Micro Jigging ?

What is Micro Jigging?

This form of fishing has been spreading like wild fire in Singapore and Malaysia in recent years once anglers found it deadly when used on local fishes such as peacocks/ pelagics fishes. I was very fortunate to be able to learn this technique and use it effectively, however I also noticed that many anglers do not fully know how to use this technique and I would like to share what iv have learnt to make you a better micro jigger. As the name suggest, Micro or mikro comes from ancient Greek meaning small or smaller than average scale. In Micro jigging we are using a smaller than average jig. A jig is a lure that is designed to be fished vertically as opposed to the normal lures that are fished through the water horizontally.  

Take a look at the size difference . The bottom jigs are way smaller than the normal jig used.

Why so small ?

In the conventional jigging, big jig and heavy tackle are used to catch predatory fishes as the jig is meant to imitate a fleeing or injured bait fish so in micro jigging context, it just replicates a smaller bait fish. In our local waters using such big jigs is going to be great for exercise but not so for catching fish for the reason that we just don't have that many huge predatory fishes. But once you start to down size the jigs you open up a whole new world of smaller hungry predatory fishes which were once fleeing from the huge conventional jigs in fear now be the once chasing after your micro jig!

Local fishes that MICRO JIGGING can be used for 

Freshwater 

• Peacock bass 

Saltwater 

• Sagais 
• Queen fish 
• Giant trevellys 
• Golden trevellys 
•  Chermins

If you notice all the fishes that are stated are predatory fishes that hunt for small bait fishes

Why is micro jigging so effective 

- It is able to cover the whole water column as it is a sinking lure. 

- It replicates what the predatory fishes are hunting. Small bait fishes 

- Its small size gives it superb hook up rates as fishes are unlikely to miss the hooks 

- Tackle employed are light thus anglers are able to work the lure for long hours unlike conventional jigging which require alot of strength.  

A micro jig replicates a fleeing or injured bait fish when retrieved. Predatory fishes are finely tuned to pick out such odd movements as it signals a easy meal. They are constantly on the look out for such opportunity and the micro jig replicates just that.

How to work the jig 

To start fishing the micro jig begin by dropping it to bottom of the water column. Once it has touched the bottom close your bail arm and start your retrieve. A micro jig can be worked using the mechanical jigging method (refer to video) Micro Jigging

How fast or slow to work the jig is up to you and you should not be shy to experiment with the speed and timing of pauses. 

Tackle for Micro Jigging 

Keeping the set up as light as possible would allow you to easily reach the bottom with the jigs and also feel the bites. This is also the part many people get wrong by using too heavy a rod or line when micro jigging. Below is a rough guide on what to use for local micro jigging for sagai

Rods 

• 3-7lb range 
• rod with a short butt, this will allow you to work the jig with your wrist 

Reel

• size 1000 up to 2000
• a light weight reel would be preferred over a heavy one 

Line 

This is a very important aspect as we are using very light jigs. Pay attention to the thickness of the line more than to the poundage. A thick line will hinder a micro jig ability to reach the bottom during a fast current. As a beginner do not be afraid to use a thinner line, the irony is that many beginners do not dare to use the thinner line and end up not being able to feel when the jig has touched the bottom. I had this problem the very first time I fished and watched helplessly as everyone was landing fishes except me. Once you get a feel of the jig then you can slowly increase line poundage/thickness if you need. If not keep it as thin as you possible can.  

• PE 0.4 - 0.6 

I hope you enjoyed this post and I would be doing more in dept post on this technique. Do comment or email me if you have any questions 

FISHINGJOJO