What is slow pitch jigging?

Slow pitch jigging is a vertical fishing technique that uses fluttering metal jigs to mimic dying baitfish. It's effective in both saltwater and freshwater and works especially well when fish are not chasing fast-moving lures.

What size jig should I use?

Choose jig weight based on depth and current. Use 10–20g for docks and shallow water, 40–100g for nearshore, and 300g+ for offshore or deep water. Match the weight to how quickly you want to reach the strike zone.

Can slow pitch jigs be used in freshwater?

Yes! Submission Jigs are used successfully in lakes and rivers for bass, walleye, trout, and more. Their lifelike flutter action triggers bites when other lures fail, especially in cold or pressured conditions.

Do I need special gear for slow pitch jigging?

While you can start with standard rods and reels, a true slow pitch setup includes a soft-tip rod, high-speed conventional reel, braided line, and fluorocarbon leader. Lighter gear helps you feel the jig’s action and detect subtle strikes.

What types of fish can I catch with Submission Jigs?

Submission Jigs catch bass, redfish, black sea bass, snapper, grouper, yellowtail, tuna, and more. They're designed for both freshwater and saltwater action, from docks to deep sea.

How do I rig and use your assist hooks?

Attach the assist hook to the top eyelet of the jig, we like two on the eye side for the 10g and 15g jigs, and one on each end for 10g through 80g. For best results, use one or two assist hooks depending on the jig size. All Submission Hooks are saltwater-rated and matched to each jig size.

Spring Fishing Problems & How Slow Pitch Jigging Solves Them

Early spring fishing can be one of the most frustrating times of year. February and March sit in that awkward transition window where winter patterns haven’t fully broken, but summer-style fishing absolutely does not work yet.

Whether you’re fishing saltwater or freshwater, anglers everywhere deal with the same problems: cold water, pressured fish, inconsistent bites, and lures that suddenly stop producing.

That’s exactly where slow pitch jigging shines.

Below are the 10 biggest spring fishing pain points — and how using slow pitch jigs from Submission Fishing Co. can help you catch more fish when conditions are stacked against you.

1. Fish Are Sluggish and Won’t Chase Lures

The Problem:
Cold water lingers into early spring. Fish slow down, conserve energy, and ignore fast-moving baits.

The Solution:
Slow pitch jigging relies on flutter, stall, and hang time, not speed. Submission jigs stay in the strike zone longer and trigger reaction bites even when fish aren’t actively feeding.

Try: Micro Sumo, Micro Mercenary, or Ogre Jr (10g–15g) for cold, shallow water.

2. The Bite Changes Every Day

The Problem:
One day fish are shallow, the next they disappear. Spring conditions shift constantly.

The Solution:
Slow pitch jigging is repeatable and controlled. Same cadence, same presentation — regardless of minor weather swings.

Build a system with micro, lightweight, and middleweight jigs so you can adjust depth without changing technique.

3. Fish Hug Structure and Won’t Move

The Problem:
In early spring, fish glue themselves to docks, rocks, wrecks, kelp, and bottom structure.

The Solution:
Submission jigs have compact profiles and controlled falls, letting you fish tight to structure without snagging out.

Best options:

Ogre Jr for docks and shallow cover
Death Blade for structure with less snagging
Ogre (80g–300g) for deeper structure

4. Baitfish Are Scattered

The Problem:
Spring bait isn’t balled up yet, making predators selective.

The Solution:
Slow pitch jigs imitate isolated, wounded baitfish — the easiest meal available when forage is inconsistent.

The Mercenary and Sumo excel here with erratic fluttering falls.

5. Bites Are Soft and Easy to Miss

The Problem:
Cold-water spring bites often feel like a tap — or nothing at all.

The Solution:
Submission jigs paired with saltwater-grade BKK assist hooks convert light bites into solid hookups.

Upgrade your setup with Submission Assist Hooks to improve landing ratio.

6. Fish Change Depth Throughout the Day

The Problem:
Fish slide shallow during warm afternoons and drop deeper in the morning.

The Solution:
Slow pitch jigging scales perfectly by weight. Same technique — different jig size.

Use:

10g–15g for shallow warming water
20g–40g for mid-depth transitions
80g–200g when fish slide deeper

7. Current Ruins Your Presentation

The Problem:
Spring storms, runoff, and wind create unpredictable current.

The Solution:
Submission jigs are center-weighted and compact, allowing them to stay vertical and work correctly in moving water.

The Javelin (100g & 200g) with glowing riffles is excellent when current picks up.

8. Pressured Fish Have Seen Everything

The Problem:
More anglers hit the water in spring, and fish get educated fast.

The Solution:
Slow pitch jigging is still underutilized in many U.S. fisheries — especially shallow water and freshwater. You’re showing fish something different without being flashy.

Ogre Jr, Micro Sumo, and Death Blade shine in pressured areas.

9. Short Fishing Windows

The Problem:
Cold mornings, wind, and unstable weather limit time on the water.

The Solution:
Slow pitch jigs work immediately. No waiting for a feeding window — drop, work, hook up.

Ideal for kayak anglers, shore anglers, and quick trips.

10. Cheap Gear Fails in Tough Conditions

The Problem:
Low-quality lures bend, snap, or lose action in cold water.

The Solution:
Submission jigs are built with through-wire construction, durable finishes, and real-world testing. They keep fishing when conditions get ugly.

Confidence jigs that hold up drop after drop.