Jigs, small size for big results
If we correctly analyze the feeding habits of a pelagic hunting on the surface, we quickly realize that its prey are generally small, between 3 and 8 cm.
To imitate such a prey as perfectly as possible while maintaining good casting distances, it is necessary to use what are called casting jigs. These small lures are made up mostly of lead, making them very dense and therefore very heavy compared to their size. This small size and heavy weight make them very easy to cast over a long distance.
The most effective jigs generally weigh between 5 and 10 g for a length of 3 to 7 cm. A multitude of different colors exist on the market, but the blue, green and pink colors are the most effective.
The right rod and reel set
Casting a lure weighing less than 10 grams, in a hunt for pelamids that can reach 3 kilos, requires an adapted rod. The power range of this rod should be 5-14 g or even 7-21 g for anglers less comfortable in intense fights.
Beginners should also choose semi-parabolic rods, whose softer blank action will limit the risk of breakage in case of angle error during the fight. Reels should also be small, but solid, as repeated violent starts from pelamids put a strain on the equipment.
I recommend that you do not use reels that are too cheap, or they will implode during the fight. The ideal sizes are 2000 and 2500, big enough to hold at least 150 meters of line and with a strong enough drag to handle the starts.
A thin but resistant line
To fish for pelagic fish on the hunt, the use of braid is mandatory. Preferably in 8 strands, the braid allows to drastically increase the casting distances, while offering a greater resistance than a nylon. It can be of small diameter to further increase the casting distances, in 6 to 8 hundredths for example, but only if you are already used to dealing with such fighters.
As a general rule, 11 and 13 hundredths are quite suitable diameters for casting, while remaining largely strong enough for fighting. The leader should be thick enough to avoid breakage in a fight, as well as cuts when the line passes through the teeth of the pelamids.
The connection knot should be well made, preferably an FG or a Peixet, facilitating the exit of the line in the rings when casting and keeping a maximum of resistance.
