Butterfly jigs

[Sweetwater]

Question: How does even an 8 oz jig get down 80 to 120 feet for the thermocline? 12-18 oz jigs are regularly used for cod in just 100 feet of water and with any current it's still hard to get bottom. Am I missing something?

[squiddler]

Im not going to the bottom, only to 80-100 feet or so. I use a Shimano Tiagra 30 2 speed reel loaded with 65 pound power pro, and a top shot of flourocarbon 60 pound leader, again tied directly to the jig. These jigs have a rapid descent, and I have never needed to go heavier out there, ever.
When I codfish, I use 9 ounce nowegians with no problems in 150-180 feet, and can hold the bottom except on the moon tides, or when on Georges Bank and the currents roaring. The heaviest jig I carry is a 17 ounce, for those rare days when nothing else will hit the bottom. The only place heavier jigs are needed is on a crowded party boat, where you cant dump a little extra line without getting tangled in the other lines.

[squiddler]

Originally Posted by Sweetwater

Question: How does even an 8 oz jig get down 80 to 120 feet for the thermocline? 12-18 oz jigs are regularly used for cod in just 100 feet of water and with any current it's still hard to get bottom. Am I missing something?

Check out the web page for shimano, or the discussion posted on Noreast, and scroll down to the weights of these jigs if you don't believe me. Or better yet, get out of the sweet water and out into the real salt, 100 miles from shore. Your own experience is worth way more than my humble opinions.

[Mr. Sandman]

I had heard these work fantastic last tuna season but had trouble getting my paws on a few. I have not used one yet but I put in an order for a bunch of them for this season. This looks like an exciting way to fish esp when they get picky.

PS I use 4-5 oz with 30# PP in 110' of water and hold bottom for fluke without problems...unless the tide is really honking, then I put the boat in reverse and hold position with the motor. Thin braid is the key to lighter weights + it is a lot more fun to fish with. Mono is stone-age for fishing deep water, it is like fishing with big rubber band.

[rhodyflyguy]

All butterfly jigs are, from what i have gathered, are fancy knife jigs, which have been available in japan for years, from companies like River2Sea, Seven Seas, and others for less money. 20 dollars really isn't bad either. Custom plugs cost that or more, and are more prone to being lost.