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Build your jigging setup
Jig, rod, reel and hooks, matched to each other. The spec line is each product's own; prices and stock are live.
The lure
Knife jigs
80 to 200g, long and slim
Long, slim metal jigs that drop fast and slide and dart on the lift. Weight to the depth and current; most NZ kingfish jigging runs 150 to 250g.
Short and strong
Mechanical jigging rods
5'2" to 6'0", 150 to 400g, PE3 to PE8
A short, parabolic rod that loads under a heavy jig and lifts a big fish without wearing you out. Overhead or spin, to match the reel.
Torque and drag
Jigging reels
Overheads with 10 to 18kg drag, or 8000 to 10000 power-gear spins
Narrow overheads such as the Ocea Jigger and Saltiga give the most cranking power; a power-gear spinning reel is the versatile alternative.
The connection
Assist hooks
Single and twin assists, 3/0 to 8/0
Heavy-wire assist hooks rigged on cord at the top of the jig, where kingfish hit. Carry spares and check the cord after every fish.
The setup
The setup in numbers
A balanced kingfish jigging outfit, from the products in this guide.
Jig
Knife jigs for 30 to 150m. As a starting point run roughly the depth in metres as grams, then go heavier in current.
Rod
Rated for 150 to 400g jigs and PE3 to PE8. Short for leverage, parabolic to absorb the lunges.
Drag
Overhead jigging reels with 10 to 18kg of drag, or a spinning reel in the 8000 to 10000 class with a power gear.
Braid
45 to 90lb jigging braid, 300m on the spool. Jigging braid is built for abrasion and the shock of a hit on a tight line.
Leader
Three to five metres of fluorocarbon, 40 to 130lb across the leaders here, joined with an FG knot that runs through the guides.
At a glance
Mechanical jigging rods by budget
Every spec from the product itself. Prices and stock are live.
| Rod | Tier | Best for | Key tech | Spec | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assassin Artemis 53XH | Entry | A first serious jigging rod | Carbon Cross blank, Fuji Alconite KR guides, spin | 5'3" · 150-400g · PE4-8 | $495
In stock |
Shop |
| Shimano Game Type J FullBend B60-4 | Mid | A full-solid blank that bends deep | Hi-Power X FullSolid blank, Taftec Infinity core, overhead | 6'0" · Max 400g · Max PE4 | $588
In stock |
Shop |
| Shimano 23 Ocea Jigger B510-6 | Mid | Deep-water kingfish and tuna | Spiral X Core, Hi-Power X, overhead | 5'10" · Max 380g · Max PE6 | $710
In stock |
Shop |
| Yamaga Blanks Galahad 526S | Premium | Heavy jigging to 200m on spin | Powerful heaving blank, SiC Ocean guides, spin | 5'2" · Max 350g · PE6 | $760
In stock |
Shop |
| Samurai X-Tracta Jig 5'6 Spin PE3 to 6 | Premium | All-round NZ kingfish jigging | Spin; overhead versions in the same range | 5'6" · Max 320g · PE 3-6 | $849
In stock |
Shop |
| Zenaq FOKEETO FS56-J10 IKARI | Elite | Big kingfish and tuna | IKARI carbon-core blank, spin | 5'6" · 150-400g · PE8 | $1,102
In stock |
Shop |
| Ripple Fisher Selfish AJ 603 | Elite | The aggressive-jerk specialist | High-tension blank for the aggressive jerk technique, spin | See the product for ratings | $1,300
In stock |
Shop |
- Best for
- A first serious jigging rod
- Key tech
- Carbon Cross blank, Fuji Alconite KR guides, spin
- Spec
- 5'3" · 150-400g · PE4-8
- Best for
- A full-solid blank that bends deep
- Key tech
- Hi-Power X FullSolid blank, Taftec Infinity core, overhead
- Spec
- 6'0" · Max 400g · Max PE4
- Best for
- Deep-water kingfish and tuna
- Key tech
- Spiral X Core, Hi-Power X, overhead
- Spec
- 5'10" · Max 380g · Max PE6
- Best for
- Heavy jigging to 200m on spin
- Key tech
- Powerful heaving blank, SiC Ocean guides, spin
- Spec
- 5'2" · Max 350g · PE6
- Best for
- All-round NZ kingfish jigging
- Key tech
- Spin; overhead versions in the same range
- Spec
- 5'6" · Max 320g · PE 3-6
- Best for
- Big kingfish and tuna
- Key tech
- IKARI carbon-core blank, spin
- Spec
- 5'6" · 150-400g · PE8
- Best for
- The aggressive-jerk specialist
- Key tech
- High-tension blank for the aggressive jerk technique, spin
- Spec
- See the product for ratings
Reels
Jigging reels by budget
Overhead or spin. Drag and retrieve per turn from each reel's own spec line. Prices and stock are live.
