Looking to upgrade myself on a small jigging reel, preferably with cast control as I'm doing a bit of underhand casting with lighter jigs from boats these days. Bottom fishing for Rockfish and Lings mainly, don't need a ton of drag, but a mag cast control is important cause although I'm a surfcast veteran, I totally stink at underhand. :P
I have a couple Avets (SX & SXJ MC) but the SXJ (my go-to caster) has seen a lot of mileage, and I just wanted to explore what might be a step up without breaking the bank.
So, what's out there that you like?
Maxel Hybrid.
Specifically made for light jigging. Blows pretty much every other alternative out of the water; the only things that are in the same ballpark are the Japanese-market specialist jigging reels from Shimano and Daiwa.
Gee tough question, the higher the gear ratio, the smaller the pinion, that means fast wearing pinion, & they do brake easy, you do not us to much drag on hi ratio reels, my opinion, some thing a bit slower, and stronger, let the rod do most of the jigging, there has to be a happy medium, just my two bobs worth, good luck, cheers Don.
I agree with boon.
The Maxel Hybrid H20C and Jigging Master Power Spell PE2 are sensational reels (and have cast control).
Both are reasonably pricey, but high quality.
There are also a few bait-casters that'd work well in these parameters.
Be interested to see what other options come up.
Good luck, Justin
Quote from: redsetta on November 06, 2019, 11:56:45 PM
I agree with boon.
The Maxel Hybrid H20C and Jigging Master Power Spell PE2 are sensational reels (and have cast control).
Both are reasonably pricey, but high quality.
There are also a few bait-casters that'd work well in these parameters.
Be interested to see what other options come up.
Good luck, Justin
Oddly enough I was in a shop and looked at the Hybrid today, that and an OceanMax. I liked the OceanMax better, seems better built & designed, plus I don't care for thumb press/star drag for jigging.
The Hybrid isn't overly expensive, but the other Maxel reels and JM are a little high for what they are. So far the Maxel Transformer and Poseidon 150 are interesting items though not easily available here in the USA, but like you, I'm interested in what other options come up on this thread.
Omoto make some nice affordable reels iirc somebody on here was selling them, Black Pearl? (I believe Sal tried one).
I would also recommend an Okuma Andros or Metaloid. Any of these reels can be retrofitted with a magnet to stop/reduce overuns.
I don't have the Hybrid myself, but some friends who do were not happy with it for casting -- they found that the handle seemed to trip the spool engagement very frequently during casting, with regrettable results.
I was considering one for more of a pure bottom-fishing use but since I often cast up-tide of the boat, am waiting for more time/feedback and hopefully a fix from Maxel in future versions of the reel
I have been using a Lexa 300cc (5.5:1 with power handle) for many of the situations I was considering the Maxel for (fluke, black seabass, tautog, haddock, whiting)
Okuma metaloid and andros both are tiny, I mean smaller than what I though they would be.
I have not casted them yet so no comments on that department
Quote from: Tiddlerbasher on November 07, 2019, 10:39:27 AM
Omoto make some nice affordable reels iirc somebody on here was selling them, Black Pearl? (I believe Sal tried one).
I would also recommend an Okuma Andros or Metaloid. Any of these reels can be retrofitted with a magnet to stop/reduce overuns.
I looked at an Andros recently, it was a 2-speed so price was a little more than I'd like, but I think it had cast control if I recall. Nice & light, not sure if it's a step up from Avet though, I think I can get a Raptor or Accurate at that price.
I'll look around for the Omoto...... ... it just sounds cool, very Japanese/slow pitch.
Quote from: redpaulhus on November 07, 2019, 03:01:27 PM
I don't have the Hybrid myself, but some friends who do were not happy with it for casting -- they found that the handle seemed to trip the spool engagement very frequently during casting, with regrettable results.
I was considering one for more of a pure bottom-fishing use but since I often cast up-tide of the boat, am waiting for more time/feedback and hopefully a fix from Maxel in future versions of the reel
I have been using a Lexa 300cc (5.5:1 with power handle) for many of the situations I was considering the Maxel for (fluke, black seabass, tautog, haddock, whiting)
Although the thumb press was beefy and felt well built, I can see what they complained about, that's why I don't like star drags for jigging. I too was using my Lexa 300 for the same purpose (casting up current), but low profile reels aren't very fun or effective for this application IMHO.
I really like the Metaloid, and see no reason why I wouldn't want the new replacement. Another one I like a whole lot is the Saltist LD. Very small reel that would be great for light jigging.
The Man
Quote from: redpaulhus on November 07, 2019, 03:01:27 PM
I don't have the Hybrid myself, but some friends who do were not happy with it for casting -- they found that the handle seemed to trip the spool engagement very frequently during casting, with regrettable results.
I was considering one for more of a pure bottom-fishing use but since I often cast up-tide of the boat, am waiting for more time/feedback and hopefully a fix from Maxel in future versions of the reel
I have been using a Lexa 300cc (5.5:1 with power handle) for many of the situations I was considering the Maxel for (fluke, black seabass, tautog, haddock, whiting)
I have three Tranx 500's and one of the first things I did to them all was to disable the "self engaging mechanism" We all spinfish which involves very many casts, often quick casts, and even those that use spinning reels modify them to manually engage the bail arm.
