San Diego Bluefin Tuna | Slow Pitch Jigging Gear Breakdown | Rods, Reels, Jigs, Line | JohnnyJigs

San Diego Bluefin Tuna | Slow Pitch Jigging Gear Breakdown | Rods, Reels, Jigs, Line | JohnnyJigs
You asked and we are ready to answer. This video is a complete breakdown of our slow pitch jigging rods, line, jigs, and reels that we used. We talk in depth about our experience, what we learned, and what we think we will do better next year.
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[@rakkasan2007]

Just a suggestion to tap into the west coast market. 7 to 8 foot rod that can handle 30,40, 65 and 100 lb braided line conventional reel seat with extended forwarded grip for the rail. 200 -400 price range and you would make a killing in sales. We have a lot of tackle nerds out here.

[@grahamsulekfishingrodbuild4169]

We have them a man by the name of Randy Penny is the designer or Godfather of what is now known as a railrod. United Composites makes the Xtream Composites Railrods. The Platinum Composites are a beast of beauty or the CP family of woven carbon fiber blank with Duel e-glass core for a fast to moderate fast blank that has all the back bone you need to land big tuna. The list of great rods .

[@grahamsulekfishingrodbuild4169]

That's what I built . It's what you described.

[@grahamsulekfishingrodbuild4169]

The blank I used is a United Composites USA modified to be 7' and built for the rail. Won't disclose model blank here but will let JJ know privately. Tight Lines.

[@blackflag_fishing]

This is the best jigging channel on KZbin (yes that includes all of the “early adapters” of SPJ), and over all a killer fishing channel. Great info guys.

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

Thank you Black Flag...🤙

[@imeyouthem9303]

I second that sentiment.

[@michaelgruber1286]

Went out last Monday in the wind. Was on 1 if 3 boats that ventured out in 25 knot winds. We limited out but had to use 500 gram knife jigs. Love the channel brother. I'm tuned in for every episode now. Thank you for this video. I know what to order from you now for the next trip

[@samuelhaines4675]

The commentary is so valuable. You gentlemen have a gift of teaching. I appreciate all that you do for us.

[@dennisulick3626]

It's great to see some East Coast fishermen experiencing San Diego sportfishing and presenting your views. Thanks for the very informative video. I'm heading out on the Intrepid September 2022 for a 8 day trip. I will attempt to incorporate your jigging techniques and products.

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

Thanks Dennis...

[@jessemortensen23]

Another great Video! Thanks for mentioning my comment! Glad to see Will getting it done! I’m heading out to the West End next weekend targeting YF tuna so this video was perfect to get a game plan!

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

Absolutely bro...

[@chrisbcsenterprises9139]

Hey Johnny, Chris. Another great video from JJ and gives us some confidence in knowing that BFT will eat SP metal. Where I am in New Zealand, anglers are still stuck with trolling for BFT with medium to heavy gear but I'm hoping that change is in the wind. I'm the owner of Jig Star and designer of the Twisted Sista rod that Will was slaying near the end of the video. I'm so wrapt that my rod with Maxel reels are so productive and liked by the team. Keep it up guys and JIG ON!

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

Hey Chris..We all were all crushing the bluefin on the twisted sister at night. Unfortunately the footage was too dark to use in the video. Such an amazing rod..you knocked out of the park with that one.

[@gutshotaz2805]

Subbed because of your san diego video. Very informative again, thank you!

[@MikeTOrangeCounty]

Thank You Johnny🤙🏼🤙🏼gives me confidence to use SPJ for Tuna and Yellowtail out here in SoCal. Your detailed breakdown helps a lot! We typically get frowned upon when they see our SPJ setups on charters here in California. I Can’t wait to use my 500N and 600NN with my Johnny Jigs. I just purchased some micro jigs from you to SPJ closer to shore on my skiff.

[@wahoowahoo6743]

Thanks for the video and information on slow pitch jigging. So cool.

