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.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 7-foot fast to extra-fast conventional rod paired with a reel possessing a fast retrieve and capable of handling 30lb braided line is ideal for jigging striped bass. The fast action rod helps transfer lifting movements to the jig effectively, while a reel with at least a 6:1 gear ratio and no levelwind ensures optimal sinking and retrieval speed.
Braided line is favored because its thinner diameter allows for faster sinking jigs and a more vertical presentation, which is crucial for enticing striped bass. Additionally, braided line’s minimal stretch ensures that movements and actions are transmitted directly to the jig, improving lure control.
Attach a 4-foot leader made of 50-80lb fluorocarbon to the braided line using a 75lb barrel swivel. Tie a 2-inch dropper loop in the middle of the leader, thread a 7/0 beak bait-holder hook through the loop, and cover the hook eye with a soft plastic bait. Finish the rig with a 4oz or 6oz hammered chrome diamond jig, preferably one with a wider, flatter profile for better fluttering action.
Effective jigs for striped bass have a high width-to-length ratio, giving them a flatter profile. This design enhances their fluttering action when sinking, making the jig appear more enticing to striped bass. Hammered chrome finishes also help with visual attraction underwater.
Levelwind mechanisms slow down the sink rate of jigs, which is undesirable because it reduces the vertical presentation that is crucial for attracting striped bass. Avoiding a levelwind allows the jig to sink faster and maintain a more natural fluttering action.
The Fish Flipper Release Tool enables anglers to release lip-hooked fish quickly and safely without physically touching them. This minimizes harm to the fish, reduces the chance of the angler getting hooked, and speeds up the catch-and-release process, which is beneficial for conservation and safety.