Jig Pole Fishing Methods

[mnmallen2013]

I bought a 20 foot jig pole to use on the river to shore fish. Any suggestions on jig pole methods/ techniques. Have you ever had a pole this long? Do you cast or just lower into the water.

[huntinslabs]

Are you talking about the telescoping jig poles witb no reel? If so you you sorta pendulum swing or sorta roll cast. Watch your surroundings carefully cause 20' is a high lift. Easy to miss judge and start whippin squirrels. But a 14" Crappie or big bull bluegill is a great bit of fun on em. I just got tired of boat moving a foot or two and lifting into branches. Oh and you will get some good forearm workouts fishin em.

[mnmallen2013]

Any suggestions on how much line to put on. A lot or a few feet

[huntinslabs]

I would start full length and cut doen as needed.

[fishin813]

I preceive your application is to work the shallow water in blowdowns or brush,
reaching in under the overhead hanging tree limbs.?
you probably have no eyes /guides on rod there your will be lifting or lowering by
depth into water.......As "huntinslabs" says you are going to develope some strong
muscles in forearms. under this method you will be working with line tied 2-3 ft
from end of rod and probably no more than 4 ft off the eye of rod...
If you are able to or have guides on rod you than can adjust amount of line out from
reel mounted end - helping you control depth into water and somewhat help with
lift fish out of situation. Interesting as to where you saw this in action and how fisherman was handling. A 20' rod is a lot rod to deal with in open water let alone
working close cover

[Yaker]

Much easier to work with,and handle the hook,lure or bait if the line is the same length as the pole.The pendulum cast is very good,sling shot casting works well for getting under docks and overhangs.Dip casting ( not really casting ) is difficult with long poles and long line in shallow water,and tight confines,shorten your line as much as you can,while allowing your bait to reach the fish.

[mnmallen2013]

Not sure I can get a pendulum swing with a 20 footer lol. Will be interesting to see if that works. I'll probably have to just dip it mostly. Not sure I should have got a pole this long lol.

[fishin813]

Have never seen a "jig pole" 20' in length.

applications in river usually require short poles - so they can be cast to bank, and
retrieve in and around blowdowns & brush. Overhanging material is biggest problem
when working with longer poles. Working lillypads, open brush, grasses can work
well but again for lightness, being effective, length of pole being held with one arm
in dipping, jigging mode is going to be hard on arms. Biggest i use is 16' when spider
rigging- have seen 18 & 20' also used on spider riggin but in open water.

[deathb4disco]

Not sure I can get a pendulum swing with a 20 footer lol. Will be interesting to see if that works. I'll probably have to just dip it mostly. Not sure I should have got a pole this long lol.

The “pendulum swing” is what works best with that type of pole.

You can buy shorter jig poles (made of graphite with a reel seat.) That might be a better match for what you’re doing.

[RLCRAPPIE]

I would suggest a shorter lighter graphite rod, maybe 12,14, or 16 footer.