How To: Vertical Jigging Basic Techniques

How To: Vertical Jigging Basic Techniques
In this video we go over four basic vertical jigging techniques. First is the standard high speed vertical jigging. Second, is the slow pitch original jigging method. Third, is ripping or basically just reeling as fast as you can and moving the jig speedily through the water column. Fourth is a mixture of vertical speed jigging through the first half of the water column targeting bottom fish, while ripping the jig through the top of the water column targeting Pelagics. All of these techniques can be varied and tailored to find out what the fish are wanting. Constantly keep changing things up until you figure out a pattern of jigging technique as well as water depth where the fish are holding. Overall, this is my favorite technique for targeting deep water structure. Super fun too. Check out my other vertical jigging videos in the vertical jigging playlist.
KEY WEST KAYAK FISHING: Equipment Used
The Car - 1997 Honda Civic Hatchback DX
The Motorcycle - 1997 BMW F650
The Kayaks
1) 2010 Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140.
2) 2012 Hobie Adventure Island w/ Outboard Motor Mount
- 2010 Suzuki 2.5 HP 4-Stroke Outboard
- Lowrance Hook-5
The Rods/Reels
1) 7' MH Shimano Teramar, TMS-X70MH, Line Wt. 10-20lb, Lure Wt 1/2-1 1/2oz, Power: Medium Heavy, Action: Extra Fast
- Penn Conflict 4000
- Power Pro 20lb
- Power Pro 10lb
- Andes 15lb pink mono
2) 7' H Shimano Teramar, TMS-F70H, Line Wt. 15-20lb, Lure Wt 1/2-2oz, Power: Heavy, Action: Med Fast
- Penn Conflict 6000
- Power Pro 65lb
3) 6'6" XXH Offshore Angler - Ocean Master Freestyle Jigging Trigger Rod, OM66XXHT, Line Wt. 80-200, Lure Wt, 7 1/2 - 13 1/2oz, Power Extra Extra Heavy
- Shimano Torium 16
- Power Pro 65lb
4) 7'6" M Hurricane Calico Jack IM7, CAJ-457, Line Wt. 8-17lb, Lure Wt 3/8-3/4oz, Power: Medium
- Shimano Solstace 4000 FI
- Power Pro 20lb
5) 6' Ande Tournament Stand Up Rod, ASU-601A SDRMH, Line Wt. 20-50, Power: Medium Heavy
- Shimano TLD-30A 2-Speed
- Power Pro 65lb
6) 6'6" Shimano Trevala, TVC-66MH, Line Wt. 50-100lb, Jig Wt 50-100g, Power: Medium Heavy, Action: Medium Fast
- Abu Garcia 6500C3
- Power Pro 30lb
7) 7' Shimano Trevala, TVC-70ML, Line Wt. 20-50lb, Jig Wt 55-135g, Power: Medium Light, Action: Medium Fast
- Abu Garcia 6500C3
- Power Pro 30lb
Plus a few other misc saltwater rigs that are used sparingly and some Bass rigs which I won't use in salt water.
Filming
GoPro Hero 4 Silver
GoPro Hero 3 Black
GoPro Studio Editing Software
Header Graphic Created By: Jeff Kaphingst (www.jeffthedesigner.com) (www.rack30.com)

[@Charsept]

I like this tutorial style video. Never vertical jigged before so this was pretty interesting.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, I don't think many people are familiar with it. Very cool to do. Everybody I show how to do it gets hooked.

[@bryans7131]

Steve, great in-depth tutorial on vertical jigging! Excellent demonstration of different techniques you use to trigger a strike as you pull through the water column.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Thanks Bryan. Hoped they would be helpful or to at least show what we are doing out there.

[@thomaslawrence3232]

Thank you for the informative video. Glad you were catching fish making it. You helped answer a lot of my questions. I'm also appreciative of the equipment you have in the description.

[@LAY9706]

Thank you for this video, I never understood what jigging was as I have never done it before. Lots of useful information great video as always

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Glad you got to check it out. I figured that there would be a lot of people not understanding how we do it.

[@bennyrosado5402]

thank you much!!! i very clear about vertical jigging now!!! great video...

[@josiehenry540]

Very well presented and clearly explained. I learnt a lot. Thanks for you time.

[@horseblinderson4747]

Nice thanks for actually producing a how to that actually shows that you know how to, how to.

