Best Slow Pitch Jigs (Updated 2023) | A Jig For Every Situation
Best Slow Pitch Jigs
Nothing worse than dropping $20+ on a jig and then finding out it just spins in the water and drops like a stone. With the ever growing selection of jigs on the market, the task of finding a good one can be quite daunting. Fortunately, we are here to help. We have put many different jigs to the test, and these were our favorites.
Some of the slow pitch jigs on this list do not come with assist hooks already attached. This will not be listed as a negative since opinions vary on whether this is a good or bad thing. For these, you will need to buy the hooks separately and attach them yourself using a split ring. Any assist hooks will work, or you can tie them yourself
Whether you call it Slow Pitch Jigging, Butterfly jigging, Flat-fall Jigging or any other name, you will find that it is deadly for an extremely wide range of species and scenarios. Here is our list of the best slow pitch jigs in 2023
Table of Contents
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Features of Slow Pitch Jigs
A good slow pitch jig is one that effectively mimics the movement of injured or distressed prey, triggering strikes from predatory fish. Here are some key characteristics of slow pitch jigs to consider:
Shape: The shape of a slow pitch jig is important because it determines how the jig will move in the water. Good slow pitch jigs are designed to create a lifelike, natural-looking movement that resembles the motion of injured or distressed baitfish.
Weight: The weight of a slow pitch jig is also important because it determines how quickly the jig will sink and how deep it will dive. A good slow pitch jig should be designed to sink slowly and maintain a consistent depth, allowing anglers to effectively target fish at different depths.
Material: The material that the jig is made of can have a dramatic effect on its behavior. For instance, a 200g jig made of lead is much smaller in size than a 200g jig made of aluminum. The larger jig will have substantially longer hangtime.
Color: The color of a slow pitch jig can play a big role in its effectiveness. Good slow pitch jigs are often designed to match the color and texture of the baitfish in the area, making them more attractive to predatory fish.
Durability: Slow pitch jigging can be hard on gear, so it’s important to choose a jig that is durable and can withstand the rigors of fishing in saltwater and freshwater environments.
Versatility: A good slow pitch jig should be versatile enough to use in different fishing conditions and target different species of fish. Jigs that are available in a range of weights and colors can be particularly effective at adapting to different fishing situations.
Overall, a good slow pitch jig should be designed to create a lifelike, natural-looking movement that mimics the motion of injured or distressed prey, and be durable and versatile enough to be effective in different fishing conditions.
Below is our list of the best slow pitchs jigs in 2023.
Shout Cradle | Best Action
This import from Japan is an insane value for the build quality and action it produces on the fall. One of the shiniest slow pitch jigs on our list, this will catch pretty much anything that swims, even triggerfish and grunts. If you are looking for a grouper jig that will sit in their face until they cannot resist, this is the one.
One of the things I love about the Shout Cradle is its unique design. The jig features a cradle-shaped body that creates a wobbling action as it is jigged up and down. This creates a more realistic and natural-looking presentation that can entice even the most finicky fish to bite.
Another great feature of the Shout Cradle Jig is its durable construction. The jig is made from high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of fishing in saltwater and freshwater environments. The hooks are also very strong and sharp, ensuring that you’ll have a solid hookset when a fish strikes.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Shout Cradle Jig to any angler who is looking for a high-quality slow pitch jig that can help them catch more fish. Whether you’re targeting snapper, grouper, tuna, or other game fish, this jig is sure to be a valuable addition to your tackle box. With its unique design, versatile weights and colors, and durable construction, the Shout Cradle Jig is a top-performing jig that is well worth the investment.
Shimano Butterfly Jig | The Classic
One of the original slow pitch jig designs has not changed much over the years, but sometimes innovation is not necessary. Shimano got it right the first time with the butterfly jigs.
A good balance in design allows them to be fished in most water conditions, just not extreme slow or fast current. This one is designed to be reeled up and dropped rather than pitched, but it works equally well both ways.
Being that these are made by Shimano, they are widely available at most tackle stores. This makes them one of the more popular jigs on the market, and you honestly cannot go wrong with them.
Overall, the Shimano Butterfly Jig is a tried-and-true slow pitch jig that has stood the test of time. Its unique design, versatility, and durable construction make it a top choice for anglers of all levels. If you’re looking for a reliable slow pitch jig that can help you catch more fish, the Shimano Butterfly Jig is definitely worth checking out.
Available in sizes ranging from 30grams to 350grams for a wide range of water depths and conditions
Shout Stay Real Color | Most Realistic
The Shout! Stay Real Color jig sets a new benchmark in slow pitch jigging, not least due to its exceptionally calculated shape and front-weighted balance. These characteristics offer an impressive hang time, a crucial feature when targeting discerning species in various water conditions.
The front-weighted balance promotes a quick descent, letting the jig reach the desired depth without delay. Simultaneously, its carefully sculpted shape — the perfect harmony of edges, curves, and contours — enhances its underwater glide, allowing the jig to hang longer in the strike zone. This extended hang time paired with the jig’s realistic movement mimics vulnerable prey, triggering predatory instincts and inducing more aggressive strikes from target species.
This unique combination of rapid descent and prolonged hang time creates a highly effective, irresistible presentation. The Shout! Stay Real Color jig is not just an addition to the angler’s toolkit — it’s a true revolution, poised to redefine slow pitch jigging as we know it.
See my Full Review for more.
Mustad Staggerbod | Best Flash
These crazy looking jigs have a crazy action to match. The shiniest jig on this list is also one of the cheapest, which is good because mackerel and wahoo tend to bite this one off a lot.
The Staggerbod has a wild wobble and flash. Don’t let the design fool you, fish really do love it. We have found this one to work best in low light conditions or when the water is stained. Under these conditions it will produce fierce strikes when more realistic options are producing nothing.
Available in 150, 180, 200, 250 and 300 gram sizes
Sea Falcon Z Slow Deep Neo | Best For Very Deep Water
If you’re looking for a slow pitch jig that can handle very deep water, the Sea Falcon Z Slow Deep Neo is definitely worth checking out. This jig has been specifically designed for fishing in depths of 500 feet or more, and it excels at getting down to where the fish are.
But let’s be real – the Sea Falcon Z Slow Deep Neo is a bit of a mouthful to say. With a name that long, you might expect this jig to come with its own set of instructions. However, once you get past the tongue-twisting name, you’ll find a jig that delivers on its promises.
One of the things I love about the Sea Falcon Z Slow Deep Neo is its unique shape. The jig features a long, slender body that creates a subtle, lifelike movement as it is jigged up and down. This movement is incredibly effective at triggering strikes from deep-dwelling fish, and I’ve had great success using this jig for species like grouper, snapper and tilefish.
The weight is perfectly balanced, making it easy to get the right rhythm and tempo when jigging.
Overall, if you’re looking for a slow pitch jig that can handle the deepest depths, the Sea Falcon Z Slow Deep Neo is definitely worth considering. And while its name may be a mouthful, the results speak for themselves.
Johnny Jigs Flatty | Best for Heavy Current
The unique design of the Flatty by Johnny Jigs makes for an exaggerated glide and hang time with a lot of wobble. A slow pitch flutter jig that has been proven over and over to produce big snapper and grouper.
This one is made by a team in S. Florida, and has exploded in popularity for good reason. The sizes are perfect for the waters that they fish, but some smaller sizes would be very much welcomed.
Available in 160, 200 and 250 gram sizes.
Learn More
If you’re interested in learning more about slow pitch gear and techniques, be sure to check out some of our other articles:
We hope you find these resources helpful in improving your fishing skills and gear selection. Happy fishing!
I am happy to answer any questions