| Reel | Tier | Best for | Key tech | Spec | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimano 24 Stradic SW 8000PG | Entry | Power-gear spin for jigging | Hagane body, Power Gear | Spin · 16kg drag · 4.9:1 · 94cm | $519
In stock |
Shop |
| Shimano 21 Ocea Jigger 2000NRMG | Mid | The classic NZ jigging overhead | Hagane body, Infinity Drive, Micromodule Gear | Overhead · 10kg drag · 5.7:1 · 107cm | $788
In stock |
Shop |
| Daiwa 25 Saltiga 35 | Mid | Heavy-duty overhead for big kingfish | Rigid aluminium thumb-holding frame | Overhead · 13kg drag · 104cm | $878
In stock |
Shop |
| Shimano 21 Twin Power SW 10000PG | Premium | Deep-water jigging on spin | Hagane body, Infinity Drive, power gear | Spin · 25kg drag · 4.9:1 · 102cm | $935Elsewhere: In stock |
Shop |
| Daiwa 22 Saltiga 15 | Premium | Compact overhead, technical jigging | Hyperdrive Design | Overhead · 10kg drag · 6.3:1 · 103cm | $998
In stock |
Shop |
| Shimano 20 Ocea Jigger 4000 | Premium | Monster kingfish and deep drops | Hagane body, Infinity Drive, 18kg drag | Overhead · 18kg drag · 4.4:1 · 101cm | $1,089.99Elsewhere: In stock |
Shop |
| Daiwa 25 Saltiga 8000-P | Elite | The flagship power-gear spin | Full-metal monocoque body, G1 duralumin gear | Spin · 25kg drag · 94cm | $1,498
In stock |
Shop |
- Best for
- Power-gear spin for jigging
- Key tech
- Hagane body, Power Gear
- Spec
- Spin · 16kg drag · 4.9:1 · 94cm
- Best for
- The classic NZ jigging overhead
- Key tech
- Hagane body, Infinity Drive, Micromodule Gear
- Spec
- Overhead · 10kg drag · 5.7:1 · 107cm
- Best for
- Heavy-duty overhead for big kingfish
- Key tech
- Rigid aluminium thumb-holding frame
- Spec
- Overhead · 13kg drag · 104cm
- Best for
- Deep-water jigging on spin
- Key tech
- Hagane body, Infinity Drive, power gear
- Spec
- Spin · 25kg drag · 4.9:1 · 102cm
- Best for
- Compact overhead, technical jigging
- Key tech
- Hyperdrive Design
- Spec
- Overhead · 10kg drag · 6.3:1 · 103cm
- Best for
- Monster kingfish and deep drops
- Key tech
- Hagane body, Infinity Drive, 18kg drag
- Spec
- Overhead · 18kg drag · 4.4:1 · 101cm
- Best for
- The flagship power-gear spin
- Key tech
- Full-metal monocoque body, G1 duralumin gear
- Spec
- Spin · 25kg drag · 94cm
01 · Jigs
Knife jigs for kingfish
Long, fast and slidingKnife jigs are long and slim, so they drop fast and slide sideways on the lift. The Evergreen Javeline and Satou and the MajorCraft JigPara Vertical Long are built for vertical work; the Uroco Original, BlueBlue Conifer and Hayabusa Jack Eye Switch work both high-pitch and slow-pitch styles. For the lighter end of the technique, see the Slow Pitch Jig guide.
- The mission
- Reach the bottom fast, then trigger the bite
- Best for
- 80 to 200gVerticalHigh-pitch
- Weights
- Every card shows its own weight range
Shop knife jigs
See more
02 · Rods
Samurai X-Tracta jigging rods
Spin or overhead, PE2 to PE8The X-Tracta range covers mechanical jigging from PE2 to PE8 in both spin and overhead, in 5'6" Jig models rated to 220, 320 and 420g and 6' models rated by line class. Pick the rating that matches your reel and the jig weights you fish most.
