Target Big Snapper with Tungsten Micro Jigs

Introduction

Tungsten Micro jigs (10-30g) have become increasingly popular among anglers in recent years, and for good reason. Their unique properties offer several advantages over traditional lead jigs, making them a valuable addition to any tackle box. In this article, we'll explore the properties of tungsten, the benefits of tungsten jigs, and how to use them effectively for snapper fishing.

Understanding Tungsten

Tungsten is a remarkable metal with an impressive combination of physical and mechanical properties:

Physical Properties

• High Density: Tungsten is significantly denser than lead. This allows for smaller jigs that sink faster, making them ideal for deep water or strong currents.
• High Melting Point: Tungsten has the highest melting point of all metals, making it incredibly durable and resistant to deformation.

Mechanical Properties

• High Tensile Strength: Tungsten is incredibly strong, even at high temperatures, making it ideal for demanding fishing conditions.
• Hardness: Tungsten is very hard and resistant to scratching and abrasion, ensuring your jigs remain in top condition.
• Stiffness: Tungsten has a high modulus of elasticity, meaning it resists deformation under stress. This stiffness makes it useful for applications requiring dimensional stability.
• Ductility: Although strong, pure tungsten can be brittle at room temperature. However, it becomes more ductile when heated or alloyed with other elements, allowing it to be drawn into wires or formed into various shapes.

Tungsten fishing jigs are made by pressing tungsten powder, mixed with other elements, into the desired shape. This process, called powder metallurgy, allows for precise shaping and density control. [NASA: Tungsten Power Metallurgy] While not pure tungsten, anglers often refer to them simply as "tungsten" for convenience. 

Benefits of Tungsten Micro Jigs

1. Faster Sinking: Due to its high density, tungsten sinks faster than lead, allowing you to reach the bottom quicker and stay in the strike zone longer.
2. Increased Sensitivity: The hardness of tungsten transmits vibrations more effectively, giving you a better feel for the bottom and any bites.
3. Smaller Profile: Tungsten jigs can be made smaller than lead jigs of the same weight, making them less obtrusive and more appealing to fish.
4. Environmentally Friendly: Tungsten is a more sustainable alternative to lead, which can be harmful to the environment.
5. Improved Casting Distance: The higher density of tungsten allows for longer casts, especially in windy conditions.
6. Better in Strong Currents: The smaller profile and faster sinking rate of tungsten jigs help them cut through strong currents and stay on target.

 

Bundle of 20g micro jigs from the famous tungsten jig producer Bozles

Using Tungsten Jigs for Snapper

Tungsten jigs are particularly effective for snapper fishing, especially when using a micro jigging technique. Here's how to use them:

Micro Jigging with Tungsten

1. Cast your jig: Aim for areas where snapper are likely to be holding, such as near reefs, drop-offs, or weed beds.
2. Feel the bottom: As the jig sinks, pay attention to the feel of the line. You should be able to detect when the jig hits the bottom.
3. Employ a jigging action: Use a combination of lifts, drops, and pauses to attract snapper. Experiment with different techniques to see what works best on the day. Popular methods include slow lifts with tensioned falls, or quick, short "snaps" of the rod tip followed by a neutral fall.
4. Be patient and persistent: Snapper can be wary, so it may take some time to find the right technique and attract their attention. Keep trying different jigging actions and retrieves until you find what works.
5. Use the front Hook only: Most of the time when you're fishing a tungsten jig, it's going to be bouncing around on or near the bottom. To keep your jig from getting hung up, try taking off the treble hook at the tail and fish with just the front hook. This helps avoid snags and often leads to better hookups and easier releases!

Conclusion

Tungsten jigs offer a range of benefits for anglers targeting snapper. Their unique properties make them more effective in many situations compared to traditional lead jigs. By understanding how to use them correctly, you can increase your chances of success on the water. So next time you're heading out for a snapper fishing trip, be sure to add some tungsten jigs to your tackle box!