Jigging rod for livebaiting?
Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: Saltwater Fishing
Forum Name: Heavy Metal - Jig fishing
Forum Description: Anything related to jig fishing here
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=122020
Printed Date: 27 Jan 2026 at 5:23am
Topic: Jigging rod for livebaiting?
Posted By: vertical
Subject: Jigging rod for livebaiting?
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2016 at 12:53pm
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I was wondering how suitable a jigging rod would be for livebaiting or are there better options out there? Used to use a 'stand-up' game rod for livebaiting for kingfish 'back-in-the-day' but want to try using a spin reel. Are jigging rods the modern day equivalent of 'stand-up' rods in terms of leverage advantage? Was considering a Jig Star Ninja Spin Jig Rod Medium-Heavy 5ft 2in PE4-8 1pc.
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Replies:
Posted By: Kandrew
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2016 at 1:32pm
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The guys on big angry fish like something a bit longer so if the fish runs you can get around the outboard and cabin better. When jigging I wound think the fight happens in desperate water and live baiting the battle is up near the top of water. Will be interesting to see what the posts are like from some of the more experienced guys. |
Posted By: vertical
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2016 at 1:57pm
| Mainly livebait near the bottom from a pwc so no rails/outboards/cabins to worry about. |
Posted By: The Tamure Kid
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2016 at 2:09pm
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I'm not an experienced expert but have soaked up a lot from reading - I know that Rick Pollock (approaching legendary status as skipper of Pursuit) swears by mono for chasing kingies with livies, because he believes the unforgiving nature of braid results in too many lost fish. But I've been on charters where quality short jig rods were employed with livebaits as well as jigs - obviously it cuts down on the number of sets required on board if the same combos do double duty, just with different terminal tackle. That's what Epic used to do. |
Posted By: vertical
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2016 at 2:17pm
| I prefer mono for livebaits too. But what type of rod is the specialist alternative to a jigging rod for livebaiting - I do not really see anything promoted as a livebait rod. |
Posted By: The Tamure Kid
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2016 at 2:41pm
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I agree, you often don't see rods advertised for that specific purpose. I think as a generalisation, more Kiwi anglers prefer jigging for kingies with overheads than spin set ups, and the modern trend is for graphite jig sticks to do live bait duty as well. i went into Big Fish in Pakuranga asking for a live bait set up and they recommended a 15-24kg overhead rod made by Rodworks Offshore (Magnum XTF60). It is made of duraglass, so heavier than the high modulus graphite you'd typically use for jigging, and it doesn't have a recommended jig weight etc on it. At 6' long, it would be handy off a jet ski. I doesn't look like they market that rod in a spin version, but I'm sure they could if you inquired through the website. The boys at Yeehaa just said use a jig rod, but the ones they had were a bit out of my price range at the time. Anyway, good luck.
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Posted By: Muppet
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2016 at 2:49pm
| Braid is fine for livebaiting just use 8m or so of leader. Also jig rods spin or overhead will all work. |
Posted By: MB
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2016 at 2:51pm
| There is a trend for specific rods for specific purposes. I'm sure it makes tackle manufacturers and shops lots of money! It makes sense for lure fishing applications like soft baiting and slow jigging. Beyond that, I can't see that it makes a lot of difference. Admittedly, I don't do much bait fishing, but all that it required from a bait rod is that it gets the bait where you want it and can land a fish. Length may also come in to play if land based. |
Posted By: hookerpuka
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2016 at 3:58pm
| I use a jig rod and a stick bait rod for livebaits, braid is fine just make sure you run a decent leader... I think I prefer the longer rod TBH but both work well regardless |
Posted By: laidbackdood
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2016 at 4:33pm
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When you have been jigging your arse off......the easy swap over to a live bait is a pleasent change...can be attached straight to your leader...the braid has the advantage it doesnt get caught up in currents so much.....I use oj's 4000P and 5000P which both use star drag.(not ideal but ok).....have caught some bloody good kings all using jigstar/synit jig rods via live baits and these reels.........with the likes of epic/memory makers etc.....the very nature of jig rods design looks after your back on the fight........so i have no problem using them for both....i find a shorter rod easier to control(o/h). ------------- Once the idiots turn up..Im outta here...No time for Drama Queens. |
Posted By: John_Ra
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2016 at 7:32pm
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The Jig Star Ninja will do just fine... Livey's or Jig... ------------- http://www.legasea.co.nz" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: laidbackdood
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2016 at 10:23pm
All the jigstars over 300 gram jig rating will do John  I have the original jigstar 450 which has a softer action than more recent models........for some reason ...teamed with my oj 5000P its caught most of my live bait kings.  ------------- Once the idiots turn up..Im outta here...No time for Drama Queens. |
John_Ra wrote:Posted By: PE Pete
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2016 at 8:19am
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I've used all my Jig rods for live baiting BUT Synit have recently developed a dedicated live bait rod which is longer & softer in the tip than Jig blanks. ------------- Tight lines PE Pete |
Posted By: ChrisW
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2016 at 11:28am
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Specialist jig rods are absolutely fine for live baiting. Anglers prefer to multi-use rods to keep spending to a minimum. The Ninja Spin will be perfect for you and won't cost the earth. ------------- give it death! |
Posted By: Boyo
Date Posted: 18 Nov 2016 at 12:40pm
| Hi Vertical. I have recently done a trip with Offshore Adventures and Tony Orton uses the same rig for both. Talica 12 reel and Energy Concept rod. |
Posted By: Muppet
Date Posted: 20 Nov 2016 at 8:19pm
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I had a swing on Greg at Gofish own Cousins Livebaiting rod its overhead. I tell you it will make you put your silly little jigging rods away and love livebaiting again its that good. Maybe you seen it too Pete?
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Posted By: The Tamure Kid
Date Posted: 20 Nov 2016 at 8:28pm
Is the model on the website Dan? I love live baiting, even trying to get the bigger snapper on a bait fishing trip. Never know when a john dory is around, too. Always a possibility in close to one of the islands.
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Posted By: Muppet
Date Posted: 20 Nov 2016 at 8:35pm
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Nah Lester its his one. I want it though just to say its mine Will be a mean pitch bait rod too for Marlin. Bit too long for kayak but I would use it one way or another. If you pop in and get chance ask Greg to show you it.
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