This new Japanese style jigging could not begin without the advent of ultra thin braided line which was introduced at that time. Braided line is a must when jigging, it not only reduces drag and stretch but it enables the jigger to easily work the jig without being hampered by thick line. The thin braids drastically increase line capacity, or in reverse – reduce the size and weight of the reels needed.
The Japanese call these lines PE lines which is an abbreviation for Poly Ethylene being the scientific name for spectra or dyneema or simply - braid! Japanese use PE as a unit of measurement for braided line thickness, a PE5 braid is roughly equal to 50lb test. Most Japanese PE lines are characterised by colour coding where each colour measures 10m of line. There are usually 5 different colours which are repeated over the entire length of line.
Leaders –
The use of leaders is important in jigging because the terminal end is exposed to reef, abrasion and bite-offs. Asian jiggers much prefer the stealthy advantages of fluorocarbon leaders since their waters have long been ravaged and the fish have become line shy.
When considering leaders, it should be a windon with a length between 3 – 6m. The length is necessary because there should be at least several turns of leader on the reel when the fish comes within gaff range. This allows the leader man an easier line to handle as well as affording some abrasion resistance should the fish suddenly dive beneath the boat rubbing the line against the hull.
There are quick and easy ways to join braid to leader but that generally does not mean they are best. Novice jiggers should begin with game fishing leaders which are joined by loop-to-loop connections. These leaders can be bought over the counter and are easily replaced but there comes a time when the complete jigger should be able to tie at least one of the elaborate connecting knots like the FG, GT, PR, Midknot. These knots are very streamlined and strong. The bulkier uni-to-uni or bimimi-to-albright knots will suffice but fear for the rings on your rod guides.
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