[@michaelboyle885]

Hi Steve, wanted to let you know I enjoy all of your videos. Congrats on your subscription growth keep the quality vids coming

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Thank you Michael. I appreciate the support.

[@Outdoorsweekly]

Awesome video if I ever fish salt water I will use all of the of the tips

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

It'll get you hooked.

[@carloslavernia409]

Awesome video thank. you so much. Very informative, and most videos don't even mention the fish finder thank you for. that reference.

[@DiamondShogun]

Thanks alot! Finally a detailed how-to jigging video

[@rolandfero9742]

Just like most everyone else said..Great tutorial ! Would like to more about how and why you're thumbing the line onto your reel. I've gone yellow fin fishing in NC, and had to do that. But would like to learn more about technique...

[@kayakeros3470]

Great way to show how stabilizers can really can help with this kind of fishing , wonder on what other fishing techniques could be helpfull? great video man! keep em' comin'

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Pretty much all of them will be enhanced with the extra stability.

[@bigbossoooo]

Great video beautiful day. Glad to see u had your drag set on awesome mode😊

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

It was nice out there. A rarity during Winter. It's that pretty pink slot on my reel.

[@del55555]

greetings from the sultanate of Oman ! youve reached that far ! amazing video as always !

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Greetings. I have a few viewers from the Middle East. Quite a few fisherman over there actually. Lots of similar fish.

[@MchaelTeeter]

Great instructable video! Thanks for the tips.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Hope they were helpful. Its a really fun and effective technique.

[@KayakFishingCentral]

Another great vid Steve, can't wait for the next one.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Thanks a lot. More coming soon.

[@HOOKEMINTHEMOUTHKAYAKFISHING]

I HAVE GOT TO TRY THIS ONE DAY ! V JIG! LOOKS FUN IF YOU ARE CATCHING AND A EXERCISE IF YOU DONT!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Definitely should. Fishing the blue water is pretty addictive. You should get a hold of the guys down in Miami. A lot of guys would be happy to add you to their get togethers. No rock stars out there.

[@HOOKEMINTHEMOUTHKAYAKFISHING]

WELL I DONt KNOW IF ILL BE GOING THEN I HAVE TO HAVE MY rockstars! HOOKEM IN THE MOUTH! IM DEFIANTLY GOING TO TRY IT SOMEDAY!

[@TMODCustoms]

Thanks for the great vid, much appreciated!

[@casyenj1642]

Awesome video thanks for sharing you got yourself a new subscriber

[@Jamboliner]

Awesome video!

[@gjaleman]

Which trevala rod do you use. What lines are you using? Thanks you probably have the best educational fishing channel I know

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

That one is 5'8" XH. 65# Power Pro. Glad they are helpful.

[@pakde8002]

great tutorial. thanks so much

[@kenau6636]

Great video on jigging techniques! Thanks for sharing.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Hoped it would be helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@kenau6636]

What kind of reel do you use for jigging? I use a talica 12ii but is a bit heavy.

[@infiniti2003]

Great video fun and educational .Thankyou.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching.

[@wilderg88able]

your awesome! this is exactly what i have been looking for thanks for video!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Your welcome. Glad it was helpful.

[@amdomag]

Great video. What type of reel best suits you for vertical jigging? Thanks for sharing.

[@flysubcompact]

Thanks, Steve. Great, instructional.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Your welcome. Thanks.

[@ellenx9412]

Very informative! Seems good fishing in the State, catching all kind of decent fish in a yak.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, Florida is pretty much the top fishing state in general. Southern Florida is blessed with mild temperatures and no real winter so we can fish all year.

[@YL-mc9oz]

VERY USEFULL - LIKE !!! THANK YOU

[@robertsondick4678]

A keen learner ... Thanks

[@unlimitedvlogs7952]

Great vid I learn a lot thanks Steve

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Your welcome. Glad it was helpful.

[@808Mark]

Excellent video

[@FishingChanneltv]

just perfect, love it, will try some of that :)

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Vertical jigging is a ton of fun.

[@jakesgopro6524]

awesome looking fish! kinda looks like a lure I have but wayyyy bigger lol. nice video

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

What kind of fresh water fish is smacking a baby tuna. LOL.

[@corbinames5069]

great way to start my day

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

A lot of people burn some work or school time watching my videos. LOL.

[@alfiefallejo]

That's a nice catch

[@kieronperalta6198]

Are you using the thumb for line lay? I think I can just about make it out from the second camera angle, slick technique. What technique would you use with bucktails?

