Know when to put down the blackfish jig and switch to a traditional bottom rig.
Over the past several years, jigging for blackfish has become one of my favorite ways to target these hard-fighting bottom dwellers. There’s something about feeling that initial tap, setting the hook, and immediately going toe-to-toe with a stubborn tog on relatively light tackle that makes the technique so enjoyable. In shallow water with manageable current, it’s hard to beat. However, as much as I enjoy fishing a jig, I’ve also learned that there are situations when the traditional bottom rig is simply the better option.
As we move deeper into November, those situations become increasingly common. Cooling water temperatures encourage blackfish to gradually transition toward deeper structure, and depending on where you’re fishing, stronger currents and increased depths can make keeping a jig in the strike zone difficult. Recognizing when to make the switch can be the difference between putting together a solid catch and spending the day struggling to maintain bottom contact.
One of the biggest advantages of a blackfish jig is the direct connection it provides between the angler and the bait. In relatively shallow water, a jig allows you to feel almost everything happening below. Even the slightest pickup can be transmitted through the rod, giving you an opportunity to react before a tog makes its way back into the rocks. But that sensitivity begins to disappear when conditions force you to fish heavier jigs or when the line develops a significant angle.
Current is often the first indication that it’s time to make a change. When a jig is no longer staying near the bottom and begins sweeping away from the structure, you’re no longer presenting the bait where the fish are holding. Increasing jig weight can help to a point, but eventually you’ll reach a stage where a conventional sinker-and-hook setup becomes much more practical.
With a traditional bottom rig, you can select a sinker heavy enough to maintain contact with the structure while keeping the bait positioned just above the bottom. This is especially beneficial when fishing deeper wrecks, rock piles, and artificial reefs where precision matters. Instead of constantly lifting and repositioning a jig, you can concentrate on detecting bites and keeping your offering in one productive location.
Depth is another major consideration. While jigs can certainly catch blackfish in deeper water, the technique generally becomes more demanding as depth increases. More line in the water means additional drag from the current, and the subtle connection that makes jigging so enjoyable can begin to diminish. A conventional setup with a heavier sinker provides a more controlled presentation when fishing these deeper pieces.
Another factor worth considering is the size and behavior of the fish. Blackfish aren’t always aggressive feeders, particularly when changing conditions affect their activity. On certain days, they’ll readily inhale a crab presented on a jig. On others, they may pick at the bait or approach it cautiously. A bottom rig can offer a more stationary presentation that allows fish to investigate the bait without it continually shifting along the structure.
That’s not to say a traditional rig is automatically better when the bite gets tough. Sometimes downsizing the jig, changing bait size, or adjusting how you’re working it will produce the desired result. The important thing is recognizing when the presentation itself is becoming a problem rather than assuming the fish simply aren’t feeding.
I generally like to begin a trip with a jig whenever conditions allow. If I’m fishing relatively shallow structure with a reasonable amount of current, it’s usually my first choice. I’ll experiment with different weights until I find one that maintains bottom contact without being unnecessarily heavy. However, if I find myself constantly losing contact, fishing at an extreme line angle, or struggling to keep the bait in position, I won’t hesitate to switch over.
There’s also nothing wrong with having both setups ready throughout the day. Current strength changes with the tide, and a spot that requires a heavy sinker during peak flow might be perfectly suited for a jig an hour later. Keeping a jigging outfit and a conventional bottom-fishing rod rigged and ready allows you to adapt without wasting valuable fishing time.
The same goes for moving between locations. A shallow bridge piling or nearshore rock pile might be ideal for jigging, while a deeper wreck farther offshore may call for a traditional rig. Rather than trying to force one technique into every situation, let the conditions dictate which approach makes the most sense.
Jigging has undoubtedly changed the way many of us approach blackfish, and for good reason. It’s effective, exciting, and allows anglers to fish with lighter, more responsive tackle. But traditional bottom rigs haven’t become obsolete, nor should they be viewed as a fallback for less experienced anglers. There are times when they’re simply the most efficient tool for the job.
As the late-fall blackfish season progresses and more anglers begin working deeper structure, remember that success isn’t about catching every fish on your preferred technique. It’s about presenting a bait properly and consistently putting yourself in position to get bit. Sometimes that means sticking with the jig, and other times it means knowing when to put it down.
