Hi all,

I am thinking to try out slow pitch jigging game on Lake Michigan up 100 ft depth. Before I go and buy slow pitch conventional reel I am thinking to use spinnig reel to see if I like this type of fishing. Has anyone built slow pitch jig spinnig rod? Can you help with guide size and placement.? Is this a bad idea? Why?

Thanks for help.

I have built several Slow Pitch Jigging rods using the American Tackle Bushido Slow Load blanks and LOVE them. I have made them in both conventional and spinning formats, and I actually prefer the spinning versions. I have caught numerous rockfish and Ling Cod off the coast of Oregon using these rods.

As for configuration, my favorite spinning format uses the AT Microwave 25's. They do a stellar job and the small running guides ensure a lighter tip section making the jigging action easy and relaxed.

These blanks come in various line classes, but for your stated applications, I would go with the lightest one (15-30) It can handle up to 5oz so you have no worries with 1 and 2 ounce jigs.

Hey Dee,

I recently built myself two of these BNSL blanks from American Tackle. I think for the lighter outfits spinning reels are a great option. There are a few reasons you will see conventional reels being used for this application. For one they hold more line, allowing the angler to fish much deeper water without concern of being spooled if they hook something substantial. Second this is these narrow compact conventional reels pack a big punch! They usually have two speeds options and some serious drag systems.

So if you were fishing walleye or larkers, building on these blanks will be good fun using the M or ML. Placement and size will be determined by the blank you select and the reel that will be paired with it.

Hey Dee,

I recently built myself two of these BNSL blanks from American Tackle. I think for the lighter outfits spinning reels are a great option. There are a few reasons you will see conventional reels being used for this application. For one they hold more line, allowing the angler to fish much deeper water without concern of being spooled if they hook something substantial. Second this is these narrow compact conventional reels pack a big punch! They usually have two speeds options and some serious drag systems.

So if you were fishing walleye or larkers, building on these blanks will be good fun using the M or ML. Placement and size will be determined by the blank you select and the reel that will be paired with it.