How Slow Pitch Jigging Saves You Time & Money Compared to Live Bait
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For decades, live and cut bait have ruled the saltwater fishing scene—but times are changing. As anglers continue looking for more efficient, cost-effective, and productive ways to fish, slow pitch jigging (SPJ) has become a game-changer. It’s not just about targeting trophy fish anymore—it’s about maximizing every trip while saving time, money, and frustration.
If you’ve ever spent hours chasing bait, burned fuel in search of bait schools, or forked over $25 for a box of frozen squid, this article is for you.
⛔ The Hassle of Catching or Buying Bait
Let’s face it—live bait fishing eats up time. First, you need to:
- Search for bait schools
- Throw the cast net (sometimes again and again...)
- Hope the bait survives the tank
-
Deal with picky fish that suddenly decide they're not interested
All of this happens before you even start fishing. And if you’re buying bait, it’s not much better:
- Frozen bait is expensive (boxes of squid can cost $25+)
- It’s messy and must be stored properly
- It doesn’t always work—especially in high-pressure or skittish zones
✅ Why Slow Pitch Jigging Is More Efficient
Slow Pitch Jigging (SPJ) changes the game.
You’re fishing with metal jigs designed to mimic the erratic fall and flutter of injured baitfish. The technique works vertically or drifting over structure—and you don’t need a single live bait.
💰 Cost Savings:
- No bait expenses: A good jig lasts multiple trips (sometimes months)
- No bait tank maintenance
- No money wasted on fuel just to find bait pods
⏳ Time Savings:
- Launch and fish immediately—no bait stops
- No time lost rigging fresh bait again and again
- More time with lines in the water = more fish in the box
🐟 SPJ Works in Tough Conditions Too
Slow pitch jigs are especially effective when fish are spooky or picky—like during:
- High fishing pressure
- Cold fronts
- Clear, calm water
Skittish reef fish that ignore live or dead bait will often slam a well-presented slow pitch jig due to its subtle flutter and erratic motion. This makes SPJ ideal for places where bait is a hassle—but the bite is still on.
💡 Long-Term Win: Reinvest in Better Gear
Here’s the big picture—by spending less on bait, you can start investing in a solid SPJ setup:
- Slow pitch rods designed for crisp, sensitive lift actions
- Low-profile, high-torque reels built for vertical jigging
- A variety of micro and slow pitch jigs for all depths
Instead of restocking bait every trip, your gear pays for itself after just a few successful outings.
🧭 Final Thoughts: A Smarter Way to Fish
If you want to spend less, fish more, and increase your chances of landing quality reef fish, slow pitch jigging is your answer. It's clean, efficient, and surprisingly effective in all types of saltwater conditions.
The team at 99Fathoms Fishing is working hard to bring affordable, proven jigs to anglers who are ready to ditch bait for good. And soon, we’ll be expanding our lineup to include dedicated SPJ rods and reels—so you can get fully outfitted without breaking the bank.