Lightest jig to be able to cast?

[Jim O]

Given an 8'rod and a #40 Avet MXL, what would be the lightest surface jig I should be able to throw? 

[Keta]

Jim is not new to fishing but is as green as you can get on SoCal iron and LR fishing.
Alan and me have been helping him but I told him to post here as I am not always the best source for information and more is better. 
Mark has been helpful on BD.

[Hardy Boy]

I just throw what ever i take out of Lee's or Marks box ...honestly I've never had a problem with any of the normal size ones which are 3 oz ish. Never had a reason to throw smaller or lighter.

Cheers

Todd

[oc1]

Doesn't the rod have a lure weight rating printed next to the line weight rating?

[Swami805]

If you're talking about surface iron they range from about 2.25 to 3.5 in weight depending on the model. A lot will depend on the rod too, needs to load up (bend) to cast well
Don't worry too much about distance at first, it will come with practice. Learn to read the situation of where to throw your jig. Fish boils, birds activity, nervous water are all keys of where to drop a jig

[Brewcrafter]

Okay, I am going to try and throw some light on this one, looking at our SoCal fisheries.  Not sure what your long term goal is with lightest, but I is will try and throw some "real world" at it.
The single biggest factor - the guy holding the rod and skill level.  And for that all I can say (as a mediocre caster myself) is practice, practice, practice.  That reel, especially with the MC cast option (standard on Raptors) is pretty forgiving, so you are in good shape there.
As far as the actually weight, most of the popular "surface irons" (think Tady, Salas) that you would be using in SoCal are made of aluminum or zinc, and most seem to weigh about 3-4 oz throwing a few of mine here on the kitchen scale.  And while it might be nice to bomb one out there like the deckhand, the truth is you really need to only reach the fish (and there will usually be a crew member up on top of the bait tank scattering bait with the intention of bringing the fish in closer to the boat).
In my mind the bigger challenge (and one that you outfit is certainly capable of) is lobbing a live sardine out from the boat in such a way that A - it doesn't get tossed off the hook, B- Does not get stunned by slamming into the water.  The hope here is to get the bait out away from the boat, and in good shape where it will begin swimming out away further.  And while sardines can vary quite a bit in size and weight, it would not be unusual to have some that are 3 oz or less, and this is a situation you will likely find yourself in (and again, with practice, that outfit is very capable and has the "wheaties" to take down a serious yellowtail or smaller tuna).  Anything much lighter than that (think anchovies) Well, it can be done but only by better folks than I.  And of course in any bait situation it is entirely reasonable to add a small sliding egg sinker (think 1/2oz +) to help add a little weight to get that bait out there.  Hope I haven't totally put you in the weeds. - john

[Keta]

I just throw what ever i take out of Lee's or Marks box ...honestly I've never had a problem with any of the normal size ones which are 3 oz ish. Never had a reason to throw smaller or lighter.

Cheers

Todd

 And return them without finish.  See you in August.

[Jim O]

Lee said I should practice flipping a clothespin.  What would you use to simulate an average sized sardine?

[Hardy Boy]

Sardine is different than an iron.  If you have good thumb control.... you are fine .... don't over think it. I learned to cast gor salmon and steelhead. So cal stuff is easy if you can do that....same for bass fishermen I would guestodd

[Hardy Boy]

I just throw what ever i take out of Lee's or Marks box ...honestly I've never had a problem with any of the normal size ones which are 3 oz ish. Never had a reason to throw smaller or lighter.

Cheers

Todd

 And return them without finish.  See you in August.

I cant help it if I caught 15 plus tuna in a few hours ...

Todd

[Keta]

I just throw what ever i take out of Lee's or Marks box ...honestly I've never had a problem with any of the normal size ones which are 3 oz ish. Never had a reason to throw smaller or lighter.

Cheers

Todd

 And return them without finish.  See you in August.

I cant help it if I caught 15 plus tuna in a few hours ...

Todd

Yup!