OTI 5'4" Jigging Rod

[ksong]

I had an opportunity to use the OTI 5'6" jigging rod on yesterday's canyon trip.
As I fished on a private boat it was a good chance to experiment the rod.
I don't Know whether I got the same 600 g jigging rod as they sell or not.
It looks to me the rod is rated to 300-400g. At first the massive foregrip bothered me a liitle bit as it looks unbalanced.
The rod is is a little heavier than similar Japanese jigging rod and I think it is mainly because of the heavy duty foregrip.

However, when I started jigging, I realized the heaty thick foregrip was a great help. I could jig with more balance with the foregrip.
I fought two longfin of 65 lbas and 50 lbs. The rod made a nice bent when fish pulled, but had an enough backbone. In fact, I landed the 65 lbs within couple of minutes using Saltiga 50 with 20-22 lbs drag. Surprisingly the smaller one fought better and it took 3 - 4 minutes to land.
I could fight more comfortable and give more power with OTI's rod than the
Hopper rod with which I landed a 75 lbs yellowfin on the previous trip, mainly because the heavy thick foregrip.
The only minor problem with the rod is that the butt section is a little longer for me and the blank portion exposed got under my arm while jigging and fighting and it rubbed my ribs.

Great rod for the price.

[JFLORES]

Originally Posted by ksong

I had an opportunity to use the OTI 5'6" jigging rod on yesterday's canyon trip.
As I fished on a private boat it was a good chance to experiment the rod.
I don't Know whether I got the same 600 g jigging rod as they sell or not.
It looks to me the rod is rated to 300-400g. At first the massive foregrip bothered me a liitle bit as it looks unbalanced.
The rod is is a little heavier than similar Japanese jigging rod and I think it is mainly because of the heavy duty foregrip.

However, when I started jigging, I realized the heaty thick foregrip was a great help. I could jig with more balance with the foregrip.
I fought two longfin of 65 lbas and 50 lbs. The rod made a nice bent when fish pulled, but had an enough backbone. In fact, I landed the 65 lbs within couple of minutes using Saltiga 50 with 20-22 lbs drag. Surprisingly the smaller one fought better and it took 3 - 4 minutes to land.
I could fight more comfortable and give more power with OTI's rod than the
Hopper rod with which I landed a 75 lbs yellowfin on the previous trip, mainly because the heavy thick foregrip.
The only miror problem with the rod is that the butt section is a little longer for me and the blank portion exposed got under my arm while jigging and fighting and it rubbed my ribs.

Great rod for the price.

Kil, congratulations on another good canyon trip its nice to see
the longfins are around

[ksong]

Originally Posted by JFLORES

Kil, congratulations on another good canyon trip its nice to see
the longfins are around

John, it was strange that the Jamaica was fishing only one mile away from us and caught all yellowfin, but not a single longfin. When I saw a tuna breaking water not far from the boat, I casted my jig and the tuna hit my jig when I crank fast, but I dropped it. I should have casted my popper as my popping rod was ready.
I read reports that bluefin tuna feed peanut bunker on the surface in Stellwagen Bank, MA now. I plan to go up there soon with my popping rod.

[JFLORES]

Originally Posted by ksong

John, it was strange that the Jamaica was fishing only one mile away from us and caught all yellowfin, but not a single longfin. When I saw a tuna breaking water not far from the boat, I casted my jig and the tuna hit my jig when I crank fast, but I dropped it. I should have casted my popper as my popping rod was ready.
I read reports that bluefin tuna feed peanut bunker on the surface in Stellwagen Bank, MA now. I plan to go up there soon with my popping rod.

Kil, im sure if you used your popping rod you would have landed more
Also i talked to Capt Terry, last night, he's still trolling them he will call
me as soon as thay show up in the bay.

[ksong]

John, here is a report from offshore angler charters.
I might go off Chatham instead of fishing Stellwagen Bank as it seems there are more bigger bluefin off Chatham.

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We have been battling High winds and lots of Top-water Tuna all week. You gotta love September when Tuna are crushing Peanut Bunker on top. The Ocean Lures Peanut Bunker Plug can't be beat.....Maybe beat up (see pic)... but not beat. I like it rigged with the a single hook option. New fish haved moved in. We have got them from mid 30"'s to 49".

[JFLORES]

Originally Posted by ksong

John, here is a report from offshore angler charters.
I might go off Chatham instead of fishing Stellwagen Bank as it seems there are more bigger bluefin off Chatham.

Thanks Kil, i will give Capt Terry a call later