We got smashed jigging for reef fish off Cooktown on our last trip.
Now that we live in Cairns, Cooktown is only a few hours up the road and the reef is so close.
On this trip we took my old mate Ruffy and his partner Chris. Both are super keen anglers.
On her first time jigging for reef fish, Chris got smashed.
The trip didn’t start so well. We were chased off the water on the first day by a big storm.
Thankfully the weather improved and the fishing was cracking hot the next day!
We had so much fun because Ruffy and I go way back and have been friends since Townsville.
Even better since his wife Chris outfished him about 5 fish to 1 haha.
We made a video of the day which you can watch below.
Jigging is not just for offshore fish, it’s for inshore fish as well.
That’s when we picked up the Pennant fish or Diamond Trevally.
The two best fish of the day were caught by Chris.
Both put up a massive fight and she was left convinced that jigging for reef fish was a very productive method.
Fishing on structure.
The key to a successful fishing tip is to find your own spots because they often hold the most fish!
I rarely fish the same spot twice, and find that discovering new ground is half the fun.
Jigging for reef fish is preferably done on open ground away from heavy structure.
Although you can fish tight to structure but be prepared to lose some gear!
It’s just my personal preference, probably because from years as a charter guide where losing gear is felt on your business bottom line.
So I prefer to jig on fish that are not so close to structure.
Learn your fish finder!
A good understanding of your fish finder is imperative. Hence I created my Sounder Skills courses to help angler find great spots holding trophy fish.
Sometimes the best ground is not so obvious because it looks average on your fish finder.
So let me show you where (and how) to look in my introductory course Sounder Skills 1.
If you don’t learn anything let me know and I’ll give you your money back.
Gear Used Jigging for Reef Fish
Electronics
GARMIN 8412 and GT51 transducer. (find out why >>here)
Spin
You don’t need to have the most expensive equipment because the drags on some of the new reels are more than adequate.
Rod: Quantum Smoke Inshore 621BC
Reel: Quantum Reliance PT
Lures: Various – the best ones we will stock in our shop from October 2021
Line: 30lb Rovex braid with 60lb Ande mono leader.
Knots used.
Perfection loop to attach lures.
I hope you enjoyed the video of our day jigging for reef fish.
Of course the best way to get onto good fish is to learn to really use your fish finder.
We have two courses, Sounder Skills 1 and 2 and you can find more info on them here >> Sounder/Fish Finder courses.
In addition, here are a few more free resources you may find helpful and entertaining.
more free resources
