USING SCENT ON YOUR JIGS & SWIMBAITS We advocate the use of a scented product on your SLAYER JIGS to create an effective presentation. I'll explain to you some basic theories of using scents for fishing.
Adding a scent to a lure will mask other oils and scents the bait comes in contact with. Examples are: gasoline, metal, chips, cigarettes, the human scent, etc.
If you are fishing your jig slowly over rocks, through a kelp string or during the night, using a scent will be a big advantage. During a slower presentation your target fish will have more time to key in your bait. Your presentation needs to be as real as possible. By using a scent, the smell will help trigger a strike.
When a fish eats a lure with scent, the fish will hold on longer because it tastes more like real the real thing. Scent also helps to lubricate your plastic lure. If you slim your lure thoroughly, at the hook set the lure will move forward easier in the fish's mouth, creating a greater potential for hook up. There have been times when a fish was holding onto the bait so tightly, that a hook set could not happen and the fish spit the lure.
There are plenty of fishing scent brands on the market ranging from UNI BUTTER, HOT SAUCE, PRO CURE, etc. We feel that UNI BUTTER is the best scent for the areas in which we fish and for the fish we are targeting. UNI BUTTER is made mostly of Uni; Sea Urchin. This is a favorite food among all sea life. Especially fish that live in rocks, reefs or kelp.
CALICO BASS & INSHORE FISHERY DIET - MATCH THE HATCH! Calico Bass and other inshore predators eat anchovies, sardines, spanish macs, pacific macs, squids, octopus, crabs, shrimps, kelp fish and senoritas. READ MORE
Big Swim Jiggin' Techniques by JSJ
Recently I started fishing swim jigs which have been gaining in popularity over the last few years. I personally have been so distracted by fishing swimbaits that I hardly gave it the time of day. I think this was mostly due to me being sort of close-minded and thinking of them as a conventional technique. Well my eyes have been opened and I figured I would share the light.
I was introduced to big swim jigs with pretty big swimbait trailers. Not only was this different but the way they can be fished is slightly different than what may traditionally come to mind. When you search the aisles at your local fishing store most of the swim jigs you will find are not only relatively small but usually not very heavy either. Most of the time they max out at 3/4 oz which is fine for shallow water and keeping from getting hung up, but what if you want to fish deeper and still fish fast. The answer, coming from the saltwater market is a jig that is no different from a conventional bass jig except they start at 3/4 of an ounce and go up from there - in fact they go all the way up to 2 oz. These are the Slayer Swim Jigs by War.... READ MORE....
STRUCTURE FISHING
Shallow water structure is prime habitat for large fish. Cast the Slayer Swim Jig™ onto a jetty or break wall. Walk the jig off each rock ledge, as if to stair step it. Hold on tight, prepare for the heavy thump or light tap. As soon as it happens, set the hook and don’t stop cranking.
HORIZONTAL SWIMMING
This jig is designed to be fished in the heaviest of cover. You can cast this jig into the kelp forest and burn it over the top. When it hits an opening, let the bait drop through the hole. Pick it back up and run the water column. Cast it into open kelp lanes, give it a 10 count and retrieve back. Cast into open water. The vibration and action draw fish to strike.
VERTICAL JIGGING
Drop your Slayer Swim Jig™ into the kelp forest or onto a metered structure or rock pile.
Pay attention to the drop, this is a common time to get a strike. Once your jig hits the bottom give it a few pops and retrieve steady through the water column.
RODS
Custom rods are the way to go. You get what you want in strength, wraps and handle style. We prefer a 7’6” to 8’0” Heavy action inshore rod. You have to keep in mind that you will be fishing in the nastiest of cover and need to get the fish out. Be prepared. Contact Mark Higashi at Performanc Tackle and ask about a custom wraped 8BRX 80M Downwrap Swimbait Rod.
REELS
Our ‘Elite Agents’ prefer a low profile baitcasting reel like the Shimano Curado 300, but many reels will work. You‘ll need a reel with stopping power and cranking power. At the hookset you’ll need to turn the fish's head towards you right away to even have a chance.
LINE & KNOTS
We use a combination of braid super lines matched with fluorocarbon leaders. Our top choice is 50 or 65lbs braided line tied to a 3 foot section of 30 or 40lbs fluorocarbon. This connection is made with a Uni to Uni, Tony Pena or Seagar Knot.