- The mission
- One range, every class
- Best for
- PE2 to PE8Spin and overhead5'6" and 6'
- Spec line
- Max jig weight and line class on every card
Shop Samurai X-Tracta
See more- Overhead
X-Tracta 6' Overhead, M/Fast, 50-80lb
Mechanical Jigging | Max 200g | 50-80lb | 6'0"
In stock$72900Unit price /Unavailable - Overhead
X-Tracta 6' Overhead, M/Fast, 30-60lb
Mechanical Jigging | Max 150g | 30-60lb | 6'0"
In stock$69900Unit price /Unavailable - Overhead
X-Tracta Jig 5'6 Overhead, PE 4 - 8
Mechanical Jigging | Max 420g | PE 4-8 | 5'6"
In stock$88900Unit price /Unavailable - Overhead
X-Tracta Jig 5'6 Overhead, PE 3 - 6
Mechanical Jigging | Max 320g | PE 3-6 | 5'6"
In stock$88900Unit price /Unavailable - Overhead
X-Tracta Jig 5'6 Overhead, PE 2 - 4
Mechanical Jigging | Max 220g | PE 2-4 | 5'6"
In stock$88900Unit price /Unavailable - Spinning
X-Tracta Jig 5'6 Spin, PE 4 - 8
Mechanical Jigging | Max 420g | PE 4-8 | 5'6"
In stock$86900Unit price /Unavailable - Spinning
X-Tracta Jig 5'6 Spin, PE 3 - 6
Mechanical Jigging | Max 320g | PE 3-6 | 5'6"
In stock$84900Unit price /Unavailable - Spinning
X-Tracta Jig 5'6 Spin, PE 2 - 4
Mechanical Jigging | Max 220g | PE 2-4 | 5'6"
In stock$82900Unit price /Unavailable - Spinning
X-Tracta 6' Spin Medium-Fast, 50-80lb
Mechanical Jigging | Max 200g | 50-80lb | 6'0"
In stock$74900Unit price /Unavailable - Spinning
X-Tracta 6' Spin Medium-Fast 30-60lb
Mechanical Jigging | Max 150g | 30-60lb | 6'0"
In stock$72900Unit price /Unavailable
03 · Reels
Jigging overheads
Shimano Ocea Jigger and Daiwa SaltigaA narrow-spool overhead is the mechanical jigging reel of choice: it sits low on the rod, frees your thumb to control the drop and gives the most cranking power for its size. The Shimano Ocea Jigger 2000 and 4000 and the Daiwa Saltiga 15 and 35 are the NZ standards. Drag and retrieve per turn are on every card.
- The mission
- Thumb on the spool, torque on the handle
- Best for
- Ocea JiggerSaltiga 15Saltiga 35
- Left-hand models
- Overhead handles are not interchangeable, so choose the L model if you wind left
Shop jigging overheads
See more
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10kg Drag | 6.2 Ratio | 117cm Per Turn | Left-Handed
In stock$92800Unit price /Unavailable 
10kg Drag | 5.7 Gear Ratio | 107cm Per Turn | RH
In stock$78800Unit price /Unavailable
18kg Drag | 4.4 Gear Ratio | 101cm Per Turn | RH
In stock$1,08999 Elsewhere: $1,199.00
13kg Drag | 7.1 Gear Ratio | 95cm Per Turn | LH
In stock$48010Unit price /Unavailable
8kg Drag | 8.1 Gear Ratio | 109cm Per Turn | RH
In stock$57730Unit price /Unavailable
8kg Drag | 8.1 Gear Ratio | 109cm Per Turn | RH
In stock$54450Unit price /Unavailable
04 · Reels
Power-gear spinning reels
The versatile optionA spinning reel in the 8000 to 10000 class with a power gear gives the torque for jigging and doubles as a topwater or livebait reel. The P and PG models in the Stradic SW, Twin Power SW, Certate SW, Stella SW and Saltiga ranges are the ones to look at. Drag and retrieve per turn are on every card.
- The mission
- One reel for jigging and casting
- Best for
- 8000 to 10000Power gear15 to 25kg drag
- Spec line
- Drag and line per turn on every card
Shop power-gear spinning reels
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25kg Drag | 4.9 Gear Ratio | 102cm Per Turn
In stock$93500 Elsewhere: $1,049.00
16kg Drag | 4.9 Gear Ratio | 94cm Per Turn
In stock$51900Unit price /Unavailable
15kg Drag | 4.9 Gear Ratio | 86cm Per Turn
In stock$78900Unit price /Unavailable
15kg Drag | 4.9 Gear Ratio | 82cm Per Turn
In stock$81500Unit price /Unavailable
25kg Drag | 4.8 Gear Ratio | 98cm Per Turn
In stock$97000 Elsewhere: $999.99
05 · Hooks
Assist hooks for jigging
Heavy wire, short cordKingfish hit the head of the jig, so the assist rig goes on the top ring. The Decoy Pike Type R and Grand Pike are heavy-wire power-jigging hooks, the Vanfook Jigen Grippy range adds a rear assist for large jigs, and the Vanfook cord lets you tie your own at 50 to 300lb.
