“G. Loomis Spin Jig Rods are the most versatile rods in each series, performing well with a wide range of techniques,” notes Clausen. “Spin Jig Rods really shine when using presentations that anglers fish through the middle of the water column. Under these circumstances, I reach for G. Loomis Spin Jig Rods because they have more traditional actions; Spin Jig Rods aren’t as fast as some of the other options in each G. Loomis rod series. They are exceptionally forgiving, with a slower, more parabolic response that allows me to load up on a fish and keep hooks buried tight.”
“Spin Jig Rods in the new G. Loomis NRX+ series are incredible fishing tools,” asserts Clausen. “One of my favorites is the NRX+ 782S SJR, which is a 6’6” rod with Medium power and Fast action. This is my go-to rod when fishing small swimbaits for smallmouth bass, which is an excellent way to cover water and get big bites anytime from the post-spawn period through the fall. I rig my swimbaits on ⅛ to ¼ ounce jigs and fish them across flats in 8 to 20 feet of water – especially if those flats have patches of grass or rock. When rigged this way, I spool a 2500-series Shimano Vanford with 20-pound-test braided line, which has a thin diameter that allows the bait to swim in the middle of the water column. I add a leader of 8-pound-test fluorocarbon to maintain a stealthy presentation at the lure and provide a measure of abrasion resistance around all of those smallmouth-attracting rocks.”
“When fishing smaller swimbaits like this,” continues Clausen, “I prefer to use light jigs with smaller hooks to help the bait maintain its depth during the retrieve. The versatile action of Spin Jig Rods helps it to load smoothly along the entire length of the blank, keeping those fish hooked up and creating much higher landing percentages.”
