Offshore Yellowtail Metal Jig Comparison
| How to Choose by Fishing Style

A medium-size, center-weighted, asymmetrical jig. Each MID weight has its own role: the 130g and 150g are for dotera drift fishing or casting and pulling at an angle, and the 180g is built for vertical fishing, with the line going down under the boat. The maker's intended depth is 20–80m, and it says the jig can be worked with little effort on standard PE #3–5 tackle as well as thinner #2–2.5 line. Another feature is that the 180g is kept almost the same size as the 150g.

Specs 130g 155mm / 150g 165mm / 180g 168mm · ¥2,400 (¥2,640 incl. tax)

A jig for yellowtail amberjack, Japanese amberjack, greater amberjack and tuna, with a 6:4 balance set slightly behind center. Its signature move is turning sideways and fluttering backward between jerks. The maker says to work it "fast on spinning tackle, in short strokes on baitcasting tackle" and that it is "easy to work both vertically and at an angle." The 200g is the heaviest in the series, at 158mm. Note that some colors are not available in 200g.

Specs 5 weights from 80–200g · 200g 158mm · ¥2,400 (¥2,640 incl. tax)

A metal jig with its weight split widely front and rear, which the maker says "creates a propulsive force that makes the jig want to move on its own." It covers everything from vertical jigging to casting and jerking in the shallows, and is meant to be worked with a basic one-pitch jerk, varying speed and power. With 7 weights from 80–250g, it's also easy to match to the depth and current. The official page doesn't mention hooks, so have assist hooks ready.

Specs 7 weights from 80–250g · 130g 168mm · ¥1,900 (excl. tax)

Developed to catch yellowtail amberjack in the Genkai Sea off Kyushu, it is classified by DAIWA as a "long jig for dotera drift fishing". The slim long body has a near-round cross-section, a paddle-like flat face on the head, and a tail tapered very thin, giving both a fast fall and light pulling resistance. After a jerk it keeps "some" slide while prioritizing a smooth exit through the water. Heavy-gauge, large-diameter wire is used, and the shape keeps assist hooks from tangling.

Specs 5 weights from 150–250g · 180g 220mm · ¥2,250 (excl. tax) · no hooks

A long, flat, center-balanced jig. The less tension you keep on the line as it falls, the more its long flat face catches water and slides a long way horizontally. Rather than high-speed short-pitch jerks, the maker recommends this: after it hits bottom, lift the rod tip about 30cm while reeling slowly, deliberately creating slack so the jig slides; it says this is "especially effective for yellowtail amberjack." Dropping with no tension makes tangles with other anglers more likely, so the maker advises pinching the line lightly as it falls.

Specs 7 weights from 180–400g · 200g 230mm · ¥2,100 (excl. tax) · standard model has no hooks (assist-hook version sold separately)

A slim, asymmetrical, center-balanced long jig that the maker designs to be used on spinning tackle. High-pitch jerks give short slides and mid-pitch jerks give long slides, so you can change the action with your jerking speed, and its action rarely falls apart from a mistimed stroke. The maker says it also suits the approach spreading in the Genkai Sea off Kyushu: using a soft-tipped, low-modulus rod to delay the jig's movement by a beat.

Specs 7 weights from 90–250g · 150g ¥1,750 (excl. tax)