My conclusion is for that type of casting you don't want to have a reel where sometimes a small turn of the handle engages the reel. It has disastrous consequences, lost lures, broken line, damaged pinion, even hitting someone standing next to the caster with the rod etc.
Quote from: Tiddlerbasher on November 07, 2019, 10:39:27 AMOmoto make some nice affordable reels iirc somebody on here was selling them, Black Pearl? (I believe Sal tried one).
Actually I have a near mint Omoto Talos "Special Edition" Jigging Reel in the for sale section. It'a a little beauty, I just don't get to use it. Can't beat the price!
https://alantani.com/index.php?topic=29813.0
Side note that if you're casting a "jig" you're probably not "jigging" in the conventional sense... all of which is done in as vertical a manner as possible. The cast control on the light jigging reels is more to control the descent of the jig, than any sort of meaningful casting. All the star-drag reels have auto-engagement in case you get hit on the drop.
Other than shore jigging but that's a different kettle of fish(ing?).
Quote from: boon on November 08, 2019, 02:42:52 AM
Side note that if you're casting a "jig" you're probably not "jigging" in the conventional sense... all of which is done in as vertical a manner as possible. The cast control on the light jigging reels is more to control the descent of the jig, than any sort of meaningful casting. All the star-drag reels have auto-engagement in case you get hit on the drop.
Other than shore jigging but that's a different kettle of fish(ing?).
Actually no, if you read the previous posts by redpaulhus & myself, we both cast up current from the boat, so by the time the jig hits the bottom it's vertical and you have the window of time until the boat drifts past it. Then you have to recast again. The cast control actually is a handicap because it slows down the drop and shortens the strike zone window of time, but I just want it cause I stink at underhand casting and that's the rules here on party boats.
I don't know where he's at but it's my west coast CA adaptation for slow pitch jigging, strong currents here and that's the only way to fish light jigs.
the rockfish ninja, so many different ways of Jigging and they all work in their different applications.
I am having difficulty in following this.
If you are casting "up current" then the water is moving towards the boat right?
Then how come the "boat drifts past it" "it" being the lure I presume?
In Cornwall I once saw a boat moving against the current on anchor, but that was because the wind was stronger of the two. ;D
Quote from: Cor on November 08, 2019, 06:02:31 AM
the rockfish ninja, so many different ways of Jigging and they all work in their different applications.
I am having difficulty in following this.
If you are casting "up current" then the water is moving towards the boat right?
Then how come the "boat drifts past it" "it" being the lure I presume?
Somehow I knew exactly what he was talking about. :) You're drifting toward a spot where you want the jig to be. So you cast ahead and the jig is sinking as you drift toward it. When you're over the spot the jig is vertical. If the jig does not sink fast enough or you do not cast far enough ahead then it never hits the bottom.
If the reel is impeding the decent rate then you have to use a heavier jig or cast farther ahead. I'd just switch to a star drag reel with better freespool.
-steve
Thanks, Understood.
Common problem when fishing in wind and or current if not on anchor.
Quote from: the rockfish ninja on November 08, 2019, 05:01:17 AM
Quote from: boon on November 08, 2019, 02:42:52 AM
Side note that if you're casting a "jig" you're probably not "jigging" in the conventional sense... all of which is done in as vertical a manner as possible. The cast control on the light jigging reels is more to control the descent of the jig, than any sort of meaningful casting. All the star-drag reels have auto-engagement in case you get hit on the drop.
Other than shore jigging but that's a different kettle of fish(ing?).
Actually no, if you read the previous posts by redpaulhus & myself, we both cast up current from the boat, so by the time the jig hits the bottom it's vertical and you have the window of time until the boat drifts past it. Then you have to recast again. The cast control actually is a handicap because it slows down the drop and shortens the strike zone window of time, but I just want it cause I stink at underhand casting and that's the rules here on party boats.
I don't know where he's at but it's my west coast CA adaptation for slow pitch jigging, strong currents here and that's the only way to fish light jigs.
That causes a lot of challenges. Slow jigging from a party boat sounds like a bad time, presumably there's no chance of the skipper holding the boat in position with the engines while everyone drops? That's how we get around fast drifting here (or using a sea anchor, but that's only for smaller boats). The concept of having to lob the jig ahead is basically anathema to the japanese style of slow jigging; they either use the boat's engine to hold station, or a spanker sail on smaller vessels. Hence all the specialist gear for these purposes, as developed by the japanese, is not really compatible with that style of fishing.
Jigging master,,,,, ;) evike sometimes has deals and he well work with you on price,,,,,, ;D
Quote from: boon on November 08, 2019, 09:03:29 AM
Quote from: the rockfish ninja on November 08, 2019, 05:01:17 AM
Quote from: boon on November 08, 2019, 02:42:52 AM
Side note that if you're casting a "jig" you're probably not "jigging" in the conventional sense... all of which is done in as vertical a manner as possible. The cast control on the light jigging reels is more to control the descent of the jig, than any sort of meaningful casting. All the star-drag reels have auto-engagement in case you get hit on the drop.
