Page 42 - Lets Make Waves December 2018

Most of the circle hooks that are now or reflection off the chrome jig. "Glow" tails help in low light
available come sharp out of the package; and the jig can pick up that reflection also. The vibration, flash,
most are also offset. The Daiichi 13/0 glow and motion are a "let's eat" combination that gets bit! "Hot
improved circle is one of them. I prefer red" is a bead color finish, besides chrome that works well on
both sharp and offset -if yours didn’t amberjack, it has the look of a vermilion snapper, one of their
come that way, I suggest that you do favorite targets. If your line leader is to be tied directly to the jig
both -your hookups will increase if you eye, you must first be sure that the eye is "burr free".
make these changes. The sharpening and
offsetting are steps that must be done with extreme caution - The chrome plating can begin to flake off, leaving sharp edges
they will hold you as well as they do a fish. The sharp and offset which can cause line failure; make sure that all the plating is off
from the manufacturer are the way to go, such as by Daiichi, the jig eye before tying on. A better method is to use a Rosco
Eagle Claw, Owner and Gamakatsu. Using a circle hook requires size 8 split ring in the jig eye. Always tie your line leader 1800
some getting used to -like in bottom fishing -you can't "set" the from the split ring's split entry, this prevents it from possibly
hook -it must set itself. When the strike is felt, give a second for being cut by the split. The split ring also gives added motion to
the line to tighten against the drag, then wind. With the original the jig on the fall/retrieve. Maximum jig action will be achieved
treble hook the amberjack's head shaking throws the heavy jig by adding a 230# Spro Power Swivel ahead of the previously
around and will at times cause the treble to tear out. The chance mentioned split ring. Each of these Diamond Jig combinations,
of this happening with a circle hook on your Diamond jig is slim when fished as described, will all get eaten. Rig and try ‘em all,
to none. you won't be disappointed with the results. Diamond Jigs have
been catching an assortment of species for many years. These
Drop to the bottom and bum back to the mid depths, go back modifications are also all tried and proven true -tie 'em on, fish
to the bottom and repeat if you don't get bit by an amberjack. 'em and hang on for the strike.
For groupers or sow snappers, go to the bottom, then work with
a slow jigging motion of about 2' while around 3-4' off the bot-
tom. Amberjack also respond to a fast upsweep then fall motion.
Find the depth that they are holding and then hold on tight to
your rod and reel, they might take it away from you if you aren't
careful.
The curly tail shown in the illustration is white; try various colors Patrick
such as red, green, chartreuse, pink or glow; there are times one
will generate strikes when the others are ignored. Clean and pol- Lemire
ished Diamond jigs give more flash and may aid in curly tail col-

42 | Waves Magazine | December 2018 Issue