[@mrhotdog1968]

Love your show. Question: I have the same rod and its rated for 80-200 powerpro; however, you are using 65lb powerpro. What are the cons of using a line that is below the line rating of the rod?

[@migs671]

Amazing videos quick question what are you looking for when you a jigging the deep like drop offs mountains?

[@tommyblifting10]

Great video! What kind of areas are you choosing to jig at?

[@rahulmaron]

Hello Sir, can you show how did you made this Kayak setup of yours. Very interesting to know how you came up with this motorised kayak

[@WorkingClassOutdoors]

and ....... your sub count is growing like crazy congrats keep up the good work!!!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Thanks. You get these spurts so you have to make sure and take advantage of them.

[@noice4249]

Love this

[@15outdoor]

thank you so much, very informative video for newbie like me

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@brrr8904]

wandyhee your body weight and height aren't really necessary for choosing a rod lmao 😂

[@RickysFishingAdventures]

awesome video buddy,that was a beautifull day so flat wow!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, oh so many windy days in between.

[@ballisticlt7452]

What brand of jigs do you prefer? I tend to do the best with Shimano flat side jigs but I haven’t tried many others.

[@peetfishingadventures]

Awesome video Steve

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Thanks for checking it out Mike.

[@austinpangcog8923]

what jig type would you recommend to use for first time vertical jig users? just started getting into jig lures but there are so many styles and weights.

[@IsraeliFisherman]

Very good thx dude

[@mr.shellcracker9161]

Another great video

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Thanks KFTS. It was fun making it.

[@elevin1972]

You've got the dispatching/bleeding out part down to a Science with the tail grab/foot pinch/gill rip/mirage drive pin for the count!! The picture of efficiency...

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Caught a few so have a system. The Tuna vibrator can be a bit annoying sometimes especially when they are splattering blood all over.

[@outdoorseddy2931]

Thanks for the video! How far from the shore were you?

[@flagstaff866]

I would like information on your kiyak?. Particularly the outrigger that you have ? Can you add another one to the other side too ?

[@rodneyharris7246]

Nice tuna!!! I've still not caught a tuna in the Indian Ocean yet I'm really looking forward to when I do!! I've not been out since I got back from work yet. Monday is looking good for Leanne and I to hit the Indian Ocean!! We've not been catching much out there lately I hope our luck changes soon!! Take care and tight lines!!!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Really. Are they just not in that area or do you not target them? I know the Blackfins aren't all over but I thought the Yellowfin Tunas were around there. Some great fish for the fights and for the eating. I hear ya. Fishing therapy. Good luck.

[@rodneyharris7246]

They are in the area but we don't target them much. It's like hit and miss but more often miss. We don't get them as big as your getting them I think we have to go to the east coast for that or more up north. We get a lot of bonito. We mainly target the demersals the bottom feeding fish. If we see a bait school we'll throw a few lures.Thanks take care and tight lines!!!!

[@troutmasterz3453]

Are you tieing your braid straight to the lure or you have a mono topshot? And which is your preferred knot to tie to the lure?

[@PeterMelton]

Great video, in fact great channel. I am working through all your videos as we speak. Like the channel so much I bought kayak and aSuzuki DF2.5 over the break and I just my Florida registration. How did you stick the the registration sticker and the registration number to the kayak?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

The registration tag stuck no problem. The letters kept coming off so I stuck them on and then covered the edges with rubber cement. Gotta find a smooth section or it won't work. You can always have a couple of plastic plates made with the info and then attach loosely to the kayak.

[@koogleyou557]

Ive bought a lg # of vert jigging lures. I live 1 hr N of SF. near Bodega Bay. I mention it because Im wondering if this technique is applicable here. Also how far out do you normally fish and what depths and underwater terrain do you look for? Thx.

[@dannyharageonesjr.2024]

Thanks bro

[@diegoelcienfueguero7865]

Hello Steve, great stuff bro👍

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Thanks Diego. Appreciate it.

[@tarpontime7562]

Great video bro! 👍👍

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Glad you liked it Joel.

[@mohamedelazab9606]

hi whats is the make /model of the fish finder .. does it works by batteries ?

[@Ja518]

Man this is awesome. What made you choose this spot? Bottom have some rocks?

[@TheFredo91977]

Thank you very much homeboy

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

No problem Alfredo.

