Slow pitch rockfishing

I couldn't resist and got an Okuma Hawaiian slow pitch rod.  Dying to try it out when SIP is over.  I got the HCSJ-C-631MH

Please let me know how you like the rod.   I am considering getting one too.

Thank you.

Paul

I started with a Tsumani jig rod for about $90. Comparing the 2 rods, the Okuma has higher quality components. I've pulling on it my garage paired with a Lexa 400 HD. Its got a lot more lifting power.

I own several Okuma reels and rods, very happy with their performance and customer support.
Do you think it is worth the extra cost compare to the Tsunami rod?  It will be my first slow pitch rod.

Paul

I've been using my slow pitch on mackinaw up at Union Valley lately and it's deadly.  April is always a good month, but May is good too.  Usually I'll fish at a cove or deep drop at 50' and one full crank off the bottom, then jig.  When I can't target the fish, I'll troll the bottom with my fish finder on.  When I get one to follow, they never bite, too smart/educated, I'll mark the spot, go back and slow pitch over the spot.  Works almost every time!  Sometimes one or two jigs will do the trick, sometimes they'll hit it on the way down.  In each case, they hit when it flutters, so I've really gotta watch the rod and hit it HARD to set the hook due to the slack. 
My fishing buddy, Ken, AKA E Kayaker, got me into it when he bought a spinning rod for slow pitch by mistake and sold it to me.  He's attempted slow pitch on the ocean but seems to get a lot of hang-ups on the bottom.  Probably works best on flatter seas. 

Glad to hear it’s working for you. Drift is the difficulty on the ocean.

I’ve been using the Tsunami Trophy for over 3 years now.
I’ve jigged for RFs, Lings, trolled for halibut, trolled for salmon.

I’ve been using the 7ft Heavy rod.

I lost less salmon since I started using the slow pitch rod. It mimics a downrigger rod.

For Lingcod, it’s always fun to fight them on this noodle rod with a lot of backbone.

I’ve been using the Tsunami Trophy for over 3 years now.
I’ve jigged for RFs, Lings, trolled for halibut, trolled for salmon.

I’ve been using the 7ft Heavy rod.

I lost less salmon since I started using the slow pitch rod. It mimics a downrigger rod.

For Lingcod, it’s always fun to fight them on this noodle rod with a lot of backbone.

Yes, I can confirm all this.  John is my fishing buddy and he out fishes me regularly. 

I’ve been using the Tsunami Trophy for over 3 years now.
I’ve jigged for RFs, Lings, trolled for halibut, trolled for salmon.

I’ve been using the 7ft Heavy rod.

I lost less salmon since I started using the slow pitch rod. It mimics a downrigger rod.

For Lingcod, it’s always fun to fight them on this noodle rod with a lot of backbone.

Yes, I can confirm all this.  John is my fishing buddy and he out fishes me regularly. 

You guys convinced me to get a slow pitch jigging rod.  Now, I have to decide which one.
I am debating between Tsunami TSSPJC-701XH https://www.tackledirect.com/tsunami-trophy-series-slow-pitch-jigging-casting-rods.html and Okuma HCSJ-C-631H Hawaiian Custom https://www.tackledirect.com/okuma-hcsj-c-631h-hawaiian-custom-slow-jigging-casting-rod.html. 
My choice is a heavier rod to able to use in Southern California deeper water.

Paul

I’ve been using the Tsunami Trophy for over 3 years now.
I’ve jigged for RFs, Lings, trolled for halibut, trolled for salmon.

I’ve been using the 7ft Heavy rod.

I lost less salmon since I started using the slow pitch rod. It mimics a downrigger rod.

For Lingcod, it’s always fun to fight them on this noodle rod with a lot of backbone.

Yes, I can confirm all this.  John is my fishing buddy and he out fishes me regularly. 

Here's proof, my 2 buddies caught all the big fish with their jigging rods.  http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=88467.0

It's like choosing a golf club. Different rods for different conditions. The more drift or line scope the heavier lure and heavier rod.

I’ve been using the Tsunami Trophy for over 3 years now.
I’ve jigged for RFs, Lings, trolled for halibut, trolled for salmon.

I’ve been using the 7ft Heavy rod.

I lost less salmon since I started using the slow pitch rod. It mimics a downrigger rod.

