Thread: Jack rigs, baits gear

I need a little help. I see Jack coming over the rail. What size tackle is being used along with rigs and/ or baits.
Thanks for your input.

Same as for kings: 15-20# line, 7-8' rod and live bait on a wire leader. They don't have teeth, but given that you might hook a Spanish or king, you need wire.
A cobia-weight rod would be better since Jack fight and pull like hell but a king rod will do.

Thanks for the help. I'll be down at the first of aug. for a quick weekend. I got a 6'6" penn slammer with a penn750 that I needs to see more action than it did In June. Looking forward to meeting some of you guys.

Originally Posted by CarlF

Same as for kings: 15-20# line, 7-8' rod and live bait on a wire leader. They don't have teeth, but given that you might hook a Spanish or king, you need wire.
A cobia-weight rod would be better since Jack fight and pull like hell but a king rod will do.

Agree on the Cobia rod for jacks, all I have right now is a Cobia 8' and it handles the jacks nicely, but is too much for the kings. Need to swap it out for a king rod, the Cobia rod is just too stiff, I think I'm pulling hooks.

pound-for-pound, a jack is probably the hardest fishting fish I have ever hooked. I was amazed that it took almost an hour to subdue a 24 lb fish. this was on a king outfit.

Originally Posted by Sgarrison

Thanks for the help. I'll be down at the first of aug. for a quick weekend. I got a 6'6" penn slammer with a penn750 that I needs to see more action than it did In June. Looking forward to meeting some of you guys.

That rig work just fine its a bit short for casting but it is a board and has more than enough backbone to make short work of a big jack.

As I (think) I understand it. A King rod would need a medium action as opposed it the stiff slammer I have.

I would just need to used less brag for the King to keep the stress off the line?

Thanks guys. I look forward to spending time with you.

Yep, the action of a king rod lets you sling a live bait farther. And less drag & lots of line lets them make those screaming runs.

Jacks are more like a charging bull. They won't run as far or as fast, but they will pull your arms off for 30 minutes.

That slammer with heavier line wont cast a live bait as far, but you will be able to put more pressure on the fish. Its all a trade-off.

Thanks Carl. Hope I can shake your hand for the info in 38 days.

No need to fight a jack for 30 mins - an hour unless using light tackle, if you trust your gear, line, leader, and knots.. Lock em down