Using jigs and light spinning tackle has become the first choice of serious anglers targeting blackfish (tautog). If you have never done this before, or just want to improve your game, just keep reading. If you think you know everything you need to, just remember this; good fishermen know how to catch fish, great fishermen know when to shut-up and watch what the other guys are doing.
If you are not familiar with the light tackle blackfish technique, here is what you need to know. A small jig ranging from half-ounce up to 2 ounces (sometimes more) is baited with either a small whole crab or a chunk of crab. The jig is typically cast on a light spinning rod a few yards from the boat and worked slowly along the bottom. The presentation nicely imitates a crab moving across the bottom. Even the most cautious fish will chase it. This is fishing is always done at anchor and can be as shallow as 5-6ft or well over 60ft (current permitting).
I prefer a 6-7ft spinning rod with a fast to extra-fast action. The rod should be rated to handle 20lb or 30lb test braid. The fast action means that most of the rod bend will be in the upper third of the rod. This is important because you need the muscle to move a bigger off the bottom and away from the structure. A slow or medium action rod may allow a bigger fish to put their head down and dive in the structure. The rod tip needs to be sensitive enough to show even the slightest pick-up. Pro tip: Learn to identify an extra-fast rod before buying it. Manufacturer ratings are inconsistent.
It is critical to use braided or fused line because you need to sensitivity to feel the pickup. The lack of stretch is going to ensure a good hook set. The thin diameter will reduce the effect of current and also allow the light jig to sink quickly. Monofilament line is not appropriate! I only use 20# test when fishing over more open bottom where there is little chance of the fish diving in to structure. Most of the time I use 30# line because the diameter is not much larger and gives me enough muscle to pull even the largest fish away from structure. Pro tip: Use a dark colored line, stay away from white or anything fluorescent!
My preferred leader is 3-foot length of 30# fluorocarbon from either Yo-Zuri or Berkley. The 30# rating is tough enough to resist most structure. However, for certain wrecks, 50# fluorocarbon may be a better choice. To connect the braided/fused line to the leader tie a one-man Bimini and then use an Albright or the No-Name knot. If you are not comfortable doing that, use a very small swivel to make the connection. However, that swivel may become an issue when passing through the guides. Pro tip: Remember to replace your leader if it gets scuffed. Learn to tie the Bimini and No-name Knots!
Cast the jig up into the current and let the current bring it back to you and even past you. That is the most realistic presentation. Once the jig hits the bottom, get the line tight and visual a jigging motion that lifts the crab a few inches off the bottom and allows it to move forward. There are times when a very slow motion is best and other times when a quicker motion is more effective. Be prepared to set the hook if you suddenly feel extra weight when lifting the jig. Be prepared to set the hook if you suddenly lose contact with the jig because it has probably been lifted off the bottom by a fish. Pro tip: Cover all the water around the boat and try to find a “fish-funnel” where you can pull one fish after another out of the exact same spot. Vary your jigging speed often until you come up with something they cannot resist.
More Light Tackle Blackfish Resources
Light Tackle Blackfish Gear Recommendations
Anchoring Tips and Techniques
Tie a One-Man Bimini to Albright Knot
Fall Blackfish Tips
The best jigs for blackfish jig fishing are made by Capt John Knight at Tidal Tails. These jigs have a tough finish, sharp hooks, and a unique color pattern with orange, green, and iridescence. Choose the lightest jig possible for the depth and current conditions, so you can barely feel the bottom, allowing the current to move the jig naturally across the bottom.
A 6-7ft spinning rod with fast to extra-fast action is ideal for blackfish jig fishing. The fast action ensures that most of the rod bends in the upper third, giving you the muscle to lift bigger fish off the bottom and away from structure while still being sensitive enough to detect subtle pickups.
Braided or fused line is preferred because it has little to no stretch, making it much more sensitive to detect subtle bites from blackfish. Additionally, the thin diameter reduces current effects and allows the jig to sink quickly. Monofilament lacks this sensitivity and stretch resistance, making it less suitable for this technique.
Cast the jig up-current and let the current bring it back to you, mimicking a crab moving across the bottom. Maintain tight line once the jig hits bottom and use a jigging motion that lifts the jig a few inches off the bottom while moving it forward. Vary your jigging speed to find what entices fish, and be ready to set the hook if you feel extra weight or lose contact with the jig.
Use a 3-foot leader of 30lb fluorocarbon to resist abrasion from structure, with heavier 50lb fluorocarbon recommended for wreck fishing. Connect the braided main line to the leader with a one-man Bimini knot followed by an Albright or No-Name knot, or use a small swivel if needed, but beware of guide pass issues. Replace the leader if it becomes scuffed.
Some pro tips include learning to identify an extra-fast rod since manufacturer ratings vary, using dark-colored line to avoid spooking fish, keeping the jig barely in contact with the bottom for natural presentation, and covering all water around the boat to find productive fish-holding spots. Also, vary jigging speed often to trigger bites that fish can't resist.
Blackfish jig fishing can be effectively done at depths as shallow as 5-6 feet and as deep as over 60 feet, depending on current conditions. The key is adjusting jig weight and presentation to suit the depth and water movement to imitate natural crab behavior on the bottom.