Jig Reel

What reel do y'all use for jigs that has good drag for strong hook sets. Thanks

Anything that starts with a SHI and ends in an MANO.

Shimano Chronarch

There are many reels that will work just fine for pitching a jig. What brand do you like best

I like the Shimano Core and the Curado E or I, Shimano Citica, Lews Super Duty, or BB1 Pro. Daiwa Lexa, Tatula Zillion.
Garcia revo is another good choice. Many to choose from.

My current favorite is the Shimano Curado I, 7-1 gear ratio.
My second choice would be a Lews super duty in a 7-1 gear ratio.

Personally I like a high gear ratio for a jig presentation like a 7 to 1 or better. You're mostly moving a jig with the rod and when you're pitching it they often hit it on the fall and start moving from the cover very fast. The higher ratio helps you catch up to them faster. Also, while you're drifting or trolling through an area, you're often just pitching or roll casting to specific targets, letting it drop and shaking or hopping it once before the next target. Again the higher ratio gets the jig back to you faster so you can hit the next target. This may be less of a factor in a bass boat but it's huge in the kayak where you're at the mercy of the wind so often. My personal favorite flavor is the Shimano chronarch in the 7 to 1. I have tried a lot of reels from shimano, diawa and abu and even the cheaper ones have plenty of drag IMO....

I use a Daiwa Steez 7.9:1 reel. It had a decent drag and really fast and strong set of gears. I like it better for jig fishing than my TWS Zillion for flipping and pitching. The TWS reels tend to have issues getting the line guide over the line when used for pitching. It usually takes a turn or two of the handle to get the line to start tracking onto the spool evenly. By then, you have either reeled the jig away from the strike zone, or setting the hook and causing the line to really wrap hard over and across the line on the spool, potentially damaging the line.

This is just my observations with jigging. The TWS is great for casting/reeling....just the reels only weakness is pitching/flipping.

Abu Garcia Revo MGX



Great jig reel. High speed, durable, and extremely light.

Shimano Core 100MGFV, like the flipping lever option.

Lots of good reels on the market nowadays. I do agree with a fast ratio tho. Helps you catch up to the fish if you are napping and you realize she is swimming toward you!

Metanium HG or XG

Appreciate the feedback guys. Thanks