[@AliexFolgueira]

Good tips I hope I put them to the test soon😀😀😀

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Gotta get out there. Into the blue.

[@AliexFolgueira]

Key West Kayak Fishing soon I'm tired of the flats 😀😀

[@SuperShovel123]

Thanks for the tips. You ever thought about a second engine, don"t know how much it would weigh you down and gas consumption for the additional weight but I think it would be a great safety factor if one went down and or during one of those summer pop up storms to get the hell out of dodge a lot quicker

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Nah, the drag would be too much and no gain. I also have my peddles and paddle if the motor breaks.

[@GillsNThrillsFishing]

Steve , thanks for the tutorial. Gonna apply some of those techniques but i'll skip fast jigging - looks tiring in 300 ft of water. I'm too whimpy lol.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, it is brutal. People think it is one fish for every pull, but it can get very slow and very tiring. Then you get whacked by a big Amberjack and you are wasted. Then the grunting starts.

[@canallivrevitoria]

VOCE É O MELHOR MANO , O MELHOR DE TODOS

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Nah, apenas sorte.

[@canallivrevitoria]

a sua humildade o torna o melhor

[@fvaldez714]

Hi Steve, I was wondering how many yards of top shot mono do you recommend? Thanks :)

[@jonlakota2541]

Good vid

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Appreciate it Jon.

[@kc2jfs]

Speed cranking is also sometimes referred as Squidding

[@elevin1972]

So that's why they called that Penn reel the squidder!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Good to know. Hadn't heard that before.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

I wonder if that is why. Seems legit.

[@warren_duke]

Great video. Thanks for all the hard work creating. One of the best jigging vids I've seen. Nice catch too.!

[@BubDavisa]

How far off shore do you get before you feel comfortable jogging? Or is it really just locating the fish no matter the depth?

[@perrysnopeep]

Leader ? I lost 3 jigs on 60lb floral in 30 minutes.....do you use wire leader if so what type size ? Thanks great video👍

[@maxus302]

very nice video.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Appreciate it maxus. Glad you liked it.

[@flyslinger2]

What pole do you use for your higher camera perspective?

[@jamesmerick3543]

hi can i knew what brand of fishfinder are u using?

[@shashatheonly]

How heavy is that lure? And do you know what size the hook is?

[@kingtide69]

What’re some good conventional reels for jigging

[@patrickduncanjr.6847]

What kind of jig is that? Great video

[@jacobcastille4133]

Nice video

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Thank you jacob. Thanks for watching.

[@lesspost17]

Nice educational you have there. Can a spinning reel be for jigging?

[@hgfs6479]

yes but only reels size 5000+

[@nancyschwendeman9646]

Yes you csn use any reel for jigging

[@horseblinderson4747]

Need allot of line. Oftentimes you'll see people use 150 yard spools because they know they need more than one and they'll top shot their line.

[@amigocompadre2012]

Bro, what right lenght of cord assist hook?

[@JavierTeran81]

whats the best color jig for you.. i have the best luck on white or pink

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

I stick with white, chrome/sparkle, or glow. Not much color down deep. Having contrasting colors is the most important thing. Different colors/shades on each side or stripes. That shows up more than color.

[@flagstaff866]

How is your outrigger attached to your kayak ?

[@pouriansoutdoors]

what stabilizer do you use to keep the kayak stable?

[@chipfriday8166]

Steve, I'm new to your channel and just starting learning about salt water fishing. Any extra knowledge you can impart would be appreciated! Esp. about what is good, better, best to eat; fishing laws in Florida, and any safety tips. Thanks!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

I have a ton of info in my videos except for the fishing laws. You really have to keep an eye on these as they are constantly changing. We have about a half dozen big changes that started this New Year that directly affects our main fishing down here plus, the open and closed seasons are all over the place between the different species. I would really suggest browsing through my videos and take a browse. A lot of tips and tricks in every video as that is what my channel is based upon. I also have three or so specific safety videos. Check my playlists.

[@chipfriday8166]

Thanks so much for your time. It is so precious and we never get it back. Thant's why I get so pissed when I open a video that sounds interesting and 12-15 minutes later that "thing" was never mentioned. I have just retired and look forward to fly fishing off the coast of Texas. When I lived in Houston was a member of Fly Fishing Club and took 2 classes in Fly Tying. I will have to look into club in Dallas. Thanks again for your time. Keep the videos coming. I will look over your older ones. I seem to always learn something from your videos. And I love the cooking ones. I am glad to see our hobby is evolving to "catch (maybe photo) and release" or "catch and eat". Please stay safe.