[@johnsmith-xd9ej]

Tradewind Avalon SPJ Rods are the answer to most of the weaknesses you guys break down….esp the short foregrip etc…

[@edwardpullings1062]

Thanks to James Kikkawa & Mike Kikkawa I have all my Phoenix Infinity structure jigging rods Daiwa Saltiga 2-speed reels and KB jigs HD jigs these two guys are the best well knowledged on offsure jig fishing for Big Bluefin Tuna Techniques 👌👌😁🎣🙏🏿🍀🎶😎🍺

[@desert8285]

Great video, it was a blessing you could use heavier line. There is no greater challenge then fly lining a bait on 40 lb flouro and catching 120 lb bluefin. Hour to hour and a half fights. As far as your gear goes for 150 to 200 lb fish you will be in some trouble. That class of fish is like being hooked to a Honda. And fighting it from a dead boat is really hard. I would encourage you to use a rail rod and master the technique for next time. Your gear may do it on a small boat chasing down the tuna. But on a dead boat with many fish hanging at once, in my opinion you will need a dedicated rail rod and 2 speed. I have many big blues under my belt, and some of them are real f.... angry for some reason..lol. I learned alot from your video, thank you and the tug is the drug.

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

Thanks Desert 82

[@sergiorodriguez889]

So glad you guys enjoy your time out West bro,also very cool to see the different styles of jigging between West and East Coast cause it will only help each other become even better at what we do!! Jig on,🤙❤️

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

💯 We learned a ton.

[@lindaholleysgonefishing9813]

I am going to start planning a San Diego trip. Hey - I was born in SD!

[@snipergene]

Great video! Thanks for all the info.

[@snipergene]

What are you thoughts on 2 piece SPJ rods compared to 1 piece rods, especially for the medium and heavier applications?

[@alexandroortega7636]

Thanks guys 👍

[@liewwk9029]

Thanks for the valuable tips. In the video mention on the 2 speed reel. I wonder how to apply on the 2 speed reel while fish on or fighting the fish. Hope future video to see how the 2 speed reel in action. Thanks and looking forward for exciting videos.

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

Thanks Liew

[@aquilino34]

Good info thanks for the video is greatly appreciated

[@ericancog4829]

Love the videos!! Keep them coming! Appreciate all the tips on tackle and technique. I'll be on a 3 day trip on the Polaris Supreme next week May 18-21. I have the Benny Ortiz Innovate rod, do you guys think it will hold up for this style of fishing? Planning picking up a bunch of the JJ jigs at Fisherman's Landing on my way down. Also, what knot do you guys use tying your braid to flouro connection? Cant wait to try slow pitching jigging on Bluefin!

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

The Innovate will work well for you. Prepare yourself for war. That captain is Top notch 👌. We use a PR knot. It will require a bobing tool. This is the only 100% flouro to braid connection.

[@ericancog4829]

@@JohnnyJigsTV Awesome! Thank you. Im preparing for war all weekend for this trip! Do you guys recommend using a swivel connected to the jig or at the beginning of the flouro leader?

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

Will was using a swivel at the jig or tie straight to the solid ring.

[@jefferyvladic2253]

I Live in Escondido California and when I am going out for Bluefin out of San Diego CA I have 2 Go to Set Ups. The 1st is a Diawa Lexa 400 on a 8'ft G Loomis in Heavy Action and I have several 150Lbs fish boated by this combo. I also have my second Go To Setup 2nd is a Accurate Valient 500NN with a 10' Phenix Rod in Extra Heavy Action that I use with 80lbs Braid in case we run across a School of Cows. The Accurate only has 28Lbs of drag but I really don"t fight a fish with more Drag than needed and 28lbs is comfortable enough and I can Control a Fish easier due to the Extra Length of the 10' Rod. I just never give the fish second to Breath by applying Maximum Pressure to the Fish at all times he's eventually going to expend more energy than he can restore a come into Gaffing Range!!! Try the JohnnyJigs 4 Sided Orange and Gold is a Killer and I Beef Up the Hooks sizes to a 5/0 or 6/0 to insure a Solid Hook set into the Jaw Side Plate of the Larger Size Fish. For a Florocarbon I rarely ever go Heavier than 60lb Test

[@kennycarder2211]

Thanks for the information Great video

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

Thank you!!

[@briankogan6871]

Great content guys definitely answered a bunch of my questions! We gotta get a Johnny Jigs charter trip or a jig only trip! If you do please send me the info!!! Tight lines guys keep the videos coming!!!

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

Rodger that Brian...Will do

[@albertarguilla8578]

Yeah man!

[@snaxs2000]

You guys are way to modest. I got the impression that you guys had great success jigging during the day and out performing the live bait. These bluefin are nearly impossible during daylight. Yes we need a custom rod for these boats. 8ft with long foregrip and rated for 150-200 fish. This seems impossible though. 8ft would make jigs feel heavier and would wear me out. I hope you guys come back. I would like you to show us slow pitching for our local rock fish.

[@shizloner]

good warm up, next Guadalupe islands for beasts!

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

Heck yeah!!

[@TheDanielmease]

Great video and info guys!!

[@grahamsulekfishingrodbuild4169]

Johnny I have your prototype slow pitch railrod built and will be testing it on the Oceanside 95 for 3 days of massive pacific bluefin tuna .Then will be ready to box up and ship to Florida.

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

Awesome Graham

[@dariosimas5268]

Nice job on the BFT!!! Do you guys have a video on the temple reef Project X? I already have one dedicated SPJ setup for lighter jigs, I was browsing your website and that one caught my attention as it seems like a versatile rod, being able to do speed jigging too? Could you share some thoughts on it! Thanks! One more San Diego subscriber! 🎣

[@grahamsulekfishingrodbuild4169]

I keep trying to get your attention ,"I have the railrod jigger already . You should of came by the shop in Huntington Beach California. But yes a friend of mine was on the Intrepid same time you were out 3 for 5 on prototype power 7 slow picth .

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

What's up Graham...I texted you back on the last video..Why don't you give me a ring at the shop. I'll be in Tuesday

[@Mr05sti]

Hope you guys come out for the bigger models later on in the year!

[@derekmiller40]

What about the line stacking on one side of the reel when fighting a big fish do to acid wrap?

[@steveabad2585]

Very informative video

[@KEPTIFISHING]

Nice tuna’s great tips johnny jigs

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

Thanks Kepti

[@sab35263]

Have you guys ever used Jigging World Ghost Hunter rods? I wonder if you guys heard anything about those rods.

[@dojo1249]

I would buy an 8 foot+ rated for 100-200 pound tuna maybe acid rapped rail rod

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

Check this out. johnnyjigs.com/products/johnny-jigs-sj-railer-rod

[@amiruleizwanofficial]

Great videos with a lot of info about slow pitch jigging. Wish that i could buy jigs from you guys but i cant find any fishing shop that sell it in malaysia. 😭 🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾

[@ergogenic4780]

Did you guys find yourself using the 40lb or 65lb braid more on your trip?

[@jaredhill8258]

Chris daddy doyle himself!

[@BoycottYoutube]

I see Chris didn't mention an Ocea Jigger for this trip. Is that due to insufficient drag on the Ocea, or has he converted over to the Accurate/Maxel lines?

[@peytonwyly8919]

Insufficient on the 4000? It has 40lb of drag

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

4000 would do the trick for sure, but Chris had to make do with what he was available to him. The Maxel rage 90n worked incredibly for us. It's a new crew favorite 😍

[@paidslave1217]

10k subs is just around the corner guys! Let's go people pound that sub button you know you want to!👍🏾

[@edwardpullings1062]

Hi I would like to know when are you going to have the battle royale conventional rod weight 150/400 and 200g/500g.

