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.

Sep 12, 2025

Winter Bonito Fishing in San Diego: Slow Pitch Jigging, Catch & Cook, and Year-Round Opportunities

Winter Bonito Fishing in San Diego

San Diego’s winter waters might feel cooler, but that doesn’t mean the fishing slows down. In fact, Bonito fishing heats up this time of year, and with the right techniques — like slow pitch jigging — you can enjoy non-stop action even during the seasonal transition. At Submission Fishing Co., we’re all about making every trip productive, no matter the season. Here’s how you can take advantage of winter Bonito fishing in Southern California.

🎣 Year-Round Fishing in San Diego

Even in winter, San Diego offers incredible opportunities. While Dorado and Yellowfin migrate south, Bluefin Tuna and Bonito remain within reach.
Sport fishing boats may be in the yard for maintenance, but that just means more room for freelance anglers to explore the bays and nearshore reefs.
Persistence is key: fish may spread out, but those who stay at it will find active schools.

🐟 The Thrill of Bonito Fishing

Bonito aren’t just fun to catch — they’re also excellent eating when handled properly. On this trip, anglers landed limits of Bonito while mixing in Rockfish, Calicos, and Mackerel around Point Loma.

Using a 40-gram Mercenary Jig, the strategy was simple yet effective:

Cast out.
Let the jig sink.
Reel in slowly with subtle lifts.

This style of slow pitch jigging mimics an injured baitfish and draws aggressive strikes.

🔪 Proper Handling & Catch and Cook

Catching Bonito is only half the story — handling them right ensures they taste as good as they fight. Techniques like ikejime (severing the nerves) and bleeding the fish immediately preserve quality and flavor. Fresh Bonito makes incredible dishes like poke, sashimi, and grilled fillets.

🌊 Fishing with Respect: Sustainability Matters

The San Diego bite also reminds us of the importance of sustainable practices. Rotating species, practicing catch and release, and knowing which fish to keep helps ensure our fisheries stay healthy for the next trip — and for the next generation of anglers.

🚀 Why Submission Jigs?

When the water cools and fish get picky, durable, glow-bright, saltwater-tough jigs make all the difference. Submission Fishing jigs are built for these exact conditions:

Sophisticated shapes for irresistible action.
Multiple sizes and weights (10g–600g) for everything from bays to offshore.
Hooks that stand up to Bonito blitzes and surprise Grouper hits.

If you want more than just a day on the water — if you want constant bites, productive sessions, and fish in the cooler — Submission Jigs will get you there.

Conclusion:
San Diego’s winter isn’t the off-season. With the right gear, mindset, and techniques, it’s prime time to hook Bonito and other hard-fighting fish. Grab your Submission Fishing jigs, head to the coast, and experience the thrill for yourself.

👉 Shop Submission Fishing Jigs Now and turn your next trip into a success story.