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.

Oct 15, 2025

Ultralight Slow Pitch Jigging for Spotted Bay Bass: My Complete 2025 Setup

An oldie but a goodie (seriously, from WAY back, before we made or sold our own jigs. That's how long we've been mastering the art of slow pitch jigging and sharing our knowledge with you all.)

When I first started slow-pitch jigging, I thought it was all about heavy rods and offshore tuna. Then one slow day in Mission Bay changed everything.

I downsized my entire setup—1000-size reel, 10g–15g Submission Micro Jigs , light braid, and a parabolic rod—and suddenly the fish that ignored everything else started chewing. I ended the day with a handful of 15-inch spotties and a 16-inch kicker.

Here’s what I learned, the exact gear I trust, and how you can turn finesse jigging into your next secret weapon.

🧠 Why Ultralight Slow Pitch Works

When the water warms and baitfish get tiny, power fishing fails. Ultralight slow pitch wins because it looks real, stays in the zone longer, and triggers strikes on the fall.

Why it works for me:

Subtle, natural presentation that fools pressured fish
High sensitivity—feel every bump and inhale
Less fatigue and more fun
Big fish still eat small meals

🧰 My Ultralight Jigging Setup (2025 Edition)

🎣 Rod

Go short, sensitive, and parabolic—6’6”–7’6” with a true slow-pitch action.
Top picks I fish or recommend:

Daiwa Gekkabijin Air TW Light Game Rod
Shimano Trevala PX Light Jigging Rod
Major Craft Crostage Light Slow Pitch Jigging Rod
Okuma Rockaway SPX Inshore Light

⚙️ Reel

Stick with a compact spinning reel that balances light jigs yet has torque for surprise bruisers.

Shimano Vanford 1000/2500 – light and buttery drag
Daiwa Tatula MQ LT 1000 – bulletproof build
Penn Clash II 2000 – solid for salt or fresh

🧵 Line & Leader

Mainline: 4–8 lb mono (Sufix Advance Mono) or 6–10 lb braid (PowerPro Super Slick)
Leader: 6–10 lb mono

Mono gives cushion on small hooks; braid delivers pure feel. I tie a short 3–4 ft mono leader for stealth and abrasion resistance.

🪝 Jigs, Hooks & Technique

I fish Submission Micro & Lightweight Jigs (10g–20g)—center-weighted, through-wire, UV-glow foils, and premium BKK assist hooks. They flutter like wounded baitfish—perfect for spotted bay bass, halibut, trout, and even freshwater bass.

My key moves:

Match the hatch—small bait, small jig.
Stay vertical; control the fall.
Use slow lifts and long pauses.
Target dock edges, eelgrass, and current seams.
Expect bites on the drop.

That’s how I hooked my 16” spottie—on a Micro Sumo Jig that barely left the bottom.

🌊 Conditions & Strategy

During the Mission Bay tournament, tide changes were everything. When the incoming tide pushed bait against structure, the spotties turned on. By keeping my jig vertical and light, I stayed in the strike zone while heavier setups blew past the bite window.

🧭 Tips for Any Angler

If you’re new:

Start with 10g–15g jigs and a 1000-size reel.
Focus on cadence, not power.
Keep tension on the fall—most hits are subtle.

If you’re experienced:

Downsize during slow or cold bites.
Mix Glow Jigs and natural finishes depending on clarity.
Shorten leaders for shallow docks or calm water.

🛠️ My Go-To Gear List

🎣 Slow Pitch Rods

Purpose-built 6–7 ft parabolic rods rated 10–400 g
High-modulus carbon blanks for feel and recoil
Available in our Best Slow Pitch Jigging Setup (2025 Guide)

⚙️ Reels

1000–2500 size spinning reels or narrow-spool SPJ conventionals
Smooth drags, 5:1 gear ratios, lightweight frames
Browse our full Slow Pitch Jigs Collection

🧵 Line & Leader

9-strand PE braid (15–30 lb) + mono/fluoro leaders (15–80 lb)
Thin diameter for true vertical control

🪝 Jigs

Micro Sumo and Mercenary Jigs (10g & 15g) – compact wobblers for docks, bays, and light inshore
Death Blade (15g) – the first slow-pitch casting jig
Javelin (100g–200g) – erratic flutter for mid-column predators
Samurai & Ogre (400g–600g) – heavy hitters for tuna, grouper, and rockfish

🔩 Assist Hooks

Submission Assist Hooks – Saltwater Grade BKK
UV tassels, center-fixed, and front/rear options

👕 Extras

Fishing Apparel
Jig Bundles & Gifts
Digital Gift Cards
Free shipping on all orders $69+

💡 Final Thoughts

Ultralight slow-pitch jigging has completely changed how I fish. It’s technical, addictive, and unbelievably effective whether I’m inshore, freshwater, or offshore.

Once you feel that first “tick” on the fall and set the hook into a heavy spottie on a 1000-size reel—you’ll never look at finesse fishing the same again.

Tiny jigs. Big results. Always.