Vertical jigging rod selection

[Snakeman]

What type of rod is best for vertical jigging 1/2 oz. - 1 oz. jigging spoons? I currently use a 6 1/2' medium heavy action Berkley long handled Lightning Rod with a Mitchell baitcasting reel with 10 lb. XL. Is a long handled rod the best choice or are the pistol grip, short handled rod a better selection. Any help that any fisherman can provide is appreciated.

[Hunter]

That sounds pretty good, but let me make a suggestion. Put some 10-4 fireline on, with about a 4 foot mono lead from fireline to lure. I have used this to jig the Detroit for 4 years. It is unbelievable, how much more you feel. Have fished in the same boat as people running straight mono, same baits and jigs and easily outfish them by a huge margin. Its expensive but I can get a couple years out of it, a once a week fisherman would get about 5.

[SUPERTROLLER]

Snakeman, I agree with your selection of the long handled rod. By putting the end of the handle along your forearm you will be able to jig those heavy spoons all day long using your shoulder instead of wearing out your wrist muscles. You can still hold the line if you prefer that. With the spoons I sometimes do, sometimes don't. Usually when they hit it, I know it immediately. I use both Fireline and mono depending which rod is in hand. I using one Lightening Rod- Med.-casting, One Ugly Stik-Med.-casting, and new this year a Fenwick- Med.Heavy- Spinning. Fireline on the casting rods, Mono on the Spinning. We do a lot on deep jigging with the spoons and the longer handle definitely makes it easier.