Florida Keys March 8

[gman]

ummm lock the drag at like 35 lbs, get ready to get absolutely rocked and hold on without giving any line or your done. I dropped a HUGE runner one day off Venice and it got slammed at 150' I mean it almost ripped my arms off. Then 5 minutes later it got really slammed again when I got it up it there was only a huge head of what used to be an AJ

Got sharked

[fishr1989]

My new Barefoot jigging rod just arrived!!!
250-325g
I should be able to rip fish in half with this thing...now I HAVE to order some OTI jigs

[fishr1989]

How is everyone rigging their jig rods, aside from the colored spectra, what pound leader, and how would you rig it to solid braid?

I was thinking a bimini to an albright or reverse, 80lb leader w/ 65lb braid

[gman]

You can do that or make a bimini and a wind on leader. I use varivas shock leader from Anglers Pro shop the leader is so soft its insane. I use a uni/uni

Angler's Pro Shop

If you just jigging for Aj's then you can go with a heavy leader like 100 leader and 65 mainline. It depends if you over heavy structure

[fishr1989]

Originally Posted by gman

You can do that or make a bimini and a wind on leader. I use varivas shock leader from Anglers Pro shop the leader is so soft its insane. I use a uni/uni

Angler's Pro Shop

If you just jigging for Aj's then you can go with a heavy leader like 100 leader and 65 mainline. It depends if you over heavy structure

I thought about the wind-on option as well, but wasn't quite sure
But they use it for the butterfly system, so it must work...I think I'll go with the bimini/albright for right now, and try the windon system too.

[BretABaker]

if this is JUST for AJ - go as thick as you can in terms of line. they're not going to run out, just down and into structure. If it's for everything else as well then I agree with what glenn said.

To put it in perspective - I caught a lot of baby AJs this past weekend (nothing over 15lbs) - and they were taking drag when first hooked (set at 20lbs). They're strong

[fishr1989]

I'm impressed...now I REALLY can't wait to go!

How to catch AJ's (what i've learned so far)

1. Rig with Heavy Leader
2. Lock Drag
3. Drop Bait/Jig
4. HOLD ON
5. Brag/act disappointed (depending on outcome)

[Ragman]

I've had good success when jigging for AJ's by really ripping the jig up on a fast, but steady retrieve.