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Slow Pitch Jigging in NZ: Master the Technique with Custom SPJ Rods
Mastering Slow Pitch Jigging: The Art of Controlled Power in Deep Water

Slow pitch jigging (SPJ) is a refined vertical fishing technique. It’s built on rhythm, subtlety, and precision. Unlike high-speed jigging, SPJ relies on the natural flutter and fall of a jig, mimicking the behavior of an injured baitfish, drawing strikes even from inactive fish.

Whether you’re targeting snapper, kingfish, bass, or deepwater species like hapuka and bluenose, SPJ delivers lifelike movement. It’s a technique that predators find hard to resist.

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What Is Slow Pitch Jigging?
SPJ focuses on one critical thing: the fall. After a short lift of the rod, the jig descends with slack or semi-slack line. During this descent, the jig flutters, glides, or spirals—just like a wounded baitfish.

This technique works especially well when:

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1. Rod Action
SPJ rods are built for controlled movement, not brute strength. Look for a parabolic bend with a crisp recovery. The rod should have a lightweight feel with a strong backbone. It’s designed to work jigs with minimal input.

2. Reel and Line Setup
Use compact overhead reels with high gear ratios (6:1 or higher). Choose braided line (PE 1.5–3) for low drag and maximum sensitivity. A fluorocarbon leader offers stealth and abrasion resistance.

3. Jig Design and Weight Selection
SPJ jigs are center-weighted or slightly tail-heavy. They flutter, slide, or spiral during the fall—triggering strikes from predatory fish.
Choosing the right weight depends on water depth, drift speed, and current strength:

• Shallow water (20–50m): 80g to 150g
• Mid-depth (50–100m): 150g to 250g
• Deep drops (100–200m+): 250g to 400g+
• In fast currents or very deep water: up to 500g

Always match the jig weight to your rod’s rating and PE line class to maintain a sharp and controlled presentation.

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How to Work a Slow Pitch Jig

• Drop the jig to the target depth.
• Make a small, sharp lift of the rod tip (the “pitch”).
• Let the jig fall with slack or semi-slack line.
• Pause, then repeat with varied timing.
  You’re creating motion on the fall, not just the lift. Each lift loads the rod, and when released, the blank snaps back to animate the jig.

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Why SPJ Works So Well in NZ Waters

• Works well for multiple species: snapper, kingfish, trevally, hapuka, bluenose, bass, and more.
• Triggers bites when fish aren’t feeding actively.
• Effective around structure, reef edges, and bait balls.
• Causes less fatigue compared to fast jigging.

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Pro Tips for Success

• Slow down and experiment with lift and pause timing. Subtle changes often get results.
• Use assist hooks on both the top and bottom to increase hookup rates.
• Watch your sounder closely and target visible structure or bait.
• Maintain a vertical presentation with a drogue or GPS lock.

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Built for the Fall: K-Labs Custom SPJ Rods
At K-Labs, we design rods specifically for New Zealand’s deepwater jigging environments. Our slow pitch rods are fine-tuned for precision action, quick recovery, and the perfect balance of sensitivity and strength. Whether you’re fishing over a 60m reef or probing 200m trenches, our rods give you the control to fish confidently and land hard-hitting species.

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Final Thoughts
Slow pitch jigging rewards anglers who fish with feel, observation, and adaptability. It’s not just about catching fish—it’s about reading the water, fine-tuning your presentation, and mastering subtle movements that trigger explosive strikes. Pair the right rod with the right jig, and you’ll see why slow pitch jigging continues to dominate as one of New Zealand’s most effective deepwater techniques.

K-Labs Custom Built Fishing Rods
www.klabs.co.nz

Fishing rods are built to withstand the pressures of a good fight, but improper handling can lead to frustrating breakages. Most rod damage is preventable with proper care and technique! The key is knowing how to avoid common mistakes like high sticking, point loading, dropping, knocking, chipping blanks, and overloading. Below, we break down these issues and how to prevent them, so you can fish with confidence and keep your rod in top condition.

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1. High Sticking (aka Point Loading)

High sticking is the #1 cause of rod breakage. It happens when you lift the rod at too steep an angle—typically beyond 60–70 degrees—while under load. This focuses all the stress into the top third of the blank, which is the weakest part of the rod.

If a rod breaks in the top section, it’s almost always from incorrect loading—usually due to high sticking. And really, why try to lift a fish with the weakest part of the rod?

What to do instead:

• Keep the rod angle lower so the full blank can flex and absorb the load.
• Let the rod do the lifting, not the reel. The reel is not a winch!
• Never boat a fish by lifting with the rod—grab the leader or use a net.

