Hi, Is there anyone out there that can solve my quandary: I have just ordered 2 Butterfly jigging blanks & will be using Shimano Stella 20000FA reels with them (I prefer the Trinidad but we have the Stellas so we're going to use them); point is, do I fish the reels with the rod spine down or 180 degrees opposite the reel? I ask since this is bound to affect the action, particularly that of the jig as it is retrieved through the water column. They're heavy blanks capable of handling 12 - 14 oz jigs & I've regularly caught 80lb amberjack (I'm fishing off W. Africa) on the one we already have.

Thanks, Simon.

I honestly doubt you will be able to tell on a blank that heavy

Great, Thanks. I will experiment a bit but won't lose sleep over it!

Simon.

Simon,
That blank will be under enough stress when fighting fish. Spine the blank and put the guides INSIDE the curve. You and it will be much happier...

Thanks, As I understand it the spine is on the top (12 o'clock) & the guides at 6 o'clock.

I drop 14oz/400gr Smith Nagamasa jig on the 500-800ft water with decent current (around oil rig) and my armpit hair start to fall-off from the rod jigging motion.......ha....ha...ha....
I'm talking about speed jigging Japanese style not yoyo type style jigging :-)

BTW put the guides inside the spine curve if you intend to build for Stella 2kFA.

Yes Simon. Spine the rod and when you get the bend, put the guides on the inside of the curve, 6 O'Clock

I use rocks mixed with my mother in laws Lasagna. It it heavier than lead and dries harder than 2 week old pecan pie...