2021 is here

[Gilligan]

When you tie your jig rigs, do you use really light line?  I am using 12lb Floro, is that too heavy? 

 Hi there, I prefer the Yamashita Naory jigs in size 1.8 B. These are pricey but the deadliest jigs I have used in over 40 years of jigging squid. I use a light rod like one might use for trout and 4lb flouro, I never go more than 6lb test. I use a tiny (#12 or 14) snap with no swivel to make it easier to change jigs. The snap also allows better action of the jig than just tying on the line. If you watch Yamashita squid jigging videos they always show a tiny snap in use. Preferred colors are red head/white, orange, and pink. When dock fishing in quiet water I never use a weight at the bottom, it hinders the action of the jig. On occasion I use a smaller Yamashita Naory size 1.5 B or S 18' up from the bigger Naory 1.8.B But I mostly use the one jig rig. Sometimes they look for smaller baits and I use the Naory 1.5 B alone. Make sure you get the Naory model, the Yamashita Egi Sutte has a different action and sinks slower for the same size Naory jig. If I have to cast out into a channel that is deep and moving I will use a 1 oz sinker with a jig tied 18" above the lead, cast out, let it sink, and slowly jig it back along the bottom, but normally use no weight. The water where I fish (Martha's Vineyard) is usually less than 12' deep off the  dock, often 8'. Not to brag but I do very well, of course many years of jigging have my wrist trained to short, twitching jigs. A good source for jigs online is WaveInn. The YoZuri Auri Q RS in size 1.8 is pretty good too, and WaveInn sells a jig called "Begix" for two bucks that works well when the squid are on top. They are very slow sinking jigs and sometimes a small split shot 6" ahead of the jig gets them down faster with good action. WaveInn is in Europe, but the shipping to US is only six bucks and no sales tax. Order soon since it takes a couple-three weeks for them to get here unless you opt for express shipping at a higher price. Good luck when you get out there!!