← Techniques
🪝

Jigging

Intermediate

Drop deep, jig hard — the Red Sea's most rewarding technique

man in white t-shirt holding a fish
Photo: Drew Farwell / Unsplash

Jigging is the art of working a metal lure (jig) vertically through the water column to trigger strikes from predatory fish. In the Red Sea, jigging is unmatched for Dogtooth Tuna, Giant Trevally, Grouper, and Amberjack. The technique ranges from light slow-pitch jigging on shallow reefs to heavy speed jigging on deep drop-offs.

How it works

A weighted metal jig is dropped to the bottom or a target depth, then worked back to the surface with rhythmic rod pumps and reel turns. Fish strike when the jig flutters — a movement that mimics a wounded baitfish.

Step by step

  1. 1Locate structure — reef edges, drop-offs, pinnacles on the fishfinder
  2. 2Drop the jig to the bottom or target depth; watch your line counter
  3. 3For slow-pitch: lift the rod tip smoothly, let it fall on a semi-slack line
  4. 4For speed jigging: pump hard and fast, 10–15 strokes, then drop back
  5. 5Most strikes happen on the fall — keep tension and be ready
  6. 6Set the hook hard on any tap, tick, or weight change
  7. 7Fight the fish straight up — stop it diving into the reef

Recommended gear

rod
Jigging rod rated for the jig weight — 80–200g for reef, 150–400g for deep/pelagic
reel
High-speed conventional or spinning reel with strong drag (15–25 kg)
line
PE2–PE6 braided line (no stretch for deep water feel)
leader
Fluorocarbon 60–150 lb, 1–3 m length
lures
Slow-pitch jigs 80–300g, knife jigs, speed jigs in silver/pink/blue

Best conditions

Moderate current over deep structure (30–200 m). Early morning or late afternoon. Reef edges, seamounts, pinnacles.

Target species

Dogtooth TunaGiant TrevallyGrouperAmberjackRed SnapperWahoo

Pro tips

  • →Match jig weight to current — in strong current go heavier so the jig gets down
  • →Silver/chrome works in clear water; pink and orange in low visibility
  • →Slow-pitch is better for Grouper; speed jigging triggers Dogtooth and GT
  • →Always check your drag is set correctly BEFORE you drop — you won't have time after
  • →When the jig reaches bottom, work the first 20 m hard — most structure fish live here