more and buy direct at Amazon | | |
 | Berkley Gulp Alive Grub Gulp Alive! Soft bait - 1.5" - GAJJG1- available in black, chartruese, pearl, and white - proven shape and action works well for all fish - use on jigs, dropshots, and dropper loops Learn more and buy from Berkley Learn more and buy direct at Amazon | | |
 | Mustad Beak Baitholder Hook 92661-NI - Forged, Reversed, 2 Slices in special long shank, Ringed, Nickel Learn more and buy at Amazon | |
 | Mustad Rolling Swivel 77900 - Black Rolling Swivel w/round eye - available sizes/rating: 4/144lb, 6/118lb, 8/104lb, 9/77lb, 10/70lb, 12/49lb, and 14/42lb |
 | Yo-Zuri Fluorocarbon Leader Fluorocarbon leader - invisible, durable, max knot/crimp strength - clear and disappearing pink colors - 4-200lb test and 30/100yd spools Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Yo-Zuri TopKnot Fluorocarbon Leader Fluorocarbon leader - additional abrassion resistance, lower diameter, invisible, durable, max knot/crimp strength - clear and disappearing pink colors - 8-200lb test and 30/100yd spools Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Berkley Prospec Leader Fluorocarbon leader - invisible, durable, max knot/crimp strength - clear, blue, pink, brown colors - 20-200lb test and 25/33/75/100yd coils Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Berkley Floating Dehooker Soft grip buoyant handle - removes embedded hooks safely - lanyard included Learn more and buy direct from Berkley Learn more and buy direct from Amazon | | |
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