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2. Dropping and Knocking

Dropping your rod or knocking it against hard surfaces like rocks or the boat can cause immediate or long-term damage. The graphite blanks in many rods are delicate, and even small impacts can cause cracks or weaken the structure.

What to do instead:

• Always place your rod carefully when not in use.
• Use rod holders when moving or storing rods to keep them protected.
• Be mindful of your surroundings to avoid dropping or knocking your rod.

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3. Chipping Blanks

Chips on your rod blank may seem like small damage, but they can weaken the rod and cause it to break when under pressure. Even small nicks or scratches can compromise the blank’s integrity.

What to do instead:

• Inspect your rod regularly for any damage, especially after a long fishing session.
• Store your rod in a protective tube or case when transporting.
• Avoid letting your rod contact rough surfaces unnecessarily.

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4. Overloading the Blank

Overloading occurs when you put more pressure on the rod than it’s designed to handle, often due to using a line that’s too heavy for the rod or trying to lift a large fish with too little support. This puts excessive strain on the blank and can lead to breakage.

What to do instead:

• Match your rod with the appropriate line class and ensure the drag on your reel is set correctly for the species you’re targeting.
• Use proper technique to fight the fish and avoid forcing the rod to take too much pressure.
• Don’t try to lift a fish by cranking on the reel; let the rod do the lifting.

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5. Hooping

Hooping is when the rod bends too far and loses its round shape, becoming oval horizontally. This happens when the rod is overloaded and stressed beyond its design limits, leading to permanent deformation. It’s not just a matter of bending the rod too sharply—it’s about overloading it until it can’t maintain its structural integrity.

What to do instead:

• Never put excessive pressure on the rod by trying to force it into too deep a bend.
• Pay attention to how the rod is bending while fighting a fish, and adjust your technique if needed.
• Always use the full power of the rod, from butt to tip, to absorb the load evenly.

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6. Improper Transport and Storage

Transporting your rod incorrectly can cause damage, especially to the tip. Always store your rod properly and avoid putting it under unnecessary pressure during travel.

What to do instead:

• Use rod tubes or cases for protection when transporting your rods.
• Store rods vertically in a secure spot to avoid unnecessary bending or pressure on the blank.
• Never lean your rod against a hard surface or in a way that could cause stress to the blank.

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Tested for Quality: Every Rod Is Checked Before Shipping

At K-Labs, we don’t just build great rods, we also rigorously test each one before it leaves our workshop. Every rod undergoes a series of stress tests and load tests to ensure that it can handle the toughest conditions and the hardest fighting fish. You can be confident that your K-Labs rod is built to last because we don’t just make rods; we make rods that perform.

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Final Thoughts: Take Care, Fish Smart!

By taking care of your rod and using the right techniques, you can avoid most common forms of rod damage. Remember: slow and steady wins the race when it comes to protecting your gear! Most damage is preventable if you treat your rod with respect and handle it properly. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be fishing confidently with a rod that’s built to perform.

K-Labs Custom Built Fishing Rods
www.klabs.co.nz

1. Rinse After Every Trip

Saltwater is your rod’s biggest enemy. After every session, rinse your rod gently with fresh water.

Focus on the guides, reel seat, and blank — these are the parts most exposed to salt buildup.

Avoid high-pressure hosing — a soft rinse is all you need to prevent corrosion without forcing water into places it shouldn’t go.

2. Check the Guides and Tip Regularly

Your line runs hard under pressure, especially when casting softbaits or fighting fish.

Every few trips, run a cotton bud or soft cloth through each guide.

If it snags, it could mean a tiny crack or chip — and a damaged guide can destroy your line fast.

Catching a small issue early helps keep your rod performing at its best.

3. Check Your Reel Seat and Connections

Before each trip, make sure your reel is properly seated and secure.

A tight, solid connection maximizes sensitivity and ensures the best possible performance when working softbaits or fighting fish.

Only take up the slack — do not overtighten the reel seat, as firm hand-tight pressure is all that’s needed to lock the reel in place without risking damage.

Quick checks help keep your setup feeling crisp and responsive every time you hit the water.

4. Transport, Dry, and Store Your Rod Properly

Protect your investment.

Use a rod sleeve or padded case whenever possible, especially if you’re stacking gear into vehicles or boats.

Never grab multiple rods together by the blanks — this can crush bindings and cause unseen cracks.

Standing rods together without protection often results in guides damaging each other, leading to costly repairs or reduced performance.

Always make sure your rod is fully dry before storing it — trapped moisture can lead to corrosion around guides and reel seats.

Avoid leaving rods exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, as UV can weaken blanks, grips, and epoxy over time.