Other than shore jigging but that's a different kettle of fish(ing?).
Actually no, if you read the previous posts by redpaulhus & myself, we both cast up current from the boat, so by the time the jig hits the bottom it's vertical and you have the window of time until the boat drifts past it. Then you have to recast again. The cast control actually is a handicap because it slows down the drop and shortens the strike zone window of time, but I just want it cause I stink at underhand casting and that's the rules here on party boats.
I don't know where he's at but it's my west coast CA adaptation for slow pitch jigging, strong currents here and that's the only way to fish light jigs.
That causes a lot of challenges. Slow jigging from a party boat sounds like a bad time, presumably there's no chance of the skipper holding the boat in position with the engines while everyone drops? That's how we get around fast drifting here (or using a sea anchor, but that's only for smaller boats). The concept of having to lob the jig ahead is basically anathema to the japanese style of slow jigging; they either use the boat's engine to hold station, or a spanker sail on smaller vessels. Hence all the specialist gear for these purposes, as developed by the japanese, is not really compatible with that style of fishing.
Well you gotta do what U gotta to when you don't own a money pit .... I mean boat. ;)
But if you're like me and fish the middle of the week when everybody's at work, you can take over the bow. Most captain drift facing forward so I've got the good angle to cast and work the jig, and for the window of time it's vertical I'm doing exactly what the Japanese are doing. It's been pretty effective so far.
Quote from: oc1 on November 08, 2019, 06:26:39 AM
Quote from: Cor on November 08, 2019, 06:02:31 AM
the rockfish ninja, so many different ways of Jigging and they all work in their different applications.
I am having difficulty in following this.
If you are casting "up current" then the water is moving towards the boat right?
Then how come the "boat drifts past it" "it" being the lure I presume?
Somehow I knew exactly what he was talking about. :) You're drifting toward a spot where you want the jig to be. So you cast ahead and the jig is sinking as you drift toward it. When you're over the spot the jig is vertical. If the jig does not sink fast enough or you do not cast far enough ahead then it never hits the bottom.
If the reel is impeding the decent rate then you have to use a heavier jig or cast farther ahead. I'd just switch to a star drag reel with better freespool.
-steve
Dead on the money, you clearly understand the concept, but I've never had a situation where it never hits the bottom. Just a shorter time in the strike zone, that's why getting better at underhand is must for this adaptation of the slow pitch thing.
I've used both lever and star drag for this application and it's pretty clear to me that the thumb press release has some disadvantages so I'm sticking to lever.
Quote from: the rockfish ninja on November 08, 2019, 12:13:13 PM
Quote from: boon on November 08, 2019, 09:03:29 AM
Quote from: the rockfish ninja on November 08, 2019, 05:01:17 AM
Quote from: boon on November 08, 2019, 02:42:52 AM
Side note that if you're casting a "jig" you're probably not "jigging" in the conventional sense... all of which is done in as vertical a manner as possible. The cast control on the light jigging reels is more to control the descent of the jig, than any sort of meaningful casting. All the star-drag reels have auto-engagement in case you get hit on the drop.
Other than shore jigging but that's a different kettle of fish(ing?).
Actually no, if you read the previous posts by redpaulhus & myself, we both cast up current from the boat, so by the time the jig hits the bottom it's vertical and you have the window of time until the boat drifts past it. Then you have to recast again. The cast control actually is a handicap because it slows down the drop and shortens the strike zone window of time, but I just want it cause I stink at underhand casting and that's the rules here on party boats.
I don't know where he's at but it's my west coast CA adaptation for slow pitch jigging, strong currents here and that's the only way to fish light jigs.
That causes a lot of challenges. Slow jigging from a party boat sounds like a bad time, presumably there's no chance of the skipper holding the boat in position with the engines while everyone drops? That's how we get around fast drifting here (or using a sea anchor, but that's only for smaller boats). The concept of having to lob the jig ahead is basically anathema to the japanese style of slow jigging; they either use the boat's engine to hold station, or a spanker sail on smaller vessels. Hence all the specialist gear for these purposes, as developed by the japanese, is not really compatible with that style of fishing.
Well you gotta do what U gotta to when you don't own a money pit .... I mean boat. ;)
But if you're like me and fish the middle of the week when everybody's at work, you can take over the bow. Most captain drift facing forward so I've got the good angle to cast and work the jig, and for the window of time it's vertical I'm doing exactly what the Japanese are doing. It's been pretty effective so far.
I admire your persistence, as you say, you gotta do what you gotta do.
In a lever drag, with cast control, I can't really think of anything other than the Jigging Master PE2 or small Maxel Transformers (F30CH probably good) - or of course the Avets that you already know about.
[/quote]
I admire your persistence, as you say, you gotta do what you gotta do.
In a lever drag, with cast control, I can't really think of anything other than the Jigging Master PE2 or small Maxel Transformers (F30CH probably good) - or of course the Avets that you already know about.
[/quote] I had a pe5n it wasn't enough when I whent fish with ksong he is the best at jigging pm him he can help you,,,,,,, ;D