- The mission
- The link that takes the hit
- Best for
- 3/0 to 8/0Single or twin50 to 300lb cord
- Rigging
- Check the cord and hook point after every fish
Shop assist hooks
See more
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- SpecialSpecial
- ted's pick
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- Ollie's Pick
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06 · Line
Jigging braid and leaders
Built for the hitJigging braid takes a tight-line hit at depth, so it is built for impact and abrasion. X-Braid Jigman Ultra X8 runs PE2.5 to PE6, the Varivas Avani Jigging Max Power to PE10, and the Shimano Ocea 8 to PE6. Join 3 to 5m of fluorocarbon leader with an FG knot; the X-Braid FC Absorber runs 40 to 130lb.
- The mission
- Tight line, no stretch, tough leader
- Best for
- PE3 to PE6300m60 to 100lb fluoro
- FG knot
- A slim knot that runs through the guides on the drop
Shop jigging lines
See more- SpecialSpecial
PE2.5 - PE6 | 300m | 45lb-90lb
In stock$11900$13860Unit price /Unavailable -
PE0.6 - PE6 | 300m - 600m | 14lb-90lb
In stockFrom$14780Unit price /Unavailable -
PE2 - PE10 | 300m - 1200m
In stockFrom$11650Unit price /Unavailable -
Technique
Mechanical jigging, step by step
The rhythm that gets kingfish to eat a jig. Prices and stock are live in every section above.
Drop to the bottom
Free-spool with your thumb on the spool and count the drop. The moment the jig touches down, engage and lift; most hits come in the first few metres off the bottom.
Lift and wind
One sharp lift of the rod with one turn of the handle, repeated in a steady rhythm, so the jig darts and slides on every stroke. Work the bottom 10 to 20m, then drop again.
Don't strike
When the rod loads, keep winding. The assist hook sets itself under the weight of the fish; a strike on a tight braid line pulls the hook.
Set the drag before you drop
Around a third of the braid's breaking strain, set with a scale. Kingfish run for the reef, so a firm drag from the first second keeps the fight short and the fish out of the foul.
Kingfish jigging FAQ
Kingfish jigging
Overhead or spinning reel?
Overhead or spinning reel?
An overhead gives more cranking power for its size and better control of the drop with your thumb, which is why the Ocea Jigger and Saltiga overheads dominate NZ jigging. A power-gear spinning reel in the 8000 to 10000 class is the choice if you want one reel for jigging and casting.
Knife jig or slow pitch jig?
Knife jig or slow pitch jig?
Knife jigs are long and slim, drop fast and suit the high-pitch lift-and-wind rhythm that triggers active kingfish. Slow pitch jigs are wider and flutter on the fall for fish that want a slower presentation, usually on lighter gear. Many jigs, such as the Uroco Original and BlueBlue Conifer, work both ways.
What braid and leader?
What braid and leader?
PE3 to PE6 jigging braid, 45 to 90lb, with 300m on the spool, and 3 to 5m of 60 to 100lb fluorocarbon leader joined with an FG knot. Go heavier on the leader around reef and foul.
How heavy should my jig be?
How heavy should my jig be?
Start with roughly the depth in metres as grams, 150g in 50m and 200g in 80m for example, and go heavier when the current pushes the line away from vertical. If you can't feel the jig touch down, go up a size.
The full range
Every kingfish jig we stock
Knife jigs and heavy slow pitch jigsEverything in our kingfish jig collection that is in stock right now: the knife jigs from this guide alongside the heavier slow pitch jigs that double for kingfish, such as the Vexed Dhu Drop and Dhu Slow and the Palms Slow Blatt L. Weight ranges are on every card.
- The mission
- One collection, every kingfish jig
- Best for
- Knife jigsSlow pitch 150g plus80 to 1000g
- Weights
- Every card shows its own weight range
Shop kingfish jigs
See more- 12 sizes
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