For Lingcod, it’s always fun to fight them on this noodle rod with a lot of backbone.

Yes, I can confirm all this.  John is my fishing buddy and he out fishes me regularly. 

You guys convinced me to get a slow pitch jigging rod.  Now, I have to decide which one.
I am debating between Tsunami TSSPJC-701XH https://www.tackledirect.com/tsunami-trophy-series-slow-pitch-jigging-casting-rods.html and Okuma HCSJ-C-631H Hawaiian Custom https://www.tackledirect.com/okuma-hcsj-c-631h-hawaiian-custom-slow-jigging-casting-rod.html. 
My choice is a heavier rod to able to use in Southern California deeper water.

Paul

You should match the lure weight rating to the water depth you are fishing. I almost always fish under a 100 feet.  I own the Tsunami TSSPJ-C701H, personally the heaviest lure weight I've used on it is 6oz w/c it handles with ease. I went with the HCSJ-C-631MH Okuma Hawaii Jig rod since its rated for 100 - 160g and their mid power model.  Comparing the the rods together, the Okuma is way better built and has higher end components.

I’ve been using the Tsunami Trophy for over 3 years now.
I’ve jigged for RFs, Lings, trolled for halibut, trolled for salmon.

I’ve been using the 7ft Heavy rod.

I lost less salmon since I started using the slow pitch rod. It mimics a downrigger rod.

For Lingcod, it’s always fun to fight them on this noodle rod with a lot of backbone.

Yes, I can confirm all this.  John is my fishing buddy and he out fishes me regularly. 

You guys convinced me to get a slow pitch jigging rod.  Now, I have to decide which one.
I am debating between Tsunami TSSPJC-701XH https://www.tackledirect.com/tsunami-trophy-series-slow-pitch-jigging-casting-rods.html and Okuma HCSJ-C-631H Hawaiian Custom https://www.tackledirect.com/okuma-hcsj-c-631h-hawaiian-custom-slow-jigging-casting-rod.html. 
My choice is a heavier rod to able to use in Southern California deeper water.

Paul

You should match the lure weight to the water depth you are fishing. I almost always fish under a 100 feet.  I own the Tsunami TSSPJ-C701H, personally the heaviest lure weight I've used on it is 6oz w/c it handles with ease. I went with the HCSJ-C-631MH Okuma Hawaii Jig rod since its rated for 100 - 160g and their mid power model.  Comparing the the rods together, the Okuma is way better built and has higher end components.

Thank you for the detailed recommendation.  Do you see any potential issue with Okuma being only 6' 3'' long?

Paul

My jigging rods are 5'3"  and  6'3". Luv em both. The longer one is considered micro jig up to 100 grams. The 5'3", I've used for small Cali Hali and big lings and is my rod of choice

I love my 5'8" ghost hunter 300g pe #5-#6.  Made in USA by a Japanese master...Jigging World...theory is you can always jig lighter with a heavier spec but the action is not attainable jigging a larger weight on a lighter rod.  This rod can handle up to 10oz.  I paddle so I cannot avoid the drift and depending on current I might need a heavier jig in certain depths to stay vertical...

I am loving my Okuma Hawaiian Jig rod. 2 trips completed both in shitty weather conditions, yesterday's trip only had about 2.5 hrs of a good window. Its a joy to use.  The moderate action takes most of the load bring up my gear and catch. The longer top foregrip makes using it super comfy.  I used it for jigging metal and dropping live bait.
I just received a brand new Daiwa Harrier Jig rod. I am surprised its has fast action (no details in Daiwa website). The reel seat and foregrip are not as high end as the Okuma. Thats why its half the price.

Dang...those poor fish didn't have a chance...love the colors...good stuff...

I am loving my Okuma Hawaiian Jig rod. 2 trips completed both in shitty weather conditions, yesterday's trip only had about 2.5 hrs of a good window. Its a joy to use.  The moderate action takes most of the load bring up my gear and catch. The longer top foregrip makes using it super comfy.  I used it for jigging metal and dropping live bait.
I just received a brand new Daiwa Harrier Jig rod. I am surprised its has fast action (no details in Daiwa website). The reel seat and foregrip are not as high end as the Okuma. Thats why its half the price.

I can't wait to get an Okuma Hawaiian Jig rod and catch some rockfish.
Thank you for your report.

Paul