NZ's Best Slow Pitch Jigs & Techniques
Slow pitch jigging (SPJ) is a highly technical method of fishing that relies on the "fall" of the lure to trigger strikes. To be successful, you must match your jig choice to the water conditions and ensure your presentation remains vertical.
Main Product Ranges by Brand
Hayabusa (Jack Eye Series)
Renowned for their industry-leading 6-layer paint finish and innovative Japanese design.
- Jack Eye Shot Slow & Wide: Designed with a wide, flat body that catches the water to create a slow, dramatic fluttering fall. It is the ultimate choice for shallow reefs and sluggish fish.
- Jack Eye Ace: A versatile, "rear-weighted center" jig designed for incredible flight distance and a high-pitch swimming action. It is highly effective for both vertical jigging and shore casting.
- Jack Eye Kunekune: A unique hybrid "tie-mura" jig. It features a wavy, curved body that produces a distinct swimming vibration on the retrieve and a complex "slalom" action on the fall.
- Jack Eye Shot (Slow & Slim): A slim profile designed to reach the bottom quickly in higher current while maintaining a seductive flutter.
Palms (Slow Blatt Cast/Offshore)
Palms offers the most technical categorization in the industry, often using different materials (Lead vs. Zinc) to control sink rates.
- Slow Blatt S (Slim): Center-balanced for a stable, shimmying fall. This is the go-to for starting your session.
- Slow Blatt R (Rear): Weighted toward the tail. It drops fast to the strike zone and requires more rod power to turn horizontal.
- Slow Blatt Long: A slim, elongated profile that slides significantly further side-to-side on the "pitch."
Uroco (Original Series)
Uroco jigs are famous for their "scale" pattern and ease of use for beginners and pros alike.
- Uroco Jig Original: An asymmetrical jig that darts quickly on the lift and has a very relaxed, horizontal "fall back" action.
- Uroco Jig Short: A more compact version of the original. Ideal when fish are feeding on smaller baitfish or when you need a tighter fluttering action.
Evergreen (Ocean Fleet)
The professional's choice, designed for maximum feedback and refined technical movements.
- Caprice / Caprice Neo: Designed by master lure makers to reduce water resistance. It offers a sharp darting action followed by a perfect "glide and wobble" fall.
Vexed (Hybrid Series)
The Australian leader in "scented" slow pitch jigging.
- Dhu Slow: Weighted slightly rear-of-center to stay in the strike zone longer. It usually comes rigged with a "Flashy Occy Assist" (a scented octopus skirt).
- Dhu Drop: A more teardrop-shaped jig that maximizes vibration and flash, specifically targeting big bottom dwellers like Grouper and Snapper.
Technique: How to Fish the Slow Pitch
Fishing a slow pitch jig is a rhythmic dance between the rod tip and the lure, focused entirely on the "fall." Unlike high-speed jigging where you rip the lure upward, the goal here is to use the rod's recoil to "pitch" the jig into a horizontal position, allowing it to flutter and stall like a dying baitfish.
Start by dropping the jig to the bottom, then perform a synchronized movement: turn the reel handle (usually a 1/4 to a full turn) while simultaneously lifting the rod tip. As the rod reaches the top of the stroke, immediately drop the tip to create slack line; this slack is the "magic moment" where the jig loses tension and begins its characteristic horizontal dance. Repeat this cadence for the first 10 to 20 meters off the bottom, staying hyper-attuned to your line, as most strikes occur while the jig is fluttering downward on the drop.
Advanced Fishing Tips for Success
To truly master the art of Slow Pitch and Slider fishing, these small adjustments can make the difference between a quiet day and a full bin.
- The "Magic" 10-Meter Zone: While it is tempting to wind halfway to the surface, 90% of bottom-dwelling predators are holding within 10 meters of the seafloor. Focus your efforts on short, high-quality "re-drops" to keep your lure in the strike zone longer.
- Monitor Your Sounder: Watch for "sign" just off the bottom. If you see fish sitting tight to structure, use a Short/Wide jig to maximize the time the lure spends fluttering right in their faces.
- Vary Your Retrieve Speed: Fish change their metabolism based on water temperature. On colder days, slow your "pitch" or wind-rate down significantly. On warmer days, a faster, more aggressive movement often triggers a competitive strike.
- Scent is Your Friend: Especially when using the Vexed range, adding a small amount of long-lasting gel scent to the skirts can encourage a fish to hold onto the lure for those extra seconds needed for the hook to set.
- Check Your Leader: After every big fish or snag, run your fingers over the last meter of your leader. Slow pitch jigging often puts your line near sharp reefs and teeth; a tiny nick in your fluorocarbon will be the breaking point on the next trophy fish.
Depth to Weight Reference Chart
| Depth (Meters) | Suggested Weight (Grams) | Recommended Profile |
|---|---|---|
| 5m – 20m | 20g – 40g | Wide / Oval (Zinc) |
| 20m – 40m | 60g – 100g | Short / Wide |
| 40m – 60m | 100g – 150g | Standard / Slim |
| 60m – 80m | 150g – 200g | Semi-Long / Rear Weight |
| 80m – 100m | 200g – 300g+ | Long / Slim (Heavy) |
Pro-Tip: The "Handbrake" Essential
To fish these jigs effectively, you must maintain a vertical line. If the boat drifts too fast, your line will angle out, and the jig will lose its ability to flutter. Always use a drouge (sea anchor) to act as an underwater handbrake. This slows your drift speed, keeping you directly over your jig and allowing the rod to "snap" the lure into its horizontal dance.
Essential Assist Hook Configurations
To ensure your jig performs its intended action, you must use high-quality assist hooks. We stock Vanfook and Decoy, the industry leaders in Japanese terminal tackle.
- For Wide/Short Jigs (Fluttering Action): Use Decoy DJ-88 Twin Pike. These hooks have a wider gape to ensure the hook points aren't "shielded" by the wide body of the jig.
- For Long/Slim Jigs (Sliding Action): Use Vanfook Jigen (JH-10) or Decoy JS-3 Pike. These lighter wire hooks allow the jig to slide effortlessly without being weighed down by heavy terminal tackle.