[@lv702huntingfishing4]

Awesome video great info! But I was hoping you can answer my question. I’m going on my first trip next week. I currently have a penn squall 30 size I’m planning on 65-80lb braid. How many yards of line do I need at least !?! Thank you!

[@edwardpullings1062]

Hi I would like to know when are you going to have that conventional fishing rod battle royale 800g for sale.

[@TedCotter-is7kp]

The sound cuts in and out

[@matthewbeckwith663]

50 lbs schoolies! Fish get bigger.....whoaaa

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

Crazy!!!Such an amazing fishery

[@omarmarrero8099]

Did you notice if you had more bites than the California anglers using the heavy boat rods to work their jigs?

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

I can't answer that honestly because I do not know what the other anglers caught. "I wasn't keeping a tally" but I can tell you that SPJ was highly effective and each of us limited out.

[@sandiegopescadeportiva2320]

New suscriber from San Diego question what combo of your website do you recommend for 80 pounds tunas?.

[@hormoz1989]

Would you recommend vertical jigging rod since tuna were key into faster moving? As of today is there a slow pitch rod that can handle 100# class tuna? Thank you

[@BucktailBob]

What size hooks were you using? I use single 11/0 Mustad Hoodlum hooks on my standard vertical jig rod for bluefin, but I’m thinking you need a smaller diameter hook to penetrate with the lighter SPJ rods?

[@edwardvillaruel9307]

Hello sir you have takle shop in new york city

[@flyjets]

Please forgive my ignorance.. but if you are a right handed person) do you use a reel with the handle on the right or left side of the reel?

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

That is a big question many guys have when getting into SPJ. I am right handed and prefer to reel with my right on conventional and left on spinners. It is truly up to the angler and what suits you best.

[@edkimfishes1877]

Do you guys carry 5 power jigging rods and how much action is affected when you go past a 4 power? Thank you

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

The Ocean Legacy rods go up to 1k grams.

[@grahamsulekfishingrodbuild4169]

They are on the Pacific Queen going to battle Pacific Bluefin Tuna. Not meer 40 to 50 pounders .These we knoware 150 to 200 pounders being caught and lets just say they got something up thier sleeve UC.... to be continued.

[@wereak]

Did you use the Jigstar battle Royale rod and what rating?

[@hgc1619]

Just moved to Cali from Florida and I was spj’inf in Florida and I’m about to go out in San Diego. I have a power 3 jj pro series with a accurate 500n lined with 40lb. What size leader do you suggest? The 80-100 like you said in the video?

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

Definitely 80-100...honestly leaning more towards 100

[@TheNeuromorph]

What rod would you recommend with a ocea jigger 4000?

[@k.yang7]

What size Inchiku jig would you use for the currents there that day?

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

I would use 150-200g

[@k.yang7]

@@JohnnyJigsTV thanks new scriber

[@dojo1249]

I would like to see a video of the north east tuna(Nj) on the party boats where we have to have 100 yards of mono some boats allow braid backing only, no less than 60lb line but mostly 80 thru 100+ line with a lot of line capacity. Not much jigging on those boats because of the size, setups against the broomstick type of fishing with most fishing is done with live/cut baits. Like to see what rod and reel for this. Thanks

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

Dojo, We are planning a trip up your way this year. Not sure on the dates yet.

[@socaljiggingwithjohnny8287]

Awesome video, guys! I was on the Polaris Supreme a couple trips after you guys! Your first video dropped the morning of my departure and led me to grabbing a few more lighter jigs. I brought a couple setups, but only had the confidence to drop my xesta 685 and jigger 4000 a couple times with no bites. I have been fishing slow pitch for cod in southern California for almost 10 years now and put up some videos, but not nearly as professionally as you guys. I use a home made rail protector for when I lean the rod on the rail. It isn't strong enough to be used as a fulcrum, but will protect the blank from being damaged. Trying to figure out how to attach I pic of it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXu2YYiqiLONe9E

[@aaronwhitaker6457]

What Jigstar rod were you using?

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

Hey Aaron, it was the twisted sister

[@aaronwhitaker6457]

@@JohnnyJigsTV awesome, Thanks!

[@aaronwhitaker6457]

Awesome episode, BTW...Shared with a bunch of my San Diego fishing buddies. 👍🏼

[@patrickhrnjak592]

Hey Johnny jigs, just watched your gear video and have been watching you guys for awhile. If you would like you should give me a shout out. I am part of a great charter group in San dieago. We have some room left on a few 4 day charters this year and next year. I know you guys missed out on the big tuna get on one of these charters it will give you a chance to catch the triple digit fish

[@bradmmorton]

Is PE the same as power for spj

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

PE Rating refers to the thickness of the line..

[@BassinWCoast]

The 1st video was awesome but tackle wise you guys were underprepared! You need minimum 80lb test and I still would use 100 min up to 200 on these cattle boats. Leave the trout rods at home, You guy brought knifes to a gun fight

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

West Coast-Karma...Thank you for checking out our video...We were stomping 40-50# fish in under 2 minutes. I have been told my gear is too light and won't work many many times all over the world. That is part of thrill of sport fishing for me. The gear we are using puts us at a complete advantage for enticing a bite even when the fish are not actively feeding. In addition to that the lighter line helps to keep the jig vertical giving you more time in the strike zone and better action/ presentation. The rods we are using are called Slow Pitch Jigging rods and are Uniquely designed to impart an action on the jigs. We have made believers out of many old Salty dogs by dropping fish on the deck and simply letting our rods do the talking for us....Thanks again...Jig On!

[@CHDoyle3]

I had 6 of those 45lbers with a gaff in them from strike in 35-45 seconds - they were not beasts but, I’d love an opportunity to take the trout rods up against bigger ones - it’s the technique and the reel that does the work - more to be revealed… New chapters hopefully to be written here! 🤷🏼‍♂️ Tons of fun regardless!!!

[@N2theBlue1]

They don't need that for schoolies at all.

[@Mr05sti]

Any bigger fish on those rods your gonna be pegged.... if your catching 100 plus pound fish you need a broomstick an a 25 or 30 even 50 size reel...no need to hold the boat up...

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

The Maxel Rage 90n in this video has just as much Drag if not more as any of the reels you listed. It's all about fighting technique for us. 20-30 pounds of Drag is 20-30 pounds of Drag no matter what rod you are using. A rail rod will not get in a fish in any faster than a slow pitch jigging rod if you are using the same exact Drag setting. We were boating 40-50 pound tuna in under 30 seconds Just Sayin🤗..It's all about fighting technique.

[@christopherbarnes7777]

Guys as always thanks. Content & Info Priceless. ? 🤔 On the 8" Innovate

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

40-60# no problem

[@tommyliu4683]

Good stuff guys!! New subscriber here and just getting into slow pitch jigging!

[@Tony67032]

can you go more in details, in what line would you use with each of the power rods you mention , like power 1 rod with 65lb braid and short top shot of 50lb mono for example , new to the jigging world from San diego.

[@raleighthomas3079]

Awesome videos guys! Congrats on some nice fish! That was a blast of a trip. Hoping to do a trip on the Patriot here in Fla. soon!

[@JohnnyJigsTV]

Awesome Raleigh...Grouper time

[@raleighthomas3079]

@@JohnnyJigsTV absolutely! That’s my main target fish SPJ fishing, but looking forward to species we don’t get to on the Middlegrounds on the shorter trips, due to depth, like Queen Snapper and Grey and Blueline Tilefish, as well as monster gags and Snowey and Kitty Mitchell Grouper! Jig on!

[@albertarguilla8578]

Thanks for the tips! Can’t wait to get hooked up on some monsters!