[@Epicmodernfishing]

What kind of hooks are you using there? Thanks

[@stefanieburlingame5944]

When you rip the cartilage to bleed them out, does that also kill them or are they still alive while bleeding out. If alive, does that help the bleeding out process? Would you not be able to bleed them if you killed them first?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

You need their heart pumping so it will push the blood out. They are alive while this is done.

[@kenbobca]

I'm new to the use of fluorocarbon leaders. What is the advantage to it's use?

[@kingtide69]

Ken Karnes when put in the water the line is virtually invisible as opposed to mono. So you use it so fish won’t see your leader

[@muddyriverdogz]

Another nice informative video Dave.I hear ya about those cuda's hanging under the boat, watch what you dangle..Those cudas piss me off when im spearfishing hogs.The biggest hog i ever speared a cuda got.

[@randallmarsh1187]

Dave's not here, man. LOL!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

They can be very sneaky. Have had many baits get nailed as soon as they hit the water next to the boat. Just imagined if that was a hand or foot.

[@mrmelon1409]

@key west kayak fishing how do you get good audio with your GoPro because I want to start a fishing channel but audio is horrible

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

It is because I use the GoPro 4 Silver which is the touchscreen version. They have a touchscreen back door which is just a thin plastic so sound goes through it no problem plus the wind is blocked and it is still waterproof. I use a head strap so it is close to my face for better sound. If the risk of getting wet is low, you can adapt a standard hard case and use a lapel microphone.

[@mrmelon1409]

Key West Kayak Fishing oh I have a hero 4

[@man61908]

Key West Kayak Fishing I just bought a lever drag 2 speed for bottom fishing, can I also use it for vertical jigging? Pros or cons to using lever drags for vertical jigging?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

It will work. Depends on the model. It needs to be light or your going to get fatigued quickly. Also, a narrow spool will make it easier to feed the line on the reel. The rod will make a big difference as well. Lever drag or star drag there is no difference.

[@man61908]

Key West Kayak Fishing thanks! Keep up the good work and keep the great vids coming!

[@jayvanhouwe2132]

Great vid once again!! can you bleed all fish that way? or do you have too just on certain fish? Jay.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

The only fish that I bleed is Tuna. Probably would do it for most pelagics as they are constant movers with a lot of blood pumping through their system. Wahoo, Kings, Sails, etc.

[@ethanj6039]

Key West Kayak Fishing why do u bleed them?

[@michaelkolinski]

Aren't those almaco jacks good eating???

[@TheMandalore04]

How do you like your Shimano TLD? I was looking at them at basspro and they seem to have some backplay in the handle. Is that the case or just abused display models?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Mine are fine. No issues. That series has been out forever. Considered a work horse down here. The only issue is for big game fishing, the frame and housing is plastic so you get flex. I don't think I have caught anything that big that caused that problem. LOL.

[@georginaeiou.]

What fishfider are you using

[@15outdoor]

anyway, what is rod length and power do you use and recommend? i'm 5'4" (1.65m) with 80+kg weight

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

It is all based on the fish that you are targeting, the jigs you are going to use and the braided line weight. I have med-light, med-heavy, and X-heavy Trevalas depending on what I am targeting.

[@p.w.7051]

I notice that the past month or so you really appear to be "bundled up" when you are out on the water. Is that more for sun protection or temp? I've been tracking the temps down there lately as I am trying my best to get down there and have seen basically highs around 80 on warm days and low 70s on cooler days. Just want to know how to best prepare. Thanks!!!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

It's all waterproof gear because I might be running back at night time and it can get rough out there. It depends on what a couple of night temps are. The water temps are influenced quite a bit by prior night time temps.

[@luisjrcadena9675]

There's no sharks... until there is.

[@luke6687]

When you hook onto a *edit* really really big fish that is running really fast or a fish around sharks* on a round reel do you bother speuling the line from left to right onto the speul?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

It is second nature now to spool the line but if it is a dead stick where there is not much or very little line movement, I don't really pay attention to it. I use a narrow spool on my jigging rod so it doesn't take much to lay the line down.

[@luke6687]

Key West Kayak Fishing fair dinkum! Thanks for the reply