5. Wipe Down Grips and Handles

Salt, bait scent, sunscreen, and grime all find their way onto your grips.

After rinsing, wipe EVA or cork handles with a damp cloth to keep them clean and avoid buildup.

As a result cleaner grips last longer — and feel better when you’re casting all day.

Final Tip: Treat It Like a Tool, Not a Toy

A good softbait rod is a precision tool, built for serious fishing — and a little extra care means it will perform at its best season after season.

A few minutes after each session can add years of life (and a lot more trophy fish) to your setup.

Looking for a softbait rod that’s built to handle real-world fishing, right here in New Zealand?

Start your custom build with K-Labs today.

Introduction

Softbait fishing in shallow waters (less than 8 meters) offers a dynamic and rewarding experience for anglers. The proximity to the surface means fish are more alert, making technique and presentation crucial. This guide delves into advanced strategies to enhance your shallow water softbait fishing, ensuring you make the most of every cast.

1. Prioritize Hang Time

In shallow waters, maximizing the “hang time” of your softbait—how long it remains in the strike zone—is essential. Using lighter jig heads (e.g., 1/8 to 1/4 oz) allows the bait to sink slowly, giving fish ample opportunity to observe and strike. This approach is particularly effective in calm conditions where fish are more cautious.

2. Monitor Your Line Closely and Be Ready for Topwater Strikes

Often, the first indication of a bite is a subtle movement in your line rather than a noticeable tug. Keep a vigilant eye on the line’s behavior on the water’s surface. Any unexpected twitch or change in direction could signal a fish’s interest, prompting a timely hook set.

Additionally, in shallow waters, snapper are known to strike softbaits near the surface. Always be prepared for sudden topwater hits, as these can occur unexpectedly and provide thrilling fishing moments.

3. Adapt to Daily Variations

Fishing conditions can change dramatically from one day to the next due to factors like weather, water temperature, and fish behavior. What worked yesterday might not yield results today. Be prepared to adjust your techniques, lure colors, and retrieval speeds to align with the day’s unique conditions.

4. Understand Wind, Current, and Drift

Your boat’s drift, influenced by wind and current, affects how your softbait moves through the water. Position your boat to allow the bait to drift naturally with the current, mimicking the movement of prey. This natural presentation increases the likelihood of enticing strikes from wary fish.

5. Embrace Versatility

Relying on a single technique can limit your success. Incorporate a variety of retrieval methods, such as slow lifts, gentle twitches, and pauses, to determine what triggers bites. Observing and adapting to fish responses will enhance your effectiveness in diverse scenarios.

6. Utilize Unweighted Softbaits and Worm Hooks During Slack Water

Slack water periods, often overlooked, can produce some of the most memorable catches of the day. Employing unweighted softbaits rigged on worm hooks during these times allows for a natural and subtle presentation. The slow, undulating descent of an unweighted softbait can be particularly enticing to wary fish in calm conditions. Worm hooks facilitate a weedless setup, enabling anglers to fish confidently around structures and vegetation without frequent snags. This approach is especially effective when fish are less aggressive, requiring a more finesse-oriented tactic.

7. Match Rod Weight to the Environment: Sand vs. Reef

Selecting the appropriate rod weight based on the fishing environment is crucial for optimizing performance and increasing your catch rate.

Over Sandy Bottoms: Utilizing lighter rods in sandy areas offers several advantages. The open terrain allows anglers to play fish out, providing an exhilarating fight and reducing the risk of line breakage. Lighter rods also enhance sensitivity, enabling you to detect subtle bites and movements, which is particularly beneficial when targeting species that exhibit delicate feeding behaviors. Over Reef Structures: In contrast, fishing over reefs and rocky structures necessitates the use of heavier rods. These environments are fraught with potential snags and hiding spots for fish, requiring rods with greater backbone to exert control and prevent fish from retreating into cover. Heavier rods facilitate stronger hook sets and provide the necessary power to extract fish swiftly, minimizing the chances of losing them to the structure.

By aligning your rod choice with the specific characteristics of the fishing environment, you enhance your ability to effectively target and land fish, ensuring a more successful and enjoyable angling experience.

Conclusion

Softbait fishing in shallow waters demands attentiveness, adaptability, and a deep understanding of environmental factors. By focusing on hang time, monitoring line behavior, adjusting to daily changes, mastering drift dynamics, utilizing unweighted softbaits during slack water, and selecting the appropriate rod weight for your environment, you position yourself for consistent success. Remember, versatility and observation are your greatest tools in shallow water fishing.

Interested in custom rods optimized for shallow water softbaiting? Explore K-Labs’ handcrafted options designed for precision and performance.