In the first installment of this four-part fishing series, Shimano Pro Benny Ortiz and Shimano Instructor Hiroto Yamamoto from Japan discuss their historical experiences with slow-pitch jigging while fishing off Charleston, South Carolina. Benny reflects on his passion for this ever-popular angling technique, recalling a memorable catch of a 55-pound black grouper. Hiroto recounts his pivotal moment of learning slow-pitch jigging in the Tokara Islands off Japan, which inspired his passionate pursuit to perfect this technique.
The episode features both anglers using rods from Shimano’s all-new OCEA JIGGER INFINITY MOTIVE series. Benny highlights the rod’s versatility and technical advantages, noting its effectiveness while applying various jigging tactics. Hiroto shares his excitement about fishing the OCEA JIGGER INFINITY MOTIVE series in the United States and his approach to fishing with it — emphasizing the rod’s supreme lightness and easy operability.
As they work jigs in 90 feet (30m) of water, Benny and Hiroto demonstrate INFINITY MOTIVE’s capabilities: Hiroto successfully lands a cobia, his first fish ever in the United States. Collaboration and rod performance are central themes, showcasing each angler’s expertise and the effectiveness of the new jigging rod series on the water.
Featured Products:
Reel: Ocea Jigger LD
The Ocea Jigger 2500LD is packed with Shimano’s proprietary reel technology providing a best-in-class experience for anglers seeking an exceptional slow-pitch jigging reel option. Shimano’s Infinity Drive technology incorporates a new drag design that increases drag force while decreasing side load pressure to produce up to 30% lighter rotations during tough battles. The lever drag offers easy and consistent drag adjustments — an essential factor with a reel capable of producing 44 pounds of drag.
MSRP: $599.99
Rod: Ocea Jigger Infinity Motive
The Ocea Jigger Infinity Motive is crafted for slow-pitch specialists targeting deep-water quarries and excels where precision and sensitivity are paramount. Utilizing Shimano’s proprietary Spiral X Core technology, this rod incorporates Toray Nanoalloy® to enhance torsional rigidity by 10% and compressional rigidity by 15%. This ensures that the rod remains lightweight without compromising on strength or durability, allowing anglers to maintain the upper hand in challenging environments.
MSRP: $549.99
Jig: Shimano Shimmerfall
Shimano designed the SHIMMERFALL to sink fast and be easy for anglers to work. The jig’s slender design enables it to quickly cut through the water, making it ideal for jigging in deeper water or fishing in fast drift situations. The SHIMMERFALL’s design incorporates through-wire construction for added durability for increased confidence when fighting large game fish off the bottom. The SHIMMERFALL’s tapered edges make the jig come to life with proper action using little effort, so it’s sure to drive aggressive bites from bottom